Tesla has revised its approach to customer subscriptions for owners whose vehicles require extended service visits. The company now plans to compensate owners for lost access to digital services like Full Self-Driving and Premium Connectivity when cars are in service for more than a day. This update aims to address longstanding customer frustrations around paying for services during periods when their vehicles are unavailable, reflecting Tesla’s recent focus on improving the ownership experience. Many Tesla drivers have expressed interest in measures that help them maximize the value of their subscriptions, especially with the growing popularity of connected and autonomous features.
When compared to earlier practices, Tesla historically did not offer subscription extensions when a car was undergoing service, causing some owners to lose paid time for features such as Full Self-Driving and Premium Connectivity. Although loaner vehicles were sometimes provided, these did not include a transfer of the current owner’s subscription benefits. Electric vehicle forums and prior Tesla communications reveal that this issue has persisted over several years, with owners often voicing concern over lost access to premium features during maintenance periods. The recent policy shift suggests Tesla is responding to ongoing feedback by allowing owners to retain access to the services for which they have paid, even when their primary vehicles are temporarily out of use.
How Has Tesla Updated Its Subscription Policy?
The company has outlined that if a repair requires more than one business day, any active Full Self-Driving or Premium Connectivity subscriptions—and any free trials—will automatically be extended for the duration of the service. Earlier, Tesla’s expiring subscription model did not account for downtime, leading to partial loss of service that could not be recovered. Owners had pointed out that even a few days lost from a 30-day subscription could be significant, given the $99 monthly price of Full Self-Driving.
What Are the Implications for Owners and Service Experience?
Under this revised policy, Tesla assures customers that a loaner vehicle might be made available during their appointment, although availability may differ by location. Whether provided a loaner or not, owners who experience extended repair periods will have their subscriptions paused and later reactivated to cover the unused days. Tesla stated,
“If your repair requires more than one business day, any active subscriptions or free trials will be extended accordingly.”
This move contributes to a broader effort to build confidence in the Tesla service infrastructure, which also includes additional ways to communicate with service advisors throughout the repair process.
Why Did Tesla Adjust Communication and Loaner Vehicle Practices?
The latest policy revision comes in response to recurring customer feedback and reflects Tesla’s attempts over 2025 to strengthen their service reputation. In addition to subscription extensions, Tesla has implemented options for owners to reach service advisors more easily, aiming for smoother and more transparent repair experiences. The company emphasized its commitment by noting,
“A loaner vehicle may be available during your appointment (pending availability)—please check the app closer to your appointment for the latest updates and access details.”
These efforts signal increased attention to the details that matter to Tesla’s customer base.
Tesla’s modification of its subscription and service policy addresses a practical issue faced by many digital car owners: the need for uninterrupted value amid periodic maintenance. Features like Full Self-Driving and Premium Connectivity are central to the Tesla ownership experience, making their full availability important to customers. The new policy essentially places customer interests in better alignment with subscription billing cycles, ensuring owners do not pay for features they cannot use. Owners considering extended travel or unsure about scheduling maintenance can now plan with greater confidence, knowing that their paid digital services will not be lost during repairs. Understanding service and digital subscription terms remains an important aspect for all drivers who rely on increasingly connected vehicles.
