Tesla's FSD Buyer Order Exposed: The Fine Print on Hardware Retrofits and Future Updates
Hey everyone, DennisCW here! If you're deep into the Tesla world like I am, you've probably heard Elon Musk's bold promises about taking care of Hardware 3 (HW3) owners—and maybe even HW4 down the line—with Full Self-Driving (FSD) upgrades. But what does the actual Motor Vehicle Purchase Agreement say when you plunk down your money for a Tesla? A recent discovery shared by a viewer named Ben has everyone talking. Let's break it down.
The Shocking Clause in the Fine Print
Ben bought a Launch Series Model Y about six months ago (around March or May 2025). On his purchase agreement, it clearly states "Full Self-Driving Supervised". But the real eye-opener is this paragraph on obsolete hardware and future firmware updates:
The vehicle will regularly receive over-the-air software updates that include any features and enhance existing ones over Wi-Fi. Future software updates may not be provided for your vehicle or may not include all the existing new features or functionality due to your vehicle's age, configuration, data capacity, even after expiration of your warranty. We are not liable for any parts or labor costs or any other costs needed to update or retrofit your vehicle so that it may receive these updates or any vehicle issues including after the installation of software updates due to obsolete manufacturing except of covered under warranty or damaged hardware.
Tesla is straight-up saying they won't cover hardware retrofits if your car can't keep up with future FSD updates. No free HW4 upgrades here—this is in black and white on the contract you sign.
Elon vs. The Contract: Who Do You Trust?
On one hand, Elon has repeatedly assured us that Tesla will "take care of" HW3 owners. He's hinted at robotaxi futures and unsupervised FSD for early adopters. But this contract language feels like a legal safety net. Is Tesla covering their bases, or is this a sign they might not follow through?
I can't help but wonder: Is this why Tesla pushes subscriptions over the $8,000 upfront FSD purchase? Subscriptions mean recurring revenue without long-term commitments to unsupervised FSD or hardware swaps. Buy once, and they might be on the hook forever. Smart business? Or bad for customers?
What Do You Think?
- Are you buying FSD outright, or sticking with the subscription?
- Does this verbiage change your mind about purchasing?
- HW3 owner? Are you worried?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I read them all!
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Stay charged, Tesla fam!
-DennisCW
