U.S. safety regulators have started investigating a Tesla feature that lets drivers summon their parked cars without being inside, after several accidents were reported linked to the technology.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Tesla cars using the "Actual Smart Summon" mode were unable to detect posts or parked cars,reports BBC.
The feature is in place on nearly 2.6 million cars made by Tesla since 2016, including its Model S sports car, Model 3 sedan, and Model X and Y sports utility vehicles.
Tesla did not immediately comment.
Boss Elon Musk has previously been an outspoken defender of Tesla's push into self-driving, arguing that it is more safe than regular driving and represents the future of transportation.
NHTSA said in this case, at least four crashes had been reported involving the Actually Smart Summon technology, which the company released in September and allows drivers to move their cars using their phones.
The agency said it was also aware of about a dozen other incidents involving its predecessor "Smart Summon".
None of the accidents that sparked this investigation led to injuries, NHTSA said.
But the probe is likely to raise new questions about the automated driving technology Tesla has made available to drivers across its fleet.
The electric car company is also under investigation by the NHTSA for its broader autopilot features, following accidents, including some fatal ones. This investigation is the first step towards a potential recall.
NHTSA said it would look into how fast cars can go while the Actually Smart Summon feature is in use and what restrictions are in place to prevent drivers from using it on public roads, among other issues.
Tesla's manual advises drivers that Actually Smart Summon is intended for use in private, familiar areas, like driveways and recommends a clear line of sight between the driver and the car.
It also says that Actually Smart Summon will be disabled on public roads.
The announcement of the investigation comes just weeks before Donald Trump, a strong supporter of Mr. Musk, is set to return to the White House. He was elected on a platform that promised significant cuts to regulation and government spending.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
