Tesla Hit By Worldwide App Server Outage, Some Functionalities Now Returning

Tesla was hit by a worldwide app server outage, preventing some users from connecting to their cars using their mobile devices, as first reported by Electrek on Friday, 19 November, U.S. time.

Tesla Model X. Credit: Francois Lenoir via Reuters

The extent of the outage is not known yet as it doesn’t seem to affect everyone. Some drivers have been able to use the app just fine, despite the outage, while others have complained about being locked out from their cars. The Tesla mobile app can be used as a key to unlock and start the vehicle.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said he’s already looking into the issue, personally responding to a tweet from a South Korean driver, who noted that he experienced a “500 server error" while connecting to his Model 3. Dozens of unverified reports cite similar experiences and the same error message.

Some functionalities have since returned, with the controls now being accessible, according to Electrek. However, it’s still unclear what caused the outage in the first place.

The electric transportation news site suggests that it could be related to the update Tesla pushed out to the app earlier this week. The update added a host of new features, including new customization options and improved widgets. It also shows more details about a buyer’s order from within the app, allowing them to accomplish insurance and payment requirements prior to delivery.

Electrek’s source says that Tesla has been having issues with integrating the buyer-related features into its systems, which may have caused the outage. But this has yet to be confirmed.

If you’re still experiencing issues, you should disconnect from the Tesla app, so that you can use your phone as a key via Bluetooth connection. You can alternatively use your keycard, or a keyfob if you have one.

Tesla server outages are quite rare, but this is not the first time it has happened. Last year, the company suffered from a complete network outage, which brought down its internal systems and rendered driver connectivity features inaccessible