Tesla Update 2023.44.1: Unpacking All the Undocumented Changes

December 14, 2023

By Not a Tesla App Staff

Radio favorites in update 2023.44.1 are now pinned to the top

Jessie

With every major Tesla update, there are often smaller changes or features that aren't mentioned in the release notes.

While software update 2023.44.1 was a little light on changes as Tesla prepares for its big holiday update, it did include changes to Autopilot activation, which appears to have been a requirement from NHTSA, as well as other changes such as Destination Charging Availability and Speed Assist added to more regions.

However, several changes weren’t mentioned in the release notes, which we’ve unpacked below.

Radio Favorites

Your Tesla automatically scans and displays your local radio stations. Your favorited stations are now pinned to the top of the Stations tab in the Radio app, instead of being a separate tab. This makes it easier to flip through stations, whether they’re favorites or not.

You can also tilt your left scroll wheel left and right to go to the next or previous radio station.

Messages App

The phone app no longer has tabs for messages and calendar

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The Messages app, which is used to view or reply to recently exchanged text messages is now only accessible through the Messages app icon in the All Apps menu.

The Messages app was previously accessible through a tab on the Phone app.

Calendar App

The calendar app receives some subtle design changes

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Similar to the changes in the Messages app, the Calendar is no longer accessible through the Phone app and now needs to be brought up by either tapping the app icon or touching the time at the top of the display.

The Calendar app has also received some minor design changes.

All Apps Menu

You can now access your wipers and defrost options in the All Apps menu while driving

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The All Apps menu, which is accessible in the app icons along the bottom of the screen, now displays app icons centered on the screen, instead of being left-aligned.

Certain functions such as wipers, heated steering wheel and defrost icons are now also available while in drive.

Service Mode Improvements

Service Mode has added several changes as well, which are aimed as troubleshooting issues in your vehicle

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Service Mode has been updated with various new panels and improvements.

The new panels include a new software section that lets you verify the software version installed and diagnose issues related to the infotainment center, Autopilot, and maps. There is a new section for 'High Voltage Interlock Loop,' as well as a new option in the Air Suspension panel that lets you inflate the air suspension reservoir.

Other changes include Chinese language support and a new feedback section for Service Mode Plus users.

Service Mode should only be accessed by technicians and owners who are familiar with it and aware of the risks involved. The vehicle should not be driven with Service Mode engaged, as various safety features are turned off.

This appears to be it as far as changes in update 2023.44, however, the holiday update is almost upon us and it is sure to be packed with features, as well as probably a few undocumented changes as well.

Last week, Tesla said that the holiday update would roll out this week, however, we wonder if the NHTSA-required changes will affect its release.

Tesla Issues Physical Recall for Some Model 3 & Model Y Vehicles Over Seat Fasteners

June 27, 2025

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

Tesla has issued a new, voluntary safety recall for a small batch of Model 3 and Model Y vehicles due to an issue with improperly tightened fasteners in the first-row seats.

The recall impacts only about 48 vehicles and will require a Tesla service visit to resolve.

Improperly Tightened Fasteners

According to the recall notice, the issue stems from the first-row seating that may have been manufactured with improperly torqued fasteners that attach the seat back to the seat bottom. In some cases, the fasteners may be loose or missing, which could cause a rattle or the seat to detach.

This is a critical safety issue, as a seat back that is not properly anchored could detach, leaving the driver or passenger unsupported and increasing the risk of an accident.

According to Tesla’s investigation, this issue originated from a production change made for vehicles manufactured between April 3rd and May 7th of 2025. However, not all vehicles built within that date are impacted by the recall. The issue impacts 30 2026 Model Ys and 18 2025 Model 3s, across all variants, including RWD, AWD, and Performance (for the Model 3).

Thankfully, there have been no incidents related to this issue to date.

The Fix

Since this is a physical recall, Tesla will have to inspect impacted vehicles and replace and properly retorque the seat fasteners as needed, free of charge.

Owners of vehicles who have been impacted have already been contacted under the voluntary recall, and most vehicles should have been repaired by the time this notice is formally issued.

You can also check if your VIN is impacted by a recall using Tesla’s Recall Tool.

Tesla has noted the repair should take approximately one hour of work at a Service Center, and up to two hours if a Mobile Ranger addresses the recall.

Tesla Robotaxi Sends Out More Invites: Next Phases of Robotaxi

June 27, 2025

By Karan Singh

@TerrapinTerpene

Following the successful launch of Robotaxi on Sunday, June 22nd, Tesla has begun moving to the next phase of its Robotaxi rollout. They have finally begun sending out a second, larger wave of invites, expanding the early access program to more members of the Tesla community across the United States.

This has moved them past the initial 20 or so users that were offered access on Sunday. That also means Tesla is on the hunt for something crucial: more real-world data.

More Riders ASAP

The initial launch was a tightly controlled event, with access granted to a small and curated group of influencers. While this approach was ideal for generating initial buzz for the launch and collecting feedback from high-quality testers, it also presented logistical challenges.

With only a handful of authorized riders and vehicles, the demand for rides would inevitably dry up as influencers begin their journeys back home. Without a public release, that would leave Tesla’s Robotaxi fleet idle, unable to gather additional data.

To rapidly improve on Robotaxi’s FSD, Tesla needs its vehicles to be constantly navigating real-world scenarios, encountering edge cases, and logging miles. The second round of invites is needed to keep Robotaxis learning and on the road.

Austin Users Next?

This new wave of invites isn’t an open door for members of the public quite yet. By continuing to send invites to trusted community members, Tesla is executing a slow and deliberate rollout by inviting members who know and love Tesla. This allows them to scale the program gradually, increasing the number of users and the diversity of ride requests without overwhelming the relatively small initial fleet of about 10 cars.

Future phases will likely involve opening access to Tesla owners within Austin, which would open up a regular flow of rides. Once that’s done, Robotaxi will likely open up to the public.

Sign of Confidence

The expansion of the early access program is a sign that Tesla is happy and confident with the rollout so far. While Tesla can gather plenty of data around Austin from Tesla owners using FSD, they also need to continue testing features that are exclusive to the Robotaxi, such as the Robotaxi app, support, and remotely control the vehicles when needed.

We expect a full launch to potentially still be months out, but this methodical expansion will likely see more users gradually gain access to the Robotaxi network in the coming weeks.