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Tesla knows MCU with eMMC Fix Still has Problems (we need NHTSA to force the fix)

Discussion in 'Model X: User Interface' started by SilverUnicorn, Dec 29, 2020.

  1. SilverUnicorn

    SilverUnicorn Member

    Joined:
    May 24, 2016
    Messages:
    49
    Location:
    New York
    I have Model X 2016 90D AP1 and my MCU failed which ended up immobilizing the car (Tesla said this should not have happened but it did) which required a flat bed tow (their cost) to a nearby Tesla service center. At that time, Tesla replaced the MCU eMMC on Sept 3rd 2020. Since this part has been replaced, the backup safety camera and other functionality (e.g. navigation, user interface access) will become non-functioning frequently. This can be non-functioning for a few seconds to a few minutes. Sometimes the backup safety camera will freeze the object on screen and not move, be solid black, or not even show the backup camera (I provided Tesla service examples of the solid black and the lack of backup camera view while the X is in reverse). Overall the hardware "fix" has caused MORE issues than before the failure. I also have an extended Tesla warranty, and Tesla will not replace this more problematic MCU w/eMMC fix with a MCU1 (I tried to get a new MCU1) or MCU2 since Tesla classifies this as a "performance" related issue. So, Telsa offered me 2 options:

    1) I wait an unknown period for an unknown software fix. It has been almost 4 months and there's been no fix.
    2) I pay $2500 to fix my backup safety camera which Tesla confirmed fixes the problem.

    Tesla Service confirmed in writing that the corporate policy is to take the cheaper approach which is to have the customer wait. I provided this messaging in the NHTSA complaint I submitted today (see it attached too). I STRONGLY recommend people file complaints. File a Vehicle Safety Complaint | Safercar.gov | NHTSA

    P.S. I love Tesla and own 2 of them, but this is unacceptable.
     
    • Informative x 1
    • Like x 1
    • Love x 1
  2. glide

    glide Active Member

    Joined:
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    USA
    They need to get spanked before they do the right thing.

    Speaks volumes about their leadership.
     
    • Like x 2
  3. MP3Mike

    MP3Mike Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    #3 MP3Mike, Dec 29, 2020
    Last edited: Dec 29, 2020
    The NHTSA requirement to have a backup camera doesn't apply to your vehicle. That went into effect in March of 2018, exactly the time that Tesla switched to putting MCU2s in vehicles. (Coincidence?)

    NHTSA has already moved from a PE to a EA investigation, so I don't know that any more complaints will make a difference. (Though they certainly won't hurt.) But I wouldn't expect anything to come from them for another year or so. (Though maybe they will surprise me, it only took them 5 months to go from PE to EA on this issue, while other PEs that are 4 years old still haven't been decided on.)
     
  4. SilverUnicorn

    SilverUnicorn Member

    Joined:
    May 24, 2016
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    49
    Location:
    New York
    Thanks, this is good to know. I found the Engineering Analysis (EA) document from NHTSA you mentioned. Amazingly there are no crashes with the rear camera failures. I wonder how a "crash" is classified.
     
  5. ddrmr

    ddrmr Member

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2019
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    17
    Location:
    Shreveport, LA
    After I complained about the continual rebooting of the display at the driver's side and frequent blank large screen (for several minutes) I was told by the service center that it is a "...known firmware problem" and a fix has not been developed as yet. At first they asked me for exact times of incidents (which I had not recorded). So I began logging dates and times, then they gave me the "known hardware" line.
     
  6. dmurphy

    dmurphy Woof.

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    3,319
    Location:
    New Jersey - Morris County
    I wouldn’t expect there to be, honestly. The way the MCU is failing, I’d expect the rear camera to just fail to engage, and not drop out mid-backing up. So if that’s the case - it fails to engage - I’d think the driver would instead start backing up using their Mark I eyeballs.

    I know we live in a technology cocoon, but backing up using eyeballs is a pretty important skill.
     
  7. doghousePVD

    doghousePVD My grandfather’s car

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2018
    Messages:
    572
    Location:
    New England, USA
    I’m having a lot of software issues the last few day

    2020.47.30, 2018 100D

    GPS stopped reporting position for hours. Map appeared as normal. Rebooted multiple times (2 finger, 4 finger brake, total menu off). VERY long time to return from reboot, several minutes to 15 minutes every time. Also the side cameras stopped working.

    This was my first day towing a new travel trailer (sub freezing weather) so so very annoying since energy calculations ceased, too. Browser (ABRP) very very slow even with good reception, WiFi, etc.

    Today cameras and GPS returned. While driving all screens went black. After waiting a few minutes black, did 4 finger reboot and several more minutes later came back.

    Roadside service said they couldn’t do anything. 877 service said they couldn’t see anything wrong. He said he sent a GPS reset but not sure it happened. The problems persisted for 24 hours after my conversation.

    Suggestions?
     
  8. bumpersignal

    bumpersignal Member

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    Location:
    SoCal
    100%. I used to drink the KoolAid but I've lost my taste for brand loyalty to Tesla. I will likely buy another Tesla sometime in the future, until the competitors catch up. When those competitors catch up to feature parity (along with charger availability) , I will likely choose the competition every time if they're a major established car brand. They're getting away with treating their customers like this in the short run because they can, but mark my word. This will come back to bite them in the long term.
     
    • Like x 3
    • Disagree x 1
  9. brkaus

    brkaus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2014
    Messages:
    7,626
    Location:
    Austin, TX
    I haven’t been treated like royalty by BMW (my first M3, plus several others) or Acura (or Dodge).

    Didn’t really expect to be treated like royalty by dodge, but the not-so-bright service rep was standing by my running 1993 Cummings diesel and didn’t know it was a diesel.
     
    • Funny x 1
  10. bumpersignal

    bumpersignal Member

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    SoCal
    [​IMG]
     
  11. Abrasha

    Abrasha Member

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2020
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    12
    Location:
    San Francisco
    I have had the same issue intermittently for 2 1/2 years now with my model 3. I will now finally file a complaint with the NHTSA, because backup cameras have been a requirement in new cars since 2018. Tesla's backup camera in my car is unreliable at best.

    https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/02/backup-cameras-now-required-in-new-cars-in-the-us.html
     
  12. SilverUnicorn

    SilverUnicorn Member

    Joined:
    May 24, 2016
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    49
    Location:
    New York
    The camera isn’t failing in that way for me. Sometimes it’ll freeze the image on the screen. So I’ll think the driveway is empty and back out and it’s a frozen day before image. Serious. I’ve learned to check the image as I back up to insure it’s moving. That’s pretty dangerous.
     
  13. Keiki

    Keiki Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2015
    Messages:
    86
    Location:
    Roslyn, New York
    If an item remains unfixed or problem reappears multiple times, can you use the "Lemon" law to get satisfaction?
     
  14. Skidmark

    Skidmark Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    310
    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    I believe the lemon law only applies if the initial occurrence of the problem happens within the 18 months or 18k miles of the warranty period.
     

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