In the competitive arena of electric vehicles, Tesla Inc. has long positioned its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology as a cornerstone of innovation, promising a future where cars navigate autonomously. Yet, recent consumer sentiment appears to be shifting dramatically against this feature, potentially undermining the company’s market dominance.

A comprehensive survey conducted by Slingshot Strategies, detailed in its August Electric Vehicle Intelligence Report, polled over 8,000 Americans and revealed stark reservations about FSD. Only 14% of respondents indicated that the technology would make them more inclined to purchase a Tesla, while a substantial 35% said it actively deters them from considering the brand.

Consumer Backlash Against Autonomous Promises

This reluctance stems from broader concerns about safety and reliability. Nearly half of those surveyed—48%—went so far as to assert that Tesla’s FSD should be outright illegal, citing fears of accidents and insufficient regulatory oversight. The findings, highlighted in a report by Futurism, underscore a growing disconnect between Tesla’s aggressive marketing of FSD and public perception, especially as CEO Elon Musk continues to tout its capabilities despite ongoing beta testing and supervised requirements.

Industry observers note that these results align with persistent criticisms of FSD’s real-world performance. For instance, incidents involving the system have drawn scrutiny from regulators, including investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The survey’s demographic weighting—accounting for education, race, gender, age, income, and geography—lends credibility to its portrayal of widespread unease.

Implications for Tesla’s Market Strategy

Tesla’s FSD, priced at around $8,000 as an add-on or available via subscription, has been marketed as a premium feature that could eventually enable robotaxi services. However, the survey suggests it’s becoming a liability rather than an asset. As reported in CNBC, despite Musk’s exhaustive promotion, U.S. consumers are increasingly turned off, with many preferring vehicles from competitors like General Motors or Waymo that emphasize more incremental autonomous advancements.

This consumer pushback could force Tesla to recalibrate its approach. Analysts point out that while FSD adoption rates hover below 15% in North America, according to earlier data from Tesla’s own disclosures, the technology’s unpopularity might erode brand loyalty. Posts on social platforms like X (formerly Twitter) reflect divided opinions, with some users praising FSD’s potential while others echo the survey’s safety concerns, though such anecdotal sentiments remain inconclusive.

Broader Industry Ramifications and Regulatory Horizons

For the automotive sector at large, these findings signal caution in the rush toward full autonomy. Rivals are watching closely; companies like Ford and Volkswagen have opted for hybrid systems that blend human oversight with AI, potentially gaining an edge in consumer trust. The Slingshot survey, as covered in TechSpot, also reveals that 83% of respondents demand greater transparency on safety, a call that could amplify pressure on Tesla amid global regulatory delays.

Looking ahead, Tesla’s path forward may involve enhancing FSD’s supervised features or pivoting to more palatable semi-autonomous options. With the company’s valuation partly tied to autonomous ambitions—estimated at a potential $60 billion market—addressing these perceptions is critical. Failure to do so risks alienating a consumer base already wary of overpromises, as evidenced by the survey’s damning verdict.

Shifting Sentiments in a High-Stakes Arena

Ultimately, the backlash against FSD highlights a pivotal tension in the EV industry: the allure of cutting-edge tech versus the imperative of proven safety. As Tesla navigates this challenge, industry insiders will monitor whether software updates or marketing overhauls can reverse the tide. For now, the survey paints a picture of skepticism that could reshape competitive dynamics, urging all players to prioritize consumer confidence over hype.