The Top Ten WORST New Car Tech That We Didn't Ask For! | Ep. 338

A timing belt synchronizes the crankshaft and camshaft so the engine’s valves open at the correct time. If it fails, the engine can suffer major internal damage, which is why timing-belt service is often expensive.

The alternator generates electricity to power the vehicle’s electrical systems and recharge the battery while the engine is running. A failing alternator can cause warning lights, battery drain, and eventual no-start conditions.

Hail damage is impact damage from hailstones, often leaving dents, chipped paint, and sometimes compromised body panels. Even when it’s mostly cosmetic, it can affect resale value and may require paintless dent repair or bodywork.

A full leather package is a trim option that typically replaces cloth seats and some interior surfaces with leather. It’s used here as part of the pricing justification because it changes the vehicle’s equipment level and buyer appeal.

The Honda Ridgeline is a midsize pickup known for its car-like ride and unibody construction. In this segment, it’s used as a retail comparison point for pricing and equipment/mileage differences.

The Fiat 500 is a compact, city-focused car from Fiat, known for its small size and classic “retro” styling. In this segment, it’s specifically discussed as a SEMA-built example that was rust-free and cosmetically well kept.

SEMA refers to the Specialty Equipment Market Association, which hosts an annual show where automakers and aftermarket companies build special vehicles to showcase parts and styling. Calling it a “SEMA car” usually means it was built or imported specifically for that show, often with unique components and presentation.

The Sports 800 refers to the classic sports car known for its small size and lightweight, enthusiast-focused character. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as a swap/exchange after losing money on another deal, which suggests it was part of a car-ownership story or collection. That makes it relevant as a classic model tied to personal experience rather than modern tech.

“Kick to open tailgate” is a hands-free liftgate feature that uses a motion sensor to detect a foot kick under the rear bumper. When it senses the kick, it unlocks and raises the tailgate, which can be handy when your hands are full.

The Polestar 4 is an all-electric crossover designed with a strong focus on driver experience and a clean, modern interior. The podcast specifically notes that one version has no buttons on the key fob, which highlights Polestar’s push toward simplified, touch-based or app-based controls. That’s a detail that affects how you interact with the car day to day.

The Polestar 1 is a plug-in hybrid grand tourer from Polestar, combining electric drive with a gasoline engine. The podcast questions it with a “why?” reaction, which often reflects confusion about its role, value, or how it fits into the broader EV and hybrid market. It’s mentioned as a specific model that didn’t land the way the speaker expected.

The Tesla Model Y is an electric crossover that’s known for using phone-based access and keyless entry features. In this segment, it’s referenced as the car they currently have, specifically in the context of using a credit-card-style key for valet or backup access.

A “credit card version” refers to a thin, card-shaped key that can be used for vehicle access instead of a traditional key fob. It’s meant to be convenient—especially for situations like valet parking or when your phone isn’t available—but it still requires correct placement on the car for the antenna to read it.

Valets are parking attendants who drive and park your car for you. This segment highlights why a card-style key can be useful for valets—so you can leave the car with them without handing over a phone or traditional key.

The B-pillar is the vertical structural support between the front and rear doors. For keyless entry systems that use a card or fob, the car often needs the key placed near a specific antenna location—here, roughly halfway up the B-pillar—so the car can detect it.

The Tesla Model X is an all-electric SUV from Tesla, designed to combine family-friendly space with electric performance. It’s referenced in the podcast alongside the Model S key fob, pointing to how Tesla’s key design and access features can feel similar across models. That makes it relevant when discussing day-to-day interaction with the car.

The Tesla Model S is an all-electric luxury sedan from Tesla, known for its tech-heavy interior and performance-oriented driving. It comes up in conversations about key fobs and user experience because Tesla’s design language is consistent across models. In this podcast, it’s referenced alongside the Model X to compare how the key fobs look and feel.

Using a phone as a key means the car unlocks and starts via a smartphone connection (typically Bluetooth and/or NFC) instead of a traditional metal key fob. The downside is that if the phone connection fails or the system glitches, you can be locked out or lose access to functions until it’s fixed.

Over-the-air (OTA) updates are software downloads sent directly to the car without visiting a dealership. They can improve features or fix bugs, but they can also introduce new problems if an update behaves unexpectedly.

A dual purpose window switch is a control that’s designed to do more than one job—here, combining functions that used to be handled by separate buttons. The complaint is that it forces drivers to “toggle” instead of using dedicated switches, which can be slower and more error-prone in real-world situations.

The Volkswagen ID Buzz is an electric, retro-styled van based on Volkswagen’s ID electric platform. In this segment, TFL Car Chat calls out a specific usability issue they experienced on the ID Buzz related to the vehicle’s window controls.

This refers to a user-interface design where you switch between functions using a single control (toggle) rather than having separate, dedicated buttons. The hosts argue that while it can sound logical in theory, it can become frustrating or unsafe in busy driving moments because you have to think and confirm what mode you’re in.

The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car line known for practicality, strong driving dynamics, and broad availability of trims. In the podcast, it’s referenced through the context of a “new GLI” they have, which is a performance-oriented Golf variant. That makes the Golf relevant as a familiar platform where enthusiasts often discuss updates and features.

A digital rear view mirror replaces the traditional mirror-and-glass setup with a camera feed displayed in the mirror housing. In cars like the Polestