The Tesla Model S Still Has Tech Issues
Oh no, the Tesla Model S and Model X are having a few dangerous technical issues. How can this be when Tesla is supposed to be providing robot vehicles of the future? Tesla Models from March 2018 and before are actually having so many problems that the Model S just got dropped by Consumer Reports!
Tesla Model X and Model S tech problems
Inside of the Tesla Model S sedan and Tesla Model X, you will find a massive touchscreen. Except, according to AutoBlog, they are having a few issues. The screens will suddenly go blank.
Once they go blank, the driver loses access to the reverse camera, climate controls, navigation, safety features, and the infotainment system. This could increase the risk of accidents or just be incredibly frustrating. Imagine missing your turn because your navigation system randomly went black.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) started investigating this issue as a safety issue back in June, so this problem isn’t new. They may take action, despite Tesla being sued once for this issue already.
One driver was unable to clear foggy windows without the climate control features, and another driver faced disabled safety monitors. Worst of all, the issue may prevent owners from charging their batteries.
The screens have issues because they wear out or degrade over time. Also, they lose all of their memory functions too. You can fix this problem by replacing the 8GM embedded MultiMediaCards within the unit with a 64GB MultiMediaCard. However, if the issue occurs outside of the warranty, then you will be responsible for replacing the card.
Tesla sort of offers to fix the screens
There is no way to tell what Elon Musk is thinking, but Tesla is being a little tricky with this issue. Instead of issuing a recall for over 150,000 vehicles with this until built before and after March 2018 with this unit, they are covering the fix with a warranty adjustment program.
However, this seems like just a bunch of fancy wording. This service action only applies to vehicles with less than 100k miles that are within eight years of their delivery date or original in-service date. This still means that folks without the warranty are stuck fixing this dangerous problem on their own.
Tesla may provide a reimbursement to drivers who have already paid to correct this issue. The keyword there being ‘may.’ This is after Tesla was sued for alleged touchscreen problems for 2014 – 2016 Model S and 2015 – 2016 Model X vehicles.
Why did Consumer Reports drop the Tesla Model S?
According to CNBC, Consumer Reports no longer recommends the Tesla Model S due to reliability issues. After studying the touchscreen problems, this isn’t a surprise. The Model S simply has too many issues to back.
There are reports of memory device failures, main computer issues, air suspension problems, and more. The Tesla Model 3 is the only model that Consumer Reports recommends for consumers now, and it’s ranked in second to last place with a well below-average reliability rating.
The reliability ratings are based on problems reported by drivers for previous model years. According to the surveys Consumer Reports sent out, Tesla vehicles have paint problems, body problems, tech problems, and more that all bring their rankings down.
