Did Tesla's Model X software update make its falcon-wing doors less safe?

Please keep your arms, legs and head inside the SUV.
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Tesla, it turns out, is just like any other tech company: sometimes its software updates upset users and hinder functionality. Maybe the upstart EV automaker is fallible after all.

Tesla recently pushed software update version 7.1 2.32.100 to its Model X vehicles that was designed to address issues with the SUV's signature Falcon-Wing doors. The company enhanced a set of sensors in the doors, aiming to improve and expedite the opening and closing procedure.

Specifically, "we adjusted the sensors in the Model X Falcon Wing doors to improve closure consistency and reduce false detection of obstacles," a Tesla spokesperson told Mashable.


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The software overhaul may have had the opposite effect. Owners are now reporting that the update completely disabled some safety sensors in the doors. In fact, one owner posted a couple videos on YouTube of his Model X's Falcon-Wing doors chopping up cucumbers.

Obviously, this is a huge safety concern. As the video below demonstrates, a rear passenger could now have the door close on their hand or fingers.

This is just yet another issue in a string of problems Tesla has faced with the Falcon-Wing doors. In April, we reported that some Model X owners complained their SUV's Falcon-Wing doors wouldn't open or close.

A few months later in June, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the company was close to finally making the doors "useful."

It seems like every time Tesla is taking a step forward with the fancy but problem-prone doors, it in fact takes two steps backward. I hope Tesla is learning a lesson from its "hubris" (Musk's word, not mine).

Topics Tesla

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