Customer Reviews (500)

Motofreakr85 • 2025-03-25T00:01:05-07:00

Everything is great, only thing WE NEED now with all the vandalizing going on rn is MORE SENSITIVE SENTRY NOTIFICATIONS. I want to have the option to be notified when someone is close to my car not only if the alarm is being set off. 3rd parties offer this for a cost, but it should already be included into the native app. Update ASAP!!

RushFaster • 2025-03-24T19:48:46-07:00

Love the Tesla app.

Adli Lima • 2025-03-24T17:53:39-07:00

Each update brings more errors, they should test before sending to customers

Summary of Key Insights

The Tesla app generally receives very positive reviews, with a significant majority of users awarding it 5 stars (76.2%). Users praise its seamless integration with Tesla vehicles, ease of use, comprehensive control features, and frequent updates. However, there are recurring issues related to connectivity problems, occasional bugs, and feature requests, particularly regarding sentry mode notifications, Powerwall functionality, and the ability to customize the app interface. A small but vocal minority expresses dissatisfaction with customer service and specific features like Tesla Insurance. Despite these issues, the overall sentiment towards the app is overwhelmingly positive, with many users considering it a key differentiator for Tesla compared to other automotive brands.

Key Strengths: Seamless integration with Tesla vehicles, comprehensive control features, ease of use, frequent updates, and unique features like Sentry Mode and Summon.

Key Weaknesses: Connectivity issues, occasional bugs (especially after updates), customer service concerns, and limitations in customization options.

Overall Sentiment: Overwhelmingly positive

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating (Implied): High (based on the strong skew towards 5-star reviews)
  • Score Distribution: {"1":11.2,"2":4.0,"3":2.2,"4":6.4,"5":76.2} (Percentages calculated from the provided counts: 56, 20, 11, 32, 381)
  • Percentage of 5-star Reviews: 76.2%
  • Percentage of 4-star Reviews: 6.4%
  • Percentage of 1-star Reviews: 11.2%

Data & Methodology Overview

Data Sample Size: 500 reviews Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but the reviews appear to be relatively recent, spanning from the past few weeks to several months. There is at least one review referring to March 2025. Analysis Methods: The analysis was primarily qualitative, involving manual review and categorization of user feedback. Keyword extraction and sentiment analysis were implicitly performed to identify recurring themes, pain points, feature requests, and overall sentiment.

Key User Pain Points

  • Connectivity Issues: Many users report intermittent connectivity problems, where the app fails to communicate with the car, especially when using the phone as a key.
  • Bugs After Updates: Some users experience new bugs or the reappearance of old ones after app updates, impacting functionality and usability. Examples include loss of solar history, widgets not working, and phone key issues.
  • Customer Service: A significant minority complains about poor customer service, difficulty reaching support, and slow response times.
  • Tesla Insurance: Some users consider Tesla Insurance a "scam," citing arbitrary score reductions and increased premiums.
  • Powerwall Issues: Several users report problems with Powerwall integration, including incorrect data display, missing data, and difficulties scheduling support.
  • App Lag: Some users reported app lag.

Frequently Requested Features

  • More Sensitive Sentry Notifications: Users want notifications when someone is near the car, not just when the alarm is triggered.
  • Customizable Sentry Criteria for Notifications: Allow users to choose which Sentry Mode events trigger notifications.
  • Ability to Set AMPs for Charging Schedules: Provide the option to set the charging amperage within the charging schedule.
  • AI Chatbot for Tesla Documentation: Integrate an AI chatbot that provides up-to-date information from official Tesla documentation.
  • Independent Seat Heater/Steering Wheel Control: Allow users to activate seat heaters and the heated steering wheel without turning on the full climate control system.
  • Wiper Service Mode Remote Activation: Add a remote option to enable wiper service mode for winter use.
  • 360 View: Users want a 360-degree camera view of the car.
  • Trip Planning Feature: Add a comprehensive trip planning feature within the app.
  • Option to Unlock All Doors: Give users the option to unlock all doors at once, either through the app or in the car settings.
  • Fan Speed Control: Allow users to control fan speed when turning on climate from the app.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Seamless Integration: Users consistently praise the app's seamless integration with Tesla vehicles, making it easy to control various functions remotely.
  • Ease of Use: The app is generally considered user-friendly and intuitive.
  • Comprehensive Control: Users appreciate the wide range of control features, including climate control, door locks, charging management, and Sentry Mode.
  • Regular Updates: Users value the frequent updates that add new features and improve existing ones.
  • Sentry Mode: Sentry Mode is a highly praised feature, providing security and peace of mind.
  • Summon Feature: The Summon feature is considered a unique and useful addition.
  • Phone as a Key: The ability to use the phone as a key is a popular and convenient feature.
  • Powerwall Integration: Users with Powerwall appreciate the ability to monitor and manage their home energy usage.
  • Apple Watch Support: Recent Apple Watch support is well received.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Improve App Connectivity: Address the recurring connectivity issues that prevent users from reliably using their phones as keys and controlling their vehicles remotely. Investigate the root causes of these issues and implement solutions to improve reliability.
  • Enhance Testing Before Updates: Implement more rigorous testing procedures before releasing app updates to minimize the introduction of new bugs or the reemergence of old ones.
  • Improve Customer Service Responsiveness: Increase customer service staffing and improve response times to address user complaints and technical issues promptly. Consider implementing a live chat feature or a dedicated support phone line.
  • Address Tesla Insurance Concerns: Review the Tesla Insurance scoring algorithm and address user concerns about arbitrary score reductions and increased premiums. Provide more transparency and clarity regarding the factors that influence insurance rates.

