Tesla’s new model crippled by AP4 computer glitch

Currently, there are no recalls or service bulletins regarding this issue, but this could change at any time

Imagine buying a brand new Tesla and starting work on it a few days or weeks later, only to discover that there are major issues. The camera doesn’t work, the GPS still thinks you’re sitting at home, and features like emergency braking don’t work. This is exactly what many Tesla owners are currently facing.

Some of these drivers claimed to have received their shipments within the past month or two. This detail is important not only because it is an inconvenience, but also because it may point to the source of the problem. These owners report that they all have Tesla’s AP4 or Hardware Version 4 chipset, which is responsible for the above features. If something goes wrong, these features won’t work, so this is most likely the crux of the whole situation.

Breakdowns, delays and angry owners

On Reddit, several owners reported very similar symptoms. On top of that, they claimed that Tesla service centers regularly scheduled AP4 hardware replacements and delayed appointments.

“What happened to me: 2024 Model Y. Navigation says I’m home. All the time. Camera out. Even the monitor doesn’t adjust. Auto lights don’t adjust. Jan 13th appointment postponed,” one commenter said.

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“Tesla contacted me today and the technician at the local service center told me Tesla has told them to stop replacing computers until the root cause is found. He said they will try to fix the issue with a software update, which is expected to take 30 OMG. I find this shocking because my symptoms started on December 2nd and now my service date has been pushed back to January 23rd, almost two months later,” another said.

There are many complaints on the forum, including this one: “After Tesla pushed a software update, the AP4 computer in my 2024 Tesla Model Y short-circuited, causing all systems controlled by this computer to completely fail. ”

So, what went wrong?

Electrek reported that sources within Tesla said it was related to a short circuit: “The cause is still under investigation, but one source told Electrek that one possible cause is a low-voltage battery shorting the computer during the camera calibration” process. According to the outlet, a source said Tesla service centers are tasked with “downplaying any safety concerns related to this issue to avoid people thinking their brand-new cars are undriveable.” “

This seems like a tough job for Tesla service employees, considering how serious the brand itself is about promoting its safety record and technology. It’s worth noting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration currently requires cars to be equipped with fully functional backup cameras, so it’s strange that no recalls related to this issue have been announced. This could change at any time, but it’s also possible that Tesla will send an update that remotely fixes the issue (if it’s software related).

We’d ask Tesla, but, they don’t have a press department, although they may have recently hired one, as you can see LinkedIn Post. We’ll be watching closely to see if they decide to actually say anything.

As a Tesla owner, are you facing this vexing problem? Share your legendary stories in the comments. You can also report issues to NHTSA is hereor if you’re in Canada, go ahead and do this here