Why car software updates remain frustrating for drivers

Cars that upgrade themselves

Imagine waking up to find that your car has just gotten smarter overnight. It drives smoother, charges faster, and maybe even unlocks new features you didn’t have before. That’s the promise of over-the-air software updates, also known as OTAs.

Instead of taking your car to the dealership for every fix, automakers can now push improvements wirelessly, just like a phone update.

Tesla moves early and updates much more frequently than many legacy brands, which industry sources say typically release updates far less often. Drivers end up waiting months for fixes that should’ve taken hours, and patience is starting to wear thin.

Tesla set the standard early

Tesla began rolling out broad over-the-air updates in 2012, helping shift how carmakers maintain and improve vehicles after delivery. The company can implement dozens of improvements in a few months, ranging from faster charging to safer braking.

The update cadence varies widely by brand and model; some legacy brands still release fewer, larger updates than Tesla. That slow pace makes Tesla stand out not just for its EVs, but for treating its cars like living products that constantly improve over time, long after you’ve bought them.

The hidden cost of updates

Over-the-air delivery has real costs: industry analysis (Harman) estimates that about $66.50 is required per vehicle to deliver a 1 GB update, which adds up quickly at scale.

Even so, it’s still cheaper than recalling vehicles for in-person fixes. Over-the-air updates can prevent costly dealership visits, reduce emissions associated with shipping parts, and save customers time. Done right, it’s a win for both sides, but mistakes or failed downloads can create new headaches that cost just as much to repair.

From fun extras to real performance

Some updates exist purely for entertainment, such as Tesla’s famous “fart mode” or arcade-style games. But others make a real difference, unlocking faster acceleration, smoother handling, or better energy efficiency.

Electric automakers like Rivian, Polestar, and Lucid send updates that can make a vehicle ride softer or extend its driving range. Each download can reshape how your car behaves, almost like giving it a mini-makeover. That level of control makes driving feel more exciting, even years after you first bought the car.

Recalls without the hassle

Software problems have become a huge reason for vehicle recalls. Industry recall data show that roughly 13.8 million vehicles were affected by 174 recalls tied to software or electronic system failures in 2024, representing a 35% year-over-year increase.

The good news is that many of these problems can now be addressed without a trip to the dealership. Over-the-air fixes can handle safety updates overnight while the car is parked.

It’s faster, cheaper, and more convenient for everyone involved. As more automakers adopt this method, traditional recalls may soon become a thing of the past.

Paying to unlock features

Carmakers have discovered new ways to generate revenue through software. Tesla sells software upgrades; for example, a monthly FSD subscription is $99 as of April 2024, and Premium Connectivity is a separate subscription.

These digital upgrades feel like app subscriptions, but not everyone’s a fan. BMW once attempted to charge customers a monthly fee to activate heated seats that were already built into their cars.

The backlash was swift and loud. Drivers don’t mind paying for new features, but they expect the basics to be included from the start.

Your car is also uploading data

Tesla’s privacy pages state that camera clips for fleet learning are only uploaded with the owner’s consent via in-car settings, and certain safety event clips may also be uploaded. Critics still raise broader privacy concerns about modern connected cars.

The more connected our vehicles become, the more data they’re capable of sharing, sometimes without us realizing just how much.

When updates take a wrong turn

Not every update improves things. Earlier this year, Chinese automaker Xiaomi reduced the power of its $73,000 performance car by hundreds of horsepower overnight.

The company claimed it was a safety precaution, but promised to restore the power once drivers proved their skill on racetracks. Angry customers pushed back until Xiaomi gave in.

The incident demonstrated the extent of control automakers now have over vehicles, even after they’re sold, and how easily a software tweak can spark outrage among owners.

Powering the digital machine

Modern electric vehicles rely on serious computing power. The Lucid Gravity SUV utilizes an Nvidia processor with 512 gigabytes of storage, although only about one-fifth of it is currently utilized.

That extra capacity is reserved for future updates and new features that don’t exist yet. By contrast, older gas-powered cars often lack the hardware needed for large updates, limiting what automakers can improve remotely. It’s one of the primary reasons why EVs are at the forefront of the software revolution.

Mercedes goes fully digital

Mercedes is rolling out its MB.OS software platform to enable broader, faster updates; in the U.S., the company is already promoting a 2027 GLC with an MB.OS ‘supercomputer’ foundation.

Its new MBOS platform lets engineers deliver major software packages within a week, an impressive shift for a brand known for cautious perfectionism.

Mercedes now loads software after production, giving cars a clean slate that can evolve long after leaving the factory floor. It’s a bold move to stay competitive in a fast-changing market.

China’s fast lane advantage

Chinese automakers such as BYD, Nio, and Xiaomi are leading the way with lightning-fast updates and technologically packed vehicles.

Their background in smartphones and electronics gives them a big edge.
Unlike older brands bogged down by legacy systems, these companies build cars as connected devices from the start.

Updates roll out quickly, sometimes on a weekly basis, bringing new apps, features, or even power boosts. It’s no surprise their models are becoming global favorites, especially among younger drivers who expect their cars to evolve like their phones.

Mechanics turn into coders

Even local repair shops are adjusting to the new digital reality. Mechanics now need Wi-Fi, laptops, and software scanners to perform updates before finishing repairs.

A rough idle or shifting issue might no longer mean a broken part—it could just be outdated code. Shops that check for updates during service visits can prevent comebacks and boost customer satisfaction. Software maintenance has quietly become as important as oil changes once were.

Phones as the New update tool

Some startups are rethinking how cars get updates entirely. Slate Auto, a Michigan-based company backed by major investors, plans to enable owners to download updates on their phones and then plug them into their trucks.

It’s a simple, low-cost way to keep budget-friendly vehicles current without adding pricey modems or data plans. It might not be flashy, but it gives more people access to modern software features without driving up the price tag of new cars.

The details get even more interesting — take a quick look at Tesla’s European expansion.

The future runs on code

Every carmaker now wants to build vehicles that get smarter with age, not slower. But transforming a century-old manufacturing industry into a software powerhouse isn’t easy.

Tesla and China’s tech-driven automakers still lead the pack, but Mercedes, BMW, and Ford are catching up. The next decade of driving won’t just be about engines or batteries; it’ll be about how smoothly your car updates, learns, and adapts. The smartest cars of tomorrow will be defined by software, not steel.

Want to see how China’s BYD is making moves in Spain? Take a look at the details.

Read More From This Brand:

• Tesla settles lawsuits tied to 2019 California Autopilot crashes
• Rivian software to power Audi’s EV lineup starting 2028
• Tesla finally fixes the Model 3 with key updates

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.