Consumer Reports flips, recommends Tesla Model 3 after braking fix

Only about a week after the independent review publication Consumer Reports determined it couldn't recommend the all-electric Tesla Model 3 sedan, it's flipped.

On Wednesday, CR came out with an updated overview of the newest Tesla, noting it had "big flaws." Now it's recommending the vehicle.

Last week, issues with braking distance and touchscreen controls prevented the review site from recommending the more affordably priced sedan. After Tesla CEO Elon Musk promised "over-the-air" updates to improve braking, CR gave the car another chance.

This time instead of 152 feet to stop from 60 mph it more closely matched Tesla's rated 133 feet for braking distance. This improved stat pushed the vehicle over to the "recommend" side. The reviewers were blown away: "Until now, that type of remote improvement to a car’s basic functionality had been unheard of."

But issues still persist with a noisy, uncomfortable riding experience, the reviewers said. Musk told CR that production line changes should address those issues in future cars.

Then there's the control system. CR originally dinged the Model 3 for complicated and potentially distracting controls. Tesla has already made some changes to how drivers can adjust side mirrors and the steering wheel. Musk also alluded to more changes coming to the touchscreen.

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Since this looks an awful lot like flip-flopping, CR wrote it will "continue to evaluate updates and make changes to our scores as necessary." But that all depends on Musk getting those updates out, along with a long line of back-orders for the Model 3.