Last week Consumer Reports announced that the Tesla Model 3 would not receive its coveted “Recommendation” since the publication found major flaws with the braking system. Once the news went viral, Tesla acted quickly with an over-the-air update that improved its braking performance and now Consumer Reports is recommending the Model 3.

Tesla Model 3

The over-the-air update improved the Tesla Model 3’s braking performance by almost 20 feet, which aligns with the results that Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced a few days ago. The software update is quite significant since such a significant remote update hasn’t really been seen before.

“I’ve been at CR for 19 years and tested more than 1,000 cars,” says Jake Fisher, director of auto testing at Consumer Reports, “and I’ve never seen a car that could improve its track performance with an over-the-air update.”

Tesla says that it improved the software for the Model 3’s antilock braking system to help it adapt better to various situations and environmental conditions. In the initial review, Consumer Reports claimed that the Model 3 needed 152 feet to stop from 60 mph, which was 7 feet longer than the Ford F-150 pickup. After the update, the Model 3 only needed 133 feet to stop from 60 mph, which was a 19 feet improvement.

Although the Model 3 is now recommended by Consumer Reports, there were other issues that the publication found with the Model 3, like its excessive wind noise, uncomfortable rear seat and harsh ride. According to Tesla it has already addressed those concerns with the vehicles that are now coming off the production line.

Source: Consumer Reports