Tesla Releases FSD V13.2.1 - What's New

DirtyTesla

Last night Tesla released FSD V13.2.1 with software update 2024.39.15. While the update is still going out in very small waves, it’s the first time FSD V13 has gone out to users beyond the initial early-access testers.

The update is going out to all HW4-based models, including the new Model S/X and the Model 3/Y, and includes the Cybertruck for the first time.

FSD V13

FSD V13 adds various new features, including the ability to start FSD from Park, Reverse, and Park at Destination. However, not all features are available on the Cybertruck yet. You can check out our detailed examination of the FSD V13.2 features here.

Start FSD from Park is also called Unpark - and it means that you can select your destination, and then tap and hold the new Start FSD button. FSD will engage, shift out of park, and into drive or reverse to get to your destination.

Next up, FSD is now capable of driving in reverse. It can now shift into reverse as required and will shift between the three gears as needed (Reverse, Drive, and Park). This means that FSD can now perform 3-point turns when necessary.

Finally, when FSD reaches its destination, it will navigate to an open parking spot if one is nearby and available. For now, FSD will only look for open parking spots, but soon you’ll be able to pick what the vehicle should do when arriving at its destination.

Take a look at the video below of one of the first drives of FSD V13.2.1.

V13 is MINDBLOWING.

Here’s the first drive video with FSD v13.2.1. 31 mins from parking lot to parking spot with ZERO disengagements or interventions. I can’t believe how smooth it is- it’s incredible.

This is it folks, it’s here. @elonmusk @Tesla_AI pic.twitter.com/uZvxsgRmJA

— Zack (@BLKMDL3) December 16, 2024

What’s New

This update is essentially a bug fix for the Model S, 3, X, and Y. However, the Cybertruck is receiving a modified release that’s missing several features compared to the other vehicles receiving 13.2.1. Here’s what’s missing from the Cybertruck version:

First off, Cybertruck does not get integrated Park, Unpark, and Reverse for the time being. In addition, there still isn’t support Actually Smart Summon in this release. With this update, Tesla is calling out the “Start FSD (Supervised) from Park” feature as a separate item in the release notes due to some changes (more on this below), but this is also not available on the Cybertruck.

This is likely because further refinements are needed for Cybertruck to be able to park itself or move accurately in tight spaces. The Cyebrtruck is significantly larger than other Tesla vehicles, and Tesla is likely waiting for more validation tests before releasing Summon or the Park-related features outside of Auto Park. T

Two other items missing from the Cybertruck version are Improved Camera Cleaning and the Redesigned Controller for smoother and more accurate tracking. Both are listed in the upcoming improvements section for the Cybertruck. Everything else in the release notes is identical to the other models.

Interestingly, this update still does not include the holiday update, so while users on FSD V13.2.1 get to enjoy the latest FSD build, they still do not have access to the features in the Holiday Update.

Start FSD From Park

WifeDirtyTesla

While FSD V13.2 included Start FSD from Park, it’s getting some changes in this update. Tesla is now specifying that the driver must be in the driver’s seat and buckled and that the camera camera must be unobstructed.

The process for starting FSD from Park has also been slightly adjusted. By default, you’ll need to tap and hold the Start FSD button after meeting the requirement above, but after pressing the on-screen button, you’ll also need to press the brake pedal before FSD is activated.

This seems like an additional safeguard to prevent accidental use of the feature, but it is optional. You can turn off the additional safety measure by going to Controls > Autopilot and turning on Start FSD (Supervised) from Park.

This feature is expected to arrive for the Cybertruck in a future release.

Upcoming Improvements

The Upcoming Improvements section doesn’t mention any features that weren’t previously mentioned in the FSD 13.2 update, which includes the following features:

• 3x model size scaling

• 3x model context length scaling

• Audio inputs for better handling of emergency vehicles

• Improved reward predictions for navigation

• Improvements to false braking and slower driving in parking lots

• Support for destination options including pulling over, parking in a spot, driveway, or garage

• Efficient representation of maps and navigation inputs

• Improved handling of camera occlusions

That’s an extensive list of upcoming improvements for FSD V13, so we’ll be seeing lots of changes and improvements as FSD approaches its Unsupervised phase in the near future.

Hardware 3?

Sadly, Tesla did not mention HW3 in their previous roadmap update and hasn’t referred to it since the original roadmap update. HW3 vehicles recently received the Holiday Update alongside FSD V12.5.4.2, which is the latest FSD build for HW3.

Besides saying that a future hardware upgrade will be available if Tesla can not achieve Unsupervised FSD on HW3, Tesla has been mum on the situation. However, there’s no word on whether FSD V13 will be made available on HW3 vehicles before such an upgrade is available.

There’s a good chance that Tesla will create a smaller model version of FSD V13 that’s capable of running on HW3 and is capable of some of the same abilities we’re seeing on HW4-based vehicles running FSD V13. However, it’s clear that Tesla’s focus is achieving Unsupervised FSD and meeting their goal of running it out next year.

HW3 vehicles are still waiting on the merger of the city and highway stack, so we’re hopeful we’ll see that, at least that, if not V13 in the coming months.

Update: This FSD update (V13.2.1) is now going out to all HW4 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. Read our article here on when you can expect to receive it.

