Tesla’s introduction of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software to all eligible vehicles in its fleet sparked a mixture of enthusiasm and criticism from users. As the automotive giant extended a month-long trial of its FSD technology, the feedback from first-time users has not entirely met the high expectations set by earlier adopters.
Despite the groundbreaking promise of self-driving cars, the reality seems to be proving a bit rough around the edges—literally.
A Bumpy Ride: Tesla’s FSD Struggles with Urban Navigation
Recent weeks have seen a flurry of activity on social media platforms such as Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, where Tesla owners have shared their less-than-stellar experiences with the FSD feature.
Notably, numerous posts depicted scenarios where Teslas equipped with the latest FSD software veered uncomfortably close to or directly into curbs, causing significant wheel and tire damage.
“In my 3 days of using it, it has convinced me that I do not need it,” a Reddit user shared, highlighting frequent interventions needed to prevent mishaps with curbs and parked cars.
Videos and photos circulating online show the real-time struggles of Tesla vehicles, including one particularly telling clip where a car strikes a curb mid-turn, damaging its wheel cover—a testament to the challenges of perfecting autonomous driving in complex urban environments.
Auto pilot needs a lot more testing… Full Self-Driving (FSD) Technology of Tesla has issues identifying a child size mannequin …. pic.twitter.com/4bsGofjbyp
— Rocks (@naikrakesh) August 13, 2022
User Discontent and Costly Repairs
The frustrations are compounded by the costs associated with these incidents. One Tesla owner expressed dismay on X after tagging CEO Elon Musk in a post that documented the aftermath of a curb strike, which included an $870 quote for a replacement wheel.
The user claimed Tesla declined to cover the damage, even though it occurred while the FSD was active, underscoring the financial risks for owners experimenting with the new technology.
The Debate Over Autonomy vs. Supervision
This wave of incidents has sparked a broader discussion about the nature of autonomous driving technology and its place in daily driving. Tesla advises that drivers should supervise the FSD system at all times, a recommendation that some users find contradicts the purpose of an autonomous driving system.
“Then what’s the point if I have to disengage at every turn?” questioned another frustrated Reddit user, capturing the sentiment of many who find the technology requires too much oversight to be genuinely transformative.
The Challenge of Real-Time Intervention
The core issue seems to lie in the transition of control between the vehicle and the driver. Tesla’s system requires a noticeable amount of manual force to override the FSD, a delay that can be crucial in preventing accidents.
This requirement often leaves drivers little time to react to impending curb strikes, highlighting a critical area for improvement in response time and situational awareness of the system.
Moreover, the habitual oversight of certain driving basics, such as mirror adjustments to monitor curb proximity, remains a common oversight among many drivers, further complicating the use of FSD in everyday scenarios.
A Work in Progress
Tesla’s FSD technology represents a significant leap toward the future of autonomous vehicles. However, the current challenges underscore the complexities of integrating such advanced systems into the unpredictable patterns of real-world driving.
As Tesla continues to refine its software, the feedback from this trial period will be invaluable in shaping the next stages of development. For now, Tesla drivers are learning that with great technology comes great responsibility, especially when navigating the literal bumps in the road.
