There’s a lot to love about driving a Tesla. It’s new and flashy and totally unlike any other car. But once you’re using one every day, the flaws become evident. Some of them are minor details that are not necessarily worth mentioning, but some annoyances were made with all the knowledge in the world. They’re not major, but it’s not a perfect vehicle.
So let’s discuss 10 little features that annoy Tesla owners daily.
Featured Image Credit: fransz /Depositphotos.com.
The Rearview Camera Gets Grubby
The rearview camera on a Tesla is almost useless when it rains or in a muddy mess. Some cars have a rearview camera washer, but Teslas have nothing. You’re left wiping it yourself, or settling for blurry vision. That’s especially a problem if you only use the camera and not your mirrors.
Camp Mode Can Drain Your Battery
Camp Mode is designed to keep the cabin cozy while you sleep, but it doesn’t warn you when the battery gets low. Your Tesla will have no power remaining when you wake up if you forgot to charge it before going to bed. There’s no low-battery alert while it runs. For a feature meant to give peace of mind, it’s ironic that it causes anxiety.
You Can’t Use the Car While It’s Updating
Once a software update begins, there’s no way to stop or pause it. You can’t drive the car, adjust settings, or do anything useful until it finishes. Even if you’re in a rush, you’re stuck waiting. It feels like a forced time-out you didn’t ask for.
You Might Fumble for the Horn When It Matters
On newer models with the yoke-style wheel, the horn isn’t in the center. It’s a small touch-sensitive area near your thumb. That sounds fine until you need to honk quickly in a stressful moment. Your muscle memory fails you, and so does the button.
You Need the Touchscreen Just to Open the Glovebox
There’s no manual release for the glovebox. To open it, you have to go into the screen and tap through a menu. If the screen freezes or is turned off, you’re out of luck. It turns a simple action into a slow and clunky process.
Still No Support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Tesla has its own built-in system, but it doesn’t support the apps most drivers already use. That means no direct access to your favorite music, podcasts, or navigation tools. Many other brands offer this out of the box. Tesla just doesn’t, and it feels intentional.
Mirror Adjustments Are Hidden Inside a Screen Menu
To adjust your side mirrors, you need to tap through the screen, then use a scroll wheel on the steering wheel. It’s far more complicated than just using a physical switch. If more than one person drives the car, this becomes a daily annoyance.
No Alert If Your Phone Key Battery Is Dying
Teslas use your phone as a digital key, but there’s no warning when your phone’s battery is about to die. You might only realize there’s a problem when the car won’t unlock. There’s no backup system unless you remembered to carry a key card.
Door Handles Freeze Shut in Cold Weather
Tesla’s flush door handles look sleek, but in cold climates, they can freeze in place. You’re left tapping or pushing on them while your fingers go numb. The design isn’t practical in winter, especially when you’re in a hurry.
Regenerative Braking Can’t Be Fully Disabled
Tesla cars slow down aggressively as soon as you lift off the accelerator. Some drivers like it. Others find it jarring. The problem is, you can’t fully turn it off. That leaves no option for people who prefer the smoother glide of a traditional car.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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