Tesla Inc.’s new feature in its 10.0 update, “Smart Summon,” has gone viral for all the wrong reasons as customers tested it for the first time.

Last week, Tesla introduced the software stating it was the biggest update so far, with many of the new features related to entertainment. But in terms of advanced technology, it was the Smart Summon feature that sounded really impressive.

That would be the ability for people with cars equipped with Full Self-Driving and Enhanced Autopilot capabilities to summon the cars to them from a parked space. If the car is up to 200 meters from the owner, that person can use a smartphone to call the car to come and the vehicle in theory should be able to navigate various obstacles.

So, @elonmusk – My first test of Smart Summon didn’t go so well. @Tesla #Tesla #Model3 pic.twitter.com/yC1oBWdq1I

— Roddie Hasan – راضي (@eiddor) 28 กันยายน 2562

As can be seen in the video above, things didn’t go to plan for some owners. In that clip the car almost crashes into a moving vehicle, but other instances of Smart Summon messing up were reported as well. In one case a car suffered some bumper damage, and more near-misses happened. In another case the car can’t seem to get a handle pedestrians in a Wal-Mart Stores Inc. parking lot.

“Enhanced summon isn’t safe or production ready,” said yet another unhappy owner of the new update. “Tried in my empty drive way. Car went forward and ran into the side of garage. Love the car but saddened.”

Tesla is now being criticized for introducing new technology before it’s ready, that is, for wanting to be the company that wants to get to the market first. On its website, Tesla states that the feature should only be used in driveways and private parking lots, but it seems that’s actually when the calamities occurred.

“You are still responsible for your car and must monitor it and its surroundings at all times and be within your line of sight because it may not detect all obstacles,” wrote the company. “Be especially careful around quick moving people, bicycles and cars.”

Photo: Gabbot/Fickr