Tesla Says Fixes on Full Self-Driving’s Two Biggest Issues Are on the Way

Tesla is preparing to address two of the most frequently cited shortcomings in its Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite: pothole avoidance and navigation. The updates, confirmed by company leadership, aim to resolve persistent issues that have kept the software in a supervised state.

What Happened

Phil Duan, Director of Engineering at Tesla AI, stated in a post on X that improvements to both pothole avoidance and navigation "are coming." While such promises have been made previously, the source notes that current developments suggest a potential shift in progress. Pothole avoidance was first listed as an "Upcoming Improvement" in the FSD v14.3 update in early April 2026, but it has not yet appeared in main release notes. The source indicates Tesla’s modeling of sudden road condition changes, such as large bumps and potholes, has been weak, leading to frequent driver interventions.

Regarding navigation, the system has historically struggled with local traffic rules and inefficient routing. Recent updates introduced "Preferred Routes" alongside "Automatic Navigation," which prioritizes roads the driver has previously taken rather than defaulting to the vehicle’s calculated most efficient path. This feature has reportedly reduced some routing complaints, though issues with parking lot exits and occasional strange route suggestions remain.

Why It Matters

Pothole avoidance and navigation are critical barriers to advancing Full Self-Driving from a supervised suite to a more autonomous experience. Until these issues are resolved, drivers must remain attentive during operation to prevent unsafe maneuvers or unnecessary disengagements. Improving the system’s ability to identify road hazards and adhere to local traffic laws is essential for reducing driver friction and increasing trust in the software. The reliance on features like "Preferred Routes" highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing algorithmic efficiency with real-world driving preferences and regulatory compliance.

The Bottom Line

Tesla has confirmed that fixes for pothole avoidance and navigation are in the works, following months of development since these items were first flagged in update notes. The success of these improvements will likely determine the next phase of Full Self-Driving’s rollout and its acceptance among users.