By promising an unprecedented technological revolution for almost a decade, Tesla has shaped the collective imagination around autonomous conduct. The idea of a vehicle capable of driving alone, without any human intervention, fed the hopes of thousands of drivers seduced by innovation. However, behind repeated announcements and material advances, an observation is gradually imposed. Tesla autonomous driving, long presented as imminent, remains out of reach for many models already in circulation.
As early as 2019, a new system, Hardware 3, was installed on new models. This technical development is supposed to allow the deployment of Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, a driving system without human supervision. However, as the Techcrunch site relates, this hardware brick is unable to make the software work in its final form.
Despite this, Tesla has been selling an FSD option for $ 12,000 for several years. Customers, seduced by the repeated promises of Elon Musk, hoped to take advantage of complete autonomy as soon as the software is ready. However, this perspective was evaporated with the confessions of the boss of Tesla.
Why Tesla autonomous driving remains out of reach
In January 2025, Elon Musk spoke during a conference call for shareholders. He recognizes that vehicles equipped with Hardware 3 will have to be upgraded to be able to accommodate the software being finalized. But this upgrade will be difficult and painful, in the words of the leader himself.
This declaration arouses strong dissatisfaction. She amounts to admitting that cars sold as ready for autonomous driving are not. Some observers even speak of fiasco, as the promised technology seems distant. In fact, only the most recent models, with Hardware 4, are likely to benefit from it. The software, on the other hand, is still unavailable.
On the user side, frustration is all the greater since many thought they were buying an evolutionary vehicle, capable of adapting automatically. It was precisely this argument that had justified the high price of the FSD option.
The cost of errors for customers and for the company
Already in 2019, the first signs of a gap between promise and reality appeared. Tesla owners with Hardware 2.0 or 2.5 had to replace their computer with the Hardware 3 version to be able to use the FSD. At the time, some customers had attacked the brand for false advertising. JV Tech recalls that a court then agreed to a complainant, forcing Tesla to take care of the update.
In 2025, history repeated, but on a larger scale. Tesla may have to finance millions of material replacements to honor its commitments, in a context where Chinese competition already weighs heavily on its results. This operation represents a colossal cost, especially since the profitability of the FSD remains uncertain.
The company seems to have retained the lesson of the first appeals. Elon Musk ensures that the necessary replacements will be supported by the brand. However, this preventive measure may not be enough to extinguish the anger of customers and the doubts of investors. The launch of a pilot program in Austin, announced by the manager, could make it possible to regain a little credibility, but the road to a really autonomous driving seems longer than ever.