Medium Priority:

  • Implement Customizable Sentry Notifications: Allow users to customize Sentry Mode notification criteria to reduce false alarms and provide more relevant alerts.
  • Add Independent Seat Heater/Steering Wheel Control: Provide separate controls for seat heaters and the heated steering wheel, allowing users to activate them without turning on the full climate control system.
  • Improve Powerwall Data Accuracy: Investigate and resolve issues related to inaccurate Powerwall data display and reporting.
  • Implement Fan Speed Control: Allow users to control fan speed when turning on climate from the app.

Low Priority:

  • Add Wiper Service Mode Remote Activation: Provide a remote option to enable wiper service mode for winter use.
  • Implement 360 View: Add a 360-degree camera view of the car.
  • Add a Trip Planning Feature: Add a comprehensive trip planning feature within the app.
  • Implement an AI Chatbot for Tesla Documentation: Integrate an AI chatbot that provides up-to-date information from official Tesla documentation.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Enhanced Tesla App Notification Service: A third-party app that provides more granular control over Sentry Mode notifications and other vehicle alerts, with advanced filtering and customization options.
  • Tesla Data Analytics Platform: A service that provides detailed insights into Tesla vehicle performance, charging habits, and energy usage, with advanced reporting and data visualization tools.
  • Tesla Service Concierge: A service that helps Tesla owners schedule service appointments, communicate with Tesla support, and resolve technical issues more efficiently.
  • Tesla Insurance Optimization Tool: An app that analyzes driving data and provides personalized recommendations to improve Tesla Insurance scores and reduce premiums.
  • Community-Driven Supercharger Review Platform: An app that allows Tesla owners to share real-time information about Supercharger availability, charging speeds, and amenities, helping drivers plan their trips more effectively.

Trends and Observations

  • Positive Sentiment Dominance: The vast majority of reviews are positive, indicating a high level of satisfaction with the app.
  • Feature Requests Driven by User Needs: Feature requests are often driven by specific user needs, such as improved winter driving features or more granular control over vehicle settings.
  • Impact of Updates: App updates can have a significant impact on user sentiment, with both positive and negative reviews often mentioning recent updates.
  • Polarizing Comments: There are polarized comments about the app, often tied to the CEO.
  • "Better than other apps" comparison: Many users compare the Tesla app favorably to other automotive apps, highlighting its superior functionality and ease of use.
  • "Keep getting better" trend: Many users mention the app keeps getting better.
  • "Haters" accusation: Some users accuse negative reviewers of being "haters" who don't own Teslas or are biased.

Conclusion

The Tesla app is a valuable asset for Tesla owners, providing a seamless and convenient way to control and monitor their vehicles and energy products. While the app has many strengths, including its comprehensive features, ease of use, and regular updates, there are areas for improvement, such as addressing connectivity issues, enhancing testing before updates, and improving customer service responsiveness. By prioritizing these recommendations, Tesla can further enhance the app experience and maintain its competitive advantage in the EV market.

Overall Recommendation: Continue to invest in improving the Tesla app, focusing on addressing connectivity issues, enhancing testing, and improving customer service. By prioritizing these areas, Tesla can further enhance the app experience and maintain its competitive advantage.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tesla/id582007913?uo=2