Limitations and Warnings

This topic includes warnings, cautions, and limitations pertaining to the following Autopilot features.

Note

Depending on market region, vehicle configuration, options purchased, and software version, your vehicle may not be equipped with all features listed above, or a feature may not operate as described.

Warning

Read the following warnings and limitations carefully before using Autopilot. Failure to follow all warnings and instructions can result in property damage, serious injury, or death.

Note

Ensure all cameras are clean and free of obstructions before each drive and before using Autopilot features (see Cleaning a Camera). Dirty cameras and sensors (if equipped), as well as environmental conditions such as rain and faded lane markings, can affect Autopilot performance. If a camera is obstructed or blinded, Model S displays a message on the instrument cluster and Autopilot features may not be available.

Traffic-Aware Cruise Control

While using Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, it is the driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive safely, and be in control of the vehicle at all times. Always keep your eyes on the road when driving and be prepared to take corrective action as needed.

In addition, it is the driver’s responsibility to cruise at a safe speed and maintain a safe following distance based on road conditions and applicable speed limits. Be aware of the following limitations while Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is active.

There may be situations where the cruising speed may not change when the speed limit changes.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control does not adapt driving speed based on road and driving conditions. Do not use Traffic-Aware Cruise Control on winding roads with sharp curves, on icy or slippery road surfaces, or when weather conditions (such as heavy rain, snow, fog, etc.) make it inappropriate to drive at a consistent speed.
Do not rely on Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to maintain an accurate or appropriate following distance.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control may be unable to provide adequate speed control because of limited braking capability and hills. It can also misjudge the distance from a vehicle ahead. Driving downhill can increase driving speed, causing Model S to exceed your set speed (and potentially the road's speed limit).
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control may occasionally cause Model S to brake when not required or when you are not expecting it. This can be caused by closely following a vehicle ahead, detecting vehicles or objects in adjacent lanes (especially on curves), etc.
Due to limitations inherent in the onboard GPS (Global Positioning System), you may experience situations in which Model S slows down, especially near exits or off-ramps where a curve is detected and/or you are navigating to a destination and not following the route.
In some cases (such as having insufficient data), Traffic-Aware Cruise Control may not automatically reduce the set speed on the highway interchange or off-ramp.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control may not detect all objects and, especially when cruising over 80 km/h, may not brake/decelerate when a vehicle or object is only partially in the driving lane or when a vehicle you are following moves out of your driving path and a stationary or slow-moving vehicle or object is in front of you.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control may react to vehicles or objects that either do not exist, or are not in your lane of travel, causing Model S to slow down unnecessarily or inappropriately.

Warning

Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is particularly unlikely to operate as intended in the following types of situations:

The road has sharp curves or significant changes in elevation.
Road signs and signals are unclear, ambiguous, or poorly maintained.
Visibility is poor (due to heavy rain, snow, hail, etc. or poorly lit roadways at night)
You are driving in a tunnel or next to a highway divider that interferes with the view of the camera(s)
Bright light (such as from oncoming headlights or direct sunlight) interferes with the view of the camera(s).

Warning

The list above does not represent an exhaustive list of situations that may interfere with proper operation of Traffic-Aware Cruise Control. Traffic-Aware Cruise Control can cancel unexpectedly at any time for unforeseen reasons. Always watch the road in front of you and stay prepared to take appropriate action. It is the driver's responsibility to be in control of Model S at all times.

Warning

Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is designed for your driving comfort and convenience and is not a collision warning or avoidance system. Never depend on Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to adequately slow down Model S. Always watch the road in front of you and be prepared to take corrective action at all times. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death.

Warning

Although Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists, never depend on Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to adequately slow Model S down for them. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death.

Autopark

CAUTION

Autopark's performance depends on the ability of the cameras and sensors (if equipped) to determine the vehicle's proximity to curbs, objects, and other vehicles. Be aware of the following warnings before and while using Autopark:

Do not use Autopark if anything, such as a ball hitch, bike rack, or trailer, is attached to the tow hitch. Autopark may not stop for hitches when parking between or in front of other vehicles.
Never depend on Autopark to find a parking space that is legal, suitable, and safe. Autopark may not always detect objects in the parking space. Always perform visual checks to confirm that a parking space is appropriate and safe.
When Autopark is actively steering Model S, the steering wheel moves in accordance with Autopark's adjustments. Do not interfere with the movement of the steering wheel. Doing so cancels Autopark.
During the parking sequence, continually check your surroundings. Be prepared to apply the brakes to avoid vehicles, pedestrians, or objects.
When Autopark is active, monitor the touchscreen to ensure that you are aware of the instructions that Autopark is providing.

CAUTION

Autopark is particularly unlikely to operate as intended in these situations:

The road is sloped. Autopark is designed to operate on flat roads only.
Visibility is poor (due to heavy rain, snow, fog, etc.).
The curb is constructed of material other than stone, or the curb cannot be detected.
The target parking space is directly adjacent to a wall or pillar (for example, the last parking space of a row in an underground parking structure).
One or more of the sensors (if equipped) or cameras is damaged, dirty, or obstructed (such as by mud, ice, or snow, or by a vehicle bra, excessive paint, or adhesive products such as wraps, stickers, rubber coating, etc.).
Weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, fog, or extremely hot or cold temperatures) are interfering with sensor (if equipped) operation.
The sensors (if equipped) are affected by other electrical equipment or electrical interference.

Warning

Many unforeseen circumstances can impair Autopark's ability to park Model S. Keep this in mind and remember that as a result, Autopark may not steer Model S appropriately. Pay attention when parking Model S and stay prepared to immediately take control.