An Open Letter to Tesla: I Am Not a Passenger

Dear Tesla,

First, let me say—I’ve been a longtime supporter of your vision. I’ve driven Teslas with both Hardware 3 and Hardware 4. I was an early subscriber to the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package and have faithfully paid for it ever since it became available to me. Your mission has always been clear: to make driving safer, reclaim time for drivers, and eventually enable fully autonomous Robotaxis. That vision is both exciting and, in the long term, transformative for transportation.

But here’s the problem: that vision doesn’t fully align with the reality of vehicle ownership today, especially in the United States.

In America, owning a car is about freedom. It’s a rite of passage. It's deeply ingrained in our culture and represents the ability to go where we want, when we want, how we want—within the bounds of the law. But your recent AI-centric iterations of FSD, particularly since version 12.6.4, seem to undermine that freedom in subtle but serious ways.

I’ve stopped using FSD altogether, despite continuing to pay for it. Why? Because I no longer feel in control—especially on the freeway, where FSD is now more of a hindrance than a help.

The Core Issue: Speed and Lane Control

With version 12.6.4, Tesla introduced fundamental changes in how FSD behaves on freeways. The biggest issue? The driver no longer has reliable control over vehicle speed and lane positioning. And that’s a safety concern—not just a comfort or convenience issue.

Let’s start with speed.

In earlier versions, I could set my cruising speed—say, 85 MPH to match the typical flow of traffic on Arizona freeways—and the car would maintain it. Now, with the new AI behavior, that speed fluctuates dramatically, sometimes dropping to 65 MPH without cause, even when there’s no traffic ahead. This erratic behavior causes confusion and frustration for other drivers and creates unsafe conditions—especially in the fast lane.

Speaking of lanes, the new behavior based on “Chill,” “Standard,” or “Hurry” mode is baffling and counterproductive:

• Chill: Immediately moves to the far right lane and stays there.

• Standard: Settles into the center lane.

• Hurry: Moves directly to the far left lane—even if you're not passing.

This rigid behavior is problematic for several reasons:

1. It may violate state traffic laws. In many states, it’s illegal to stay in the left lane unless you are actively passing. Tesla’s Hurry mode violates that rule by default.

2. It causes dangerous interactions. When you’re in the left lane going slower than traffic, it forces others to pass you on the right—exactly the kind of behavior that leads to accidents.

3. It creates unpredictability. Other drivers don’t know what your car is going to do, especially when speed fluctuates without an obvious reason.

4. It makes the driver feel like a passenger. I didn’t buy a $60,000+ vehicle to be a passive occupant. I bought it to drive—and sometimes, to let the car assist me when appropriate. But now, I can’t even rely on the car to go the speed I set if FSD is engaged.

Another serious freeway concern is how FSD handles lane changes during passing maneuvers. I’ve experienced the vehicle making unsafe lane changes directly in front of other cars—sometimes cutting in with barely a single car length of space, including in front of semi-trucks. This kind of behavior is not only uncomfortable, it’s flat-out dangerous. It introduces risk for both the Tesla driver and the surrounding traffic. A responsible human driver wouldn’t initiate a pass or merge with such limited space, and the system should be expected to follow the same safety logic.

A Call for Driver-Centric Options and Transparency

Tesla's vision of a fully autonomous future is compelling, but it's essential to recognize that not all drivers are ready—or willing—to relinquish control entirely. To bridge this gap, Tesla should consider offering more customizable options within the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package:

• Driver vs. Robotaxi Modes: Introduce distinct modes tailored for individual drivers and robotaxi operations. This differentiation would allow personal vehicle owners to maintain a level of control and engagement that aligns with their preferences.

• Mode Selection Flexibility: Provide the ability to choose between different driving experiences on various road types. For instance, allow drivers to select a non-AI highway mode that offers consistent speed and lane behavior, while still benefiting from advanced features on city streets.

• Version Switching Capability: Enable users to switch between current and previous FSD versions. This flexibility would allow drivers to test new updates while retaining the option to revert to a version that better suits their comfort and driving style.

Transparency is equally crucial. Recent admissions by Elon Musk indicate that vehicles equipped with Hardware 3 (HW3) will require upgrades to achieve unsupervised FSD capabilities. While Tesla has committed to providing these upgrades free of charge to FSD purchasers, the lack of clear communication has left many early adopters uncertain about the future of their vehicles.

As an early supporter, I hoped Tesla would avoid the pitfalls that have befallen other tech giants—where initial innovation gives way to complacency. Steve Jobs, for example, had to step away from Apple before returning with renewed vision to revolutionize the industry with the iPod and iPhone.

Elon, your achievements are remarkable, but it's vital to remain open to feedback and self-reflection. Surround yourself with individuals who can challenge your ideas constructively. Fulfill the promises made to your loyal customer base: complete the Tesla Roadster, adjust Cybertruck pricing to reflect initial commitments, and honor the FSD upgrade pledges.

Be the company that early adopters believed in and invested in. Our continued support hinges on Tesla's commitment to its foundational promises and the trust it has built with its community.

Respectfully,

A Tesla FSD Supporter who wants Control