When Tesla first promised its Full Self-Driving software would convert cars into robotaxis, thousands of customers paid up to $15,000 for the feature. Years later, many owners still wait for their cars to drive themselves. As the anticipated rollout of autonomous features continues to be delayed, many customers express frustration over the lack of updates and accountability from the company. Meanwhile, regulatory agencies and safety advocates have raised concerns over Tesla’s claims, leading to an increasing number of voices suggesting that tesla robotaxis face scrutiny for their readiness and reliability in real-world conditions. This growing skepticism challenges the company’s image and raises questions about the future of its autonomous driving ambitions. As delays persist, frustration has grown among those who invested in this high-tech promise. Some Tesla owners, hoping to make the most of their time spent waiting, have taken to tesla owners dining in their cars, turning what was once a simple commute into an unexpected experience. Meanwhile, the company continues to refine its software, leaving many pondering when the reality of fully autonomous driving will finally arrive.
Tesla’s had to upgrade its hardware multiple times. The company moved from HW2 to HW3, then to HW4. Each time, Tesla said older cars would achieve full autonomy through software updates alone. That hasn’t happened. Elon Musk recently admitted HW3 won’t enable true self-driving. Owners with older vehicles need hardware retrofits, but Tesla hasn’t announced a clear upgrade plan. Additionally, the lack of consistent hardware updates has led to frustration among Tesla owners who question why Teslas lack Apple CarPlay. Many users have expressed dissatisfaction with the proprietary nature of Tesla’s infotainment system, which limits third-party integrations. As the company continues to prioritize its own technology, the gap between user expectations and reality widens.
Tesla promised software alone would enable autonomy, but hardware upgrades keep coming without retrofit plans.
Even Tesla’s newest HW4 system struggles. Cars average about 500 miles between critical disengagements – moments when drivers must take control to prevent accidents. That’s far below human driving standards. The FSD system remains at Level 2 automation, meaning drivers must stay alert and ready to intervene at all times.
The price has jumped from $8,000 to $15,000 while the technology hasn’t delivered on its promises. Alternatively, customers can pay a monthly subscription of about $100 instead of the full purchase price. Some customers have gotten refunds through arbitration after Tesla failed to provide the capabilities it advertised. Marc Dobin won a $10,000 refund plus taxes when an arbitrator ruled Tesla’s FSD wasn’t functional, exposing documentation gaps in the company’s technical claims. Many owners now question whether the less expensive Enhanced Autopilot at $6,000 offers better value. It provides similar highway and parking features without FSD’s unfulfilled promises.
Tesla’s FSD faces serious regulatory challenges. No government agency recognizes the system as capable of true autonomous driving. The name “Full Self-Driving” itself draws criticism from safety regulators who say it misrepresents what the technology can actually do. Federal authorities haven’t endorsed Tesla’s marketing claims, citing insufficient proof the system works safely.
Real-world performance varies widely. Some HW4 owners report improvements, while others see little progress. The system handles highways better than city streets. Complex situations like roundabouts and construction zones still trigger frequent disengagements. Software updates cause inconsistent performance across different weather conditions and driving scenarios. The intensive computing required for FSD processing generates significant heat, forcing Tesla’s thermal management system to work overtime during summer months.
Tesla’s $15,000 FSD gamble has created a divide between the company’s promises and reality. While the technology continues developing, customers with HW3 vehicles face an uncertain future. Their expensive investment in self-driving capability may never deliver what Tesla originally promised. The ambiguity surrounding Full Self-Driving (FSD) leaves many early adopters feeling misled, as they anticipated a reliable and autonomous driving experience. As the company works to refine its technology, some question whether these advancements align with Tesla’s expanding business model, which increasingly focuses on software and subscription services. Ultimately, the disparity between expectation and reality may influence consumer trust and impact future sales.