Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software has generated immense excitement, but a recent month-long trial for its entire fleet has revealed troubling issues for new users, with many sharing their experiences online about cars hitting curbs and damaging wheels and tires.
In March, Tesla offered a free one-month FSD trial, a move likely aimed at boosting sales of the $12,000 software or $200 monthly subscription, yet this has also led to numerous social media posts detailing cars unexpectedly ‘jumping the curb’ while FSD was active, with one user noting, ‘In my 3 days of using it, it has convinced me that I do not need it,’ due to the constant need to intervene to avoid obstacles.
These curb collisions aren’t isolated incidents; many users have shared videos and accounts, like one showing a car clipping a sidewalk mid-turn and damaging the wheel cover, while another user reported Tesla refusing to cover the cost of wheel replacement even when the incident occurred under FSD control, despite providing evidence.
The online community largely agrees that while FSD is innovative, it demands constant driver vigilance, leading to frustration among those who question the utility of a system that still requires such close attention, especially during simple, low-speed maneuvers, prompting the question, ‘Then what’s the point if I have to disengage at every turn?’
Drivers may not always realize FSD’s limitations, such as the significant torque required to override the car’s control, which can be difficult in fast-paced situations, and the fact that standard mirror settings don’t adequately show curbs, increasing the risk of contact.
While curb collisions with Tesla’s FSD aren’t new, the trial period has amplified public awareness of these issues, and Tesla’s current approach involves stressing the importance of driver oversight and continuing to refine the software.
Beyond curb incidents, Tesla’s FSD has faced other challenges, including governmental investigations and a recall of over 2 million vehicles due to autopilot misuse, though the company maintains its system is safer than manual driving, citing a lower crash rate when Autosteer is engaged.
The path to fully autonomous driving is complex, and Tesla’s FSD is at the forefront of this evolution, with recent incidents highlighting the need for further development and responsible implementation of automated features, yet Tesla’s commitment to improving safety through software updates shows a proactive stance. This journey to autonomy will undoubtedly require ongoing innovation and cooperation between manufacturers and drivers.
