Estimating instead of measuring

Customers angry: Teslas have problems parking

(Bild: Stephan Schätzl)

Whether out of frugality or a desire for innovation: Tesla likes to leave proven technology behind and go its own way. This may not have been a good idea for the parking sensors in its entry-level models.

The parking sensors in the Tesla models Y and 3 cause problems. This was already evident in the "Krone" test, but apparently this was not an isolated case: according to a report in the magazine "Auto Motor und Sport", customer complaints about unreliable distance measurement are increasing. Unlike most other car manufacturers, the Californians do not use ultrasonic modules for the sensors, but instead determine the distance to obstacles using a camera and image recognition software.

This does not work with sufficient accuracy; in case of doubt, however, drivers are left to pay for parking damage. The report quotes Christoph Lindner, a lawyer from Rosenheim, who is familiar with the problem from his clients and complains about the manufacturer's lack of goodwill.

Experience has shown that inaccurately fitted body parts are also a daily occurrence at Tesla.

(Bild: Stephan Schätzl)

The lawyer has collected other common reasons for complaints. These include rust on the wishbone, primer shimmering through the paint, incorrectly bonded and therefore leaking windows, inaccurate gap dimensions and faults in the assistance systems.