Legacy Tesla Model X Crashes Through Stop Sign, Full-Self Driving Now in Question

Apr 16, 2024 10:05 PM EDT

DASHBOARD OF TESLA MODEL X — (Photo : PEXELS/Vladimir Srajber)

To increase consumer appeal, Tesla has been promoting its Full Self-Driving (FSD) function in recent marketing campaigns. Despite expectations, the Tesla vehicle failed to come to a halt and ascertain the presence of oncoming traffic. March witnessed an update roll-out to longstanding Tesla FSD users with older vehicle models, marking a significant advancement in the electric car manufacturer's technology suite.

Legacy Tesla Model X Crashes, Full-Self Driving

As reported by CarScoops, Tesla recently rolled out its latest iteration of Full-Self Driving (FSD) to older variants of the Model S and Model X. However, a recently surfaced video underscores the considerable distance the system still needs to cover to ensure safety.

Originally posted on the Model X subreddit, the brief footage captures the perspective of an individual behind the wheel of an older Model X. Although the uploader didn't specify the version of the Full-Self Driving beta in use, it's probable that the car is equipped with the most recent V12.3.4 update, as the system has only been accessible on legacy models with this update.

CarScoops shared details about the footage along with its insights. In the captured footage, the Model X effortlessly maneuvers along a quaint rural lane, surpassing the designated speed limit of 35 mph (56 km/h) with a brisk pace of 43 mph (69 km/h). However, the disconcerting turn of events unfolds when the vehicle blatantly disregards a stop sign at the 6-second mark, neglecting to pause and assess potential traffic from the opposite direction.

This alarming sequence highlights a stark reality: regardless of the fervent endorsements from Tesla and Elon Musk regarding the system's capabilities, significant refinement remains essential for its reliability and safety assurance.

CarScoops emphasizes an important aspect regarding the video angle, notably the absence of the steering wheel's base from view.Full-Self Driving (FSD), like other semi-autonomous systems, requires the driver to maintain hands-on control of the vehicle and be prepared to take over if needed.

Despite this, the instrument cluster clearly indicates that FSD is engaged and operational during the depicted sequence. In related news, 'legacy' Model S and Model X units eligible for the FSD upgrade must feature the MCU2 infotainment system update. Additionally, the latest driver assistance system update extends compatibility to the extensively revamped 2024 Model 3.

Tesla Model X Trial

Another incident has thrust Tesla into the spotlight, again involving its Model X, which is now facing scrutiny due to a negligence lawsuit stemming from an unfortunate accident. The incident in question involves a mother who was struck by her toddler while in proximity to her Model X.

According to Business Insider, the mother from California has filed a complaint, claiming that the 2018 Model X's "defective" design was a factor in the tragedy. Tesla has retaliated by claiming that the mother is to blame for the mishap and emphasizing that the Model X's construction probably prevented worse outcomes.

In 2019, Mallory Harcourt, a mother from California, initiated legal action against Tesla concerning the incident, levying accusations of negligence, consumer fraud, and product liability. Harcourt's lawsuit contends that her newly purchased 2018 Model X SUV exhibited design flaws, as her two-year-old son was able to activate the vehicle and inadvertently collide with her outside their residence in Santa Barbara on December 27, 2018.

During the trial, jurors will be presented with testimony from Harcourt's legal team, detailing how she and her husband opted for a Model X as their family vehicle after being swayed by advertisements touting it as the "safest, quickest, most capable SUV ever," as outlined in the court documents.

The unfortunate incident transpired merely four days following the purchase of the Model X, shortly after Harcourt had parked in their driveway with her son accompanying her.