Tesla Faces Major Self-Driving Computer Failures in New Vehicles

AUTIN, Texas, December 16, 2024 – Tesla’s latest stand-alone computer, integrated with its newest ​vehicles, faces major failures that overwrite ​its service network, according to an Electrek report. The ​problem is a malfunction of the HW4 system, called internal AI4.1, which improves Tesla’s advanced support systems. Several new owners reported that their vehicles ​were experiencing critical failures in the first ​100 miles ​of driving.

Electrek reported that ​the problem was related ​to the short circuit of the HW4 computer during the operation. Citing internal sources, the publication revealed that a potential cause may be the low voltage battery by cutting the computer during the camera ​calibration process. This causes a ​wave effect, deactivating essential functions ​such as active security ​systems, GPS navigation, ​range estimation and camera functions, including rear view cameras.

Impact on the Tesla service network

The fall of these failures has energized Tesla’s network of services. According to Electrek, Tesla was flooded with customer complaints on these issues. Despite the seriousness of the problem, ​Tesla has ​not yet ​published an official bulletin on the ​situation. Two internal sources informed Electrek that Tesla Service Centres aim to minimize security problems in order ​to avoid alarming customers. As ​a result, many owners are ​still not operating in their new vehicles, raising concerns about ​vehicle ​safety and reliability.

“The test service is ​said to address all safety concerns related to this problem in order to prevent people who believe their new cars are not exploitable,” said Electrek, citing their internal sources. This approach ​has been criticized, especially since the ​issue is about the failure ​of rear-view ​cameras, an ​element ​set out in federal security standards. The lack of functionality raises questions about Tesla’s compliance with National Road Safety Authority (NHTSA) directives.

Possible remedies and ​security implications

Tesla ​is currently looking for two main ways to ​address HW4 computer failures. According to Electrek, the main remedy is to replace defective computers, ​but this solution is far from ​evolving due to the ​tension in Tesla service centers. Meanwhile, Tesla is also ​exploring a software patch that ​could temporarily alleviate the problem. However, the effectiveness of this patch remains uncertain.

One of the most worrying aspects of the situation is the management of Tesla in the middle of a critical period for ​the company. The end of the year ​is a crucial time for Tesla as she tries to deliver a record number ​of vehicles ​to avoid her first annual drop in ​deliveries in more than a decade. ​According to Electrek, ​this emergency may explain Tesla’s reluctance to publish a public service bulletin ​or to create a memoir, which ​could delay deliveries ​and create negative advertising.

Federal oversight and ​regulatory concerns

The report raises serious concerns about Tesla’s transparency and regulatory compliance. Electrek noted that the absence of rear vision cameras ​in affected vehicles directly violates federal safety requirements. This violation ​must cause memory, ​in accordance with ​NHTSA rules. However, it is unclear whether Tesla has officially communicated the matter to the federal agency. Electrek believes that Tesla’s close ties with key ​federal government members could influence the organization’s response.

Electrek’s ​report said:

“I expected NHTSA to deliver a souvenir here, and Tesla could be in ​trouble to minimize a problem that has been going on for weeks. »

However, ​the report also recognizes ​the political landscape, suggesting that Tesla’s approach to the ​federal agency could be influenced by broader regulatory priorities.

Client Deformations and Late Appointments

The problem is ​compounded by Tesla’s inability to ​meet the increasing demand for services. According to Electrek, ​Tesla’s service centres were overwhelmed and appointments were postponed the following year. For many customers, this ​means driving vehicles without essential safety and navigation features. This delay ​fueled frustration among Tesla owners, especially those who expected a good performance of their ​new purchased cars.

Electrek stressed the ​importance of this issue, noting that many customers and ​domestic sources have highlighted the extent of failures. The report points out that the ​problem is widespread and affects vehicles manufactured in recent ​months, indicating that ​the problem of equipment is not isolated from a number of vehicles.

“It is quite significant that several internal sources decide to reach it, and many customers complain ​about the issue,” said Electrek, reinforcing the scope and severity of the problem.

For Tesla, the moment of these failures could not be worse. ​The company is not just facing higher production ​pressures, it is also facing a more in-depth examination of its own technology. The HW4 system, ​marketed as a cornerstone of Tesla’s self-drug ​capabilities (FSD), is now at the heart of one of the company’s most pressing challenges.

According to Electrek, Tesla has not yet made public recognition of the problem, leaving customers in the dark about the next steps. Although a software update may offer a short-term solution, the long-term implications for the reliability of Tesla’s hardware and service infrastructure remain uncertain.

Electrek concluded that the situation highlights broader concerns about motor vehicle safety and regulatory oversight in ​the United States. ​The report notes that ​the management of the Tesla ​issue could set a precedent for how future safety issues are addressed, particularly as car manufacturers are increasingly using complex computer systems to improve advanced ​vehicle characteristics.

“We are in a few years’ time of interest in motor vehicle safety in the United States,” said Electrek, noting that this issue could have important implications for Tesla and the automotive industry in general.

Meanwhile, Tesla owners affected by HW4 computer failures are still waiting for a resolution. Whether it is hardware replacement, software patch or regulatory intervention, the result of this ​problem is likely to shape Tesla’s reputation for years.