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Tesla HW3 Not Dead Yet - Ability to Reverse Coming Soon

Scotty4Scott

The reports of HW3’s death have been greatly exaggerated. With FSD V12.6.1 finally beginning to make its way to HW3 Model Ys, Tesla’s AI team is still hard at work improving FSD on Hardware 3 vehicles - and we’ve definitely seen a great step forward since V12.5 with the latest releases.

While Model 3 vehicles are still waiting for V12.6.1 to roll out to them, we’re already looking at the future of new features on HW3.

Reverse Confirmed

In a post on X, Elon Musk confirmed that reverse would be making its way to Hardware 3 vehicles soon. He jokingly pointed out that it probably stresses out the AI model quite a bit. The path planner currently thinks it can reverse, putting the vehicle in situations where it’s required to reverse, such as lining up for a three point turn. Right now FSD will draw squiggly lines all over the screen with its path planner.

FSD usually won’t give up until it really cannot move any further - it will inch as far forward as it can, and try planning the path to a three-point-turn. For now, FSD on HW3 vehicles isn’t allowed to shift in reverse outside of AutoPark, so it can’t continue and will stall out, waiting for a user intervention.

With FSD V13 for HW4, we saw vehicles gain the ability to Unpark, reverse and start FSD from park. It’s possible that when HW3 vehicles gain the ability to reverse, it may also include some of these other abilities, which truly start making FSD seem human-like.

Cybertruck’s FSD Too

As an aside, the Cybertruck’s build of FSD V13.2 is also not capable of reversing just yet. While the Cybertruck can AutoPark, it cannot Unpark, Park, or be Actually Smart Summoned quite yet - among other missing features. 

Tesla’s official Cybertruck account also commented on Elon’s post - mentioning it's like an itch that can’t be scratched. Here’s hoping that Cybertruck also gets the chance to reverse soon as well.

All in all, it’s a big positive that Elon, as well as Tesla’s VP of AI - Ashok Elluswamy - have continued to acknowledge that changes and improvements for FSD on Hardware 3 vehicles are still coming. With this, and the knowledge that Tesla could potentially look at a hardware retrofit in the future if they can’t achieve Unsupervised FSD, we feel like it is far too early to say Hardware 3 is dead.

The question is - will the new Reverse feature push the build to V13? Or will we see FSD V12.7 next? Let us know what you think in the forums or on social media.

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Tesla Says It's Working on a Comprehensive Camera Cleaning Solution

TesBros

Tesla vehicles rely heavily on external cameras for their advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and the future of fully autonomous robotaxis. However, driving in bad weather presents a significant challenge: keeping those cameras clean. Without a reliable cleaning solution, Robotaxis, which depend entirely on vision, cannot function safely and effectively.

Tesla owner Chuck Cook recently brought up this issue on X, saying to the Tesla AI team, “While I agree cleaning cameras while supervised is definitely something we need to consider... having an official post from @Tesla_AI about cleaning our own cameras is a bit concerning. You have a plan for this, right? Unsupervised can’t have customers wiping cameras.”

The Tesla_AI team responded, “On a more serious note, a more comprehensive cleaning solution is being worked on.”

Front Cameras

With the redesigned 2025 Model Y, Tesla introduced a front-facing camera, joining the Cybertruck in this regard. The Model S and Model X are also slated to receive this upgrade in the future and we eventually expect all Tesla vehicles to come with one standard.

Camera Washers

While the addition of a front camera is a step forward, it introduces another yet camera that needs to be cleaned.

Currently, the Cybertruck is the only known Tesla model equipped with a dedicated camera washer. This system drips water onto the front camera lens, allowing the wind to blow the moisture away. While it’s a simple and effective feature, it’s unclear whether Tesla implemented a similar feature in the new Model Y.

Rear Camera Shield

Sawyer Merritt/X

Tesla recently added a small shield around the rear camera to reduce the amount of dirt and water splashing onto the lens. Additionally, the rear camera on the new Model Y was relocated from above the license plate to the trunk lid. This repositioning presumably helps keep the lens cleaner by reducing its exposure to road spray.

While these adjustments are helpful, they don’t fully solve the issue, especially in harsher environments with constant rain, snow, or road debris.

Potential Solutions

There are several possible ways Tesla could address this issue:

1. Camera Washers: Expanding the Cybertruck’s washer feature to all external cameras or at least to the rear camera could provide a straightforward solution for keeping lenses clean.

2. Lens Coatings: Applying special coatings that repel water, dirt, and debris could reduce buildup on camera lenses. However, these coatings would still have limitations in extreme weather conditions.

3. Software Alerts: Software already notifies drivers when a camera is obstructed or dirty, but this wouldn’t solve the issue without a hardware solution to physically clean the lens.

Given that the new Model Y has already been announced, it doesn’t sound like Tesla incorporated a “comprehensive” solution to the dirty camera issue.

Tesla’s Solution?

Tesla’s mention of working on a “comprehensive cleaning solution” raises questions about what’s in development. The new Model Y doesn’t appear to feature anything we’d classify as comprehensive, and it’s unclear whether it even has a front camera washer like the Cybertruck.

One potential solution could tie into Tesla’s Robotaxi plans. Tesla is building hubs for its Robotaxis, where vehicles can be cleaned and maintained using robotic systems. These cleaning hubs could include robotic arms that wipe down exterior cameras when needed.

While this approach may work for Robotaxis in most situations, it doesn’t address the needs of private Tesla owners who rely on their vehicles daily. Tesla may assume that individual owners can manually clean their cameras as needed.

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