Cars and Drivers
The Real Meaning of Tesla's Over-the-Air Brake Fix
Published:
Last Updated:
What’s wrong with this picture?
Last week, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (NYSE: FCAU) recalled 4.8 million vehicles to fix a problem with the cruise control. Owners will be notified that their vehicle is affected and they will have to take the car to a dealer where a software fix will be made.
The week before, Consumer Reports failed to recommend the Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) Model 3 because the vehicle’s braking distance did not meet the magazine’s standards. Then Tesla pushed out an over-the-air (OTA) software fix to all its Model 3s and the car’s braking distance was shortened by 19 feet, enough to meet the Consumer Reports standard and earn the magazine’s recommendation.
Chrysler’s fix will cost the company money and vehicle owners some time, while Tesla’s fix was essentially free both to the company and to the car owners. Partly that’s due to state laws the forbid automakers from taking repair work away from dealerships. Tesla has no dealerships.
And while there’s no argument that Tesla’s OTA capability is cheaper and more convenient, the braking problem and its fix raise some important questions. The most difficult one for the company to answer may be why Tesla sells a vehicle with a problem that can be so easily fixed. Did the company not even consider braking distance during its testing? Apparently not. What does that say about the company’s commitment to safety?
A more important question may be whether Tesla owners (and more important for the company, potential Tesla owners) willing to exchange safety for convenience. Perhaps “safety” is the wrong word. “Integrity” may be closer to the mark.
Consumers already have accepted the fact that a cell phone can track movement and location and are willing to provide that data to phonemakers, cell phone networks and advertisers in exchange for the convenience and power of a smartphone. Are they just as likely to trade their trust in an automaker for convenience?
No one knows why the Model 3’s original braking distance was so long, except perhaps a few engineers at Tesla. If the company didn’t know about the issue when it sold the cars, why didn’t it? If it did, why did it not fix the issue before selling the car? Does it matter now that the company has fixed the issue? Yes, it should matter.
24/7 Wall St.Take Charge of Your Retirement In Just A Few Minutes (Sponsor)
Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance—and SmartAsset’s simple quiz makes it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor.
Here’s how it works:
- Answer a Few Simple Questions. Tell us a bit about your goals and preferences—it only takes a few minutes!
- Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Our smart tool matches you with up to three pre-screened, vetted advisors who serve your area and are held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. Click here to begin
- Choose Your Fit Review their profiles, schedule an introductory call (or meet in person), and select the advisor who feel is right for you.
Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. Click here to get started today!
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.
You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.