Tesla has released a firmware update for the Model X to fix the Falcon Wing door issue faced by many owners. However, the update disables the car's door safety sensors.
The Model X is an all-electric, full-sized crossover SUV made by Tesla. The carmaker started deliveries of the Model X in September 2015. Tesla boasts about the car's Falcon Wing doors, which allow for easy access to the second and third row seats.
"With only a foot of clearance on either side, Falcon Wing doors articulate smoothly up and out of the way, allowing passengers to enter from both front and rear directions. The side and overhead opening is so large that parents can buckle children in without ducking or straining and without bumping their child's head on the roof," says Tesla.
Although Falcon Wing doors are a cool part of the Model X, many owners have complained that the doors were opening or closing incorrectly because of the inductive sensors. Tesla rolled out an over-the-air (OTA) software to improve the functionality of the doors but it seems that the software update has brought along serious safety issues.
According to tests that were conducted by YouTube channel MEtv Product Reviews, Tesla may have deactivated the sensors of the Falcon Wing doors to resolve the issue.
One of the videos posted by MEtv shows the Falcon Wing doors closing on a cucumber in its path. The sensors of the door are supposed to prevent this from happening. It is true that most people will not intentionally put their hand on the car's Falcon Wing door frames but accidents can still occur.
"That is crazy dangerous! That cucumber test tells it all. Omg!" commented a user on YouTube.
MEtv suggests that Tesla may have disabled the sensors as it is unable to find a right fix for it.
"Found out today that Tesla decided to take out a vital safety feature of their Falcon Wing doors. The same sensors (inductive) [that have] been a part of all the phantom obstacle detection issues. Instead of fixing the issue, they decided to remove the sensors from their firmware," says MEtv.
Tesla has also issued a statement to confirm that the latest software update will improve Falcon Wing door functionality on the Model X.
"We adjusted Model X Falcon Wing doors via a software update in order to improve closure consistency and reduce false detection of obstacles," per a Tesla statement.
It remains to be seen if Tesla releases another firmware to fix the dangerous Falcon Wing doors of the Model X.
Check out the videos posted by MEtv showing the tests conducted on the Tesla Model X following the latest software update.
