Tesla frunk security flaw ?

[Jeeps17]

I just watched a YouTube clip by Salomondrin that demonstrates how to easily open a Model X frunk with a screwdriver. It does set off the alarm if the car is locked, but would not prevent someone from grabbing the contents without too much hassle.

I assume this feature is to allow frunk access when the 12V battery is dead, but must admit some concern...

This may also apply to refreshed model S, but I posted it in the X sub forum given the video demonstration.

Skip to 8:40 to get to the relevant bits.

 

[Shumdit]

Yes. This is somewhat well known among Tesla owners especially if you have read the owners manual. I personally do not care for it being so easily accessible nor do I care for websites publicizing it for non-Tesla owner's "benefit"

 

[Nick S]

This feature (access to frunk without key) is required to give first responders access to the battery cut off / disconnect located in the frunk, in case of an emergency.

 

[siai47]

My 2014 era Model S has an internal trunk release in the front passenger area. As far as I know, there is no exterior release however I remember at some point in time that release was taken out of production.

 

[Jeeps17]

Yes. This is somewhat well known among Tesla owners especially if you have read the owners manual. I personally do not care for it being so easily accessible nor do I care for websites publicizing it for non-Tesla owner's "benefit"

I have a classic P85 with the latch inside the cabin in the front passenger footwell, and had not heard about this change in the refreshed fascia (can't read all the threads !).

Unfortunately, a whole lot of people just learned about it today ...

 

[docherf]

That's crazy.

Why would tesla make it so easy?

 

[DrivingTheFuture]

Follow these guys on YouTube and looks like they exposed a way to break into Model X... They attract a decent amount of viewers so just wanted to post here for Tesla and also see if there is a good reason for this access point being in place (I.e. for security/ emergencies)

 

[BLKMDL3]

Follow these guys on YouTube and looks like they exposed a way to break into Model X... They attract a decent amount of viewers so just wanted to post here for Tesla and also see if there is a good reason for this access point being in place (I.e. for security/ emergencies)

I think it is for the fire release. In the video Alejandro didn't explain but if you can get into the frunk there is a battery cut off switch for fire personnel in case of an emergency.

 

[Nauti-Boy]

I think it is for the fire release. In the video Alejandro didn't explain but if you can get into the frunk there is a battery cut off switch for fire personnel in case of an emergency.

A video explaining what the access is for.

 

[xkwizit]

So emergency responders can disconnect the battery quickly. A few seconds more and your car could burn down and they wouldn't be able to hose it down because of the battery being still connected.

 

[ToddS]

^^^ HIGHLY recommend subscribing to Like Tesla. Very informative!

 

[mal_tsla]

So anyone with a YouTube account and a screwdriver can pop your Frunk and disable your car by cutting the battery connection??

That seems ridiculous.

 

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

So anyone with a YouTube account and a screwdriver can pop your Frunk and disable your car by cutting the battery connection??

That seems ridiculous.

They can also disable your car by slashing tires, breaking your lights or smashing your windshield.

 

[muleferg]

"They can also disable your car by slashing tires, breaking your lights or smashing your windshield."

 

[muleferg]

 

[brkaus]

So anyone with a YouTube account and a screwdriver can pop your Frunk and disable your car by cutting the battery connection??

That seems ridiculous.

Most ICE cars one can reach in and cut a battery cable from the bottom. Even easier, cut the fuel line.

Now, most ICE cars don't claim storage available in the trunk... so that is a risk/problem.

 

[xkwizit]

Your trunk is still the best bet for safe storage. It is safer than frunk. Yes, the valet can't open the frunk but can get to the trunk but most of the times when you valet, there shouldn't be anything valuable left in the car. Anyways, valeting your X..not a good idea!

 

[mal_tsla]

My ICE car requires removing a lower plate, difficult to do without jacking up the car and requires removing over ten screws. Not something likely to happen in a hurry by a prankster or vandal or thief.

I agree with you that having your belongings easily stolen is also a real problem.

The Tesla is a much nicer car than my ICE, but with what seems less thought-through aspects.

 

[xkwizit]

If you have a better safety design in mind for emergency responders access to disengage the battery, you should write to Tesla. I am sure they will happily consider it.

 

[vandacca]

The fact that the contents of the frunk are hidden is typically good enough. Unless someone sees you loading your frunk, it's a huge risk for someone to try to break in without knowing what's there. Typically, thieves need an incentive (eg. visually seeing something desirable) before they attempt to break-in.