A Promising Innovation Falls Short
Tesla’s highly touted HW4 self-driving computer, designed to bring full autonomy to its vehicles, is hitting a serious roadblock. Reports from Electrek reveal that the cutting-edge hardware in Tesla’s newest cars is failing after just a few hundred—or sometimes even fewer—miles.
The issue affects not just Tesla’s ambitious Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) modes but also essential features like GPS, navigation, cameras, and active safety systems. Owners of brand-new Teslas are finding themselves stuck with vehicles that are partially, if not entirely, undrivable.
The Root of the Problem
The failures seem tied to Tesla’s latest HW4 chip, which powers its semi-autonomous driving technology. According to Electrek’s investigation, the issue may stem from the chip’s internal battery short-circuiting. This flaw appears specific to Teslas built in the last several months and equipped with the HW4 system.
While Tesla has yet to comment publicly, insider sources claim the automaker is grappling with an influx of complaints. Despite the mounting evidence, Tesla hasn’t issued a service bulletin or formally acknowledged the problem.
Playing Down Safety Concerns
Tesla’s response—or lack thereof—raises eyebrows. According to sources cited by Electrek, the company has instructed its service teams to minimize safety concerns when dealing with affected customers. This echoes past controversies where Tesla downplayed technical issues and safety risks, avoiding actions that could tarnish its reputation.
The failure of rear-view cameras due to these malfunctions could violate federal safety standards. If Tesla reported the issue to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it might trigger a recall. Yet, no such action has been taken so far.
Customers Left Frustrated
For owners of these high-tech EVs, the fallout has been frustrating. Reports suggest Tesla service centers are overwhelmed, and delays in acquiring replacement parts are leaving some vehicles out of commission for weeks—or even months.
One Model 3 owner shared their experience on Electrek: “Driving computer broken after 1 month [and] 1500km of use. Still not repaired due to missing spare part.” This highlights the logistical challenges Tesla faces in addressing the widespread issue.
A Blow to Tesla’s Reputation
Tesla’s HW4 chip was expected to be a game-changer. CEO Elon Musk had promised that the new hardware would finally deliver on the dream of fully self-driving cars. Instead, the problem has become a setback, further denting Tesla’s already shaky reputation for quality control.
The company has often faced criticism for releasing technology that seems rushed and unrefined. While software updates have occasionally resolved issues in the past, this time, the fix may require complete computer replacements—a costly and time-consuming solution.
What’s Next for Tesla?
The path forward remains uncertain. If Tesla opts for software patches, the issue might fade quietly. But if hardware replacements are necessary, the financial and reputational damage could be significant. Owners already dealing with long repair waits are unlikely to forgive another drawn-out process.
This situation underscores a recurring problem: Tesla’s race to innovate often comes at the expense of reliability. As the company scrambles to address these failures, one thing is clear—Tesla’s HW4 chip, once hailed as a breakthrough, is now another hurdle in its self-driving journey.
Whether Tesla can recover from this stumble remains to be seen, but the fallout from these malfunctions will undoubtedly ripple through its customer base and the broader EV industry.