The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into 2.6 million Tesla vehicles following reports of crashes involving a feature that allows users to remotely drive their cars.

The probe focuses on Tesla's Actually Smart Summon, a feature that enables drivers to move their vehicles remotely using a smartphone application.

The probe will scrutinise the feature's maximum speed, usage on public roads, line of sight requirements, and its performance under various conditions.

The feature's predecessor enabled users to manoeuvre their vehicles into or out of parking spaces.

NHTSA's current probe will determine whether further analysis is required, which may lead to a potential recall.

The investigation covers a range of Tesla models equipped with the optional Full Self-Driving driver assistance system. These include Model S and X from 2016 to 2025, Model 3 from 2017 to 2025, and Model Y from 2020 to 2025.

The NHTSA has cited four incidents where the vehicles failed to detect obstacles while using the Actually Smart Summon feature.

In one incident, a Model 3 in Houston in 2023 collided with a parked car containing a passenger, according to Reuters.

Another report from September detailed a Model Y in Henderson, Nevada, making an abrupt turn and striking a parked vehicle.

“Tesla has not reported any Smart Summon or Actually Smart Summon crashes through the Standing General Order for crashes involving ADS or Level 2 ADAS, which requires reporting of crashes on publicly accessible roads,” NHTSA said in its statement.   

The probe's timing is noteworthy as President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office in 13 days, has Tesla CEO Elon Musk as a close adviser. Musk has previously expressed criticism of the NHTSA's actions.

The NHTSA's ongoing investigations also include assessing whether a December 2023 recall of over two million Tesla vehicles to install new Autopilot safeguards is sufficient.