The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has closed its investigation into Tesla’s remote parking feature, citing rare crashes at low speeds with no severe outcomes. This decision follows reports that only a small fraction of the feature’s usage resulted in incidents, mainly causing minor property damage. Notably, no injuries, fatalities, or major property damage occurred during these incidents.
The investigation, initiated in response to multiple crash reports involving the feature, highlighted issues related to limited visibility in the app’s camera view, leading to detection failures of surroundings. Factors like snow obstructing the camera further contributed to these incidents.
Tesla has responded by issuing several software updates aimed at enhancing camera blockage detection and object recognition, addressing the concerns raised during the investigation.
Although the closure of the investigation doesn’t negate the possibility of future reviews, it signifies NHTSA’s recognition of the feature’s overall safety performance. The remote parking feature, introduced via a software update in 2024, allows Tesla owners to control their vehicles for low-speed movements using the car’s cameras.
Source: TechCrunch