Some owners of Tesla's Model X have reported serious problems with their new cars. These issues range from doors that won’t close properly to randomly opening windows and brakes that unexpectedly apply themselves. With the Model X being a premium vehicle costing between $83,000 and $115,500, these malfunctions have left many owners frustrated and seeking solutions.
One such owner, Michael Karpf, recently flew to Tesla's factory in California to pick up his Model X, eager to take it on a cross-country road trip back to New York. However, immediately after leaving the factory, he started experiencing significant problems. The car's flashy gullwing doors either failed to close or wouldn’t open, the driver’s side window malfunctioned, and the large touchscreen displayed glitches.
Byron Deeter, another owner from California, echoed this sentiment, reporting similar issues with his Model X. He stated that both front windows repeatedly failed to close, some doors wouldn't open, and the automatic emergency brake would apply unexpectedly while reversing, causing the car to come to a sudden halt. These alarming experiences have led many to question the reliability of the Model X.
Owner Experiences and Feedback
On platforms like Twitter, many Model X owners have expressed their dissatisfaction. For instance, Deeter shared that his Model X was "freaking out," making it impossible for him to drive it to work the next day. Additionally, numerous threads on Tesla's official forums have surfaced, highlighting ongoing issues related to the car's software and hardware.
While Tesla's customer service has generally received praise, the persistence of these issues has raised concerns among owners. Many have taken their vehicles to service centers, hoping to resolve the malfunctions, but reports of problems continue to circulate.
It's important to note that while bugs and issues are common in new technology, the stakes are much higher when it comes to vehicles. Unlike a smartphone, which can be easily replaced or repaired, a malfunctioning car can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
Tesla's Response and Future Outlook
Earlier this month, Tesla announced a recall of approximately 2,700 Model X cars due to concerns that rear seats could fold forward in the event of a crash. As the company prepares to launch the Model 3, which has already garnered nearly 400,000 pre-orders, it hopes that the same problems won't arise again.
In a recent statement to TechCrunch, Tesla expressed its commitment to producing reliable vehicles. A spokesperson mentioned that while some issues have been noted in early Model X builds, they are not widespread and the company is actively working with affected owners to address their concerns.
This commitment to customer satisfaction is vital, as studies show that 98% of Tesla customers indicate they would consider purchasing another Tesla. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, maintaining a strong relationship with current owners will be crucial for Tesla's long-term success.
