Tesla Model 3 SR+ underwent three autopilot computer replacements and a complete cooling system installation; Tesla now attributes the issue to a software bug, claiming all SR+ models are affected.
In an unusual turn of events, a 2023 Tesla Model 3 SR+ owner, Reddit user Tudz, has been grappling with a persistent overheating issue affecting the car's Autopilot computer. Despite three replacements of the Autopilot computer, a complete cooling system overhaul with a new radiator, pumps, lines, and an octovalve, the problem continued to persist.
Initially, Tesla believed the issue was linked to a "batch of bad computers," but after further investigation and management intervention, the company concluded that the root cause was not hardware but a **software (firmware) issue** affecting the thermal management of the Autopilot computer.
This revelation comes as Tesla prepares to develop a broader over-the-air (OTA) patch for all 2023 Model 3 SR+ vehicles worldwide. The fix involves a two-phase solution: a firmware patch for individual affected vehicles and a global OTA update for all affected SR+ vehicles.
Tudz's car has been instrumental in proving that the overheating issue is a software problem, and that computer replacements will not resolve it. As a result, Tesla is compensating the affected owner for the time lost and wear incurred during the seven visits and three months of downtime. The exact compensation amounts are currently being calculated by other teams.
This isn't the first time software issues have been misdiagnosed as hardware troubles in Tesla's history. Parts of the Autopilot system in over 2 million vehicles, including Model 3, were recalled due to federal safety reviews.
Meanwhile, Tesla has initiated a recall for Model 3 and Y vehicles due to potential loss of power-steering assist at low speeds. This recall follows an earlier one in 2021, where Model 3 vehicles were recalled due to suspension defects that could compromise stability.
In addition, some Model 3 owners have reported challenges with the car’s air conditioning and cabin temperature control under extreme heat. Tesla warns that these conditions can lead to dangerously high interior temperatures despite features like Cabin Overheat Protection. Some owners have resorted to hardware fixes such as radiator replacement, while others highlight the limitations of AC cooling in very high temperatures.
The ongoing saga underscores Tesla’s complex interplay between software and hardware reliability challenges in their vehicles. Tesla's service manager reportedly spoke with the highest-level engineers, and the case had the highest visibility for a single car he's seen.
To mitigate the Autopilot overheating issue, Tesla will apply a specific firmware patch to Tudz's car to prevent preconditioning on the way to a Supercharger. Furthermore, Tesla will provide free Supercharging credits sufficient to cover the period until the patch is deployed. An OTA fix has also been issued for touchscreens darkening or freezing in all Tesla models.
As Tesla continues to innovate and push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, it is clear that software management and reliability will play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and safe driving experience for all its customers.
In light of the software (firmware) issue affecting the thermal management of the Autopilot computer, Tesla is planning to apply a specific firmware patch to Tudz's car to prevent issues during preconditioning on the way to a Supercharger. The company is also considering a broader overhaul of their software management to address similar issues in their industry, particularly in the realm of finance and transportation, including the automotive and technology sectors.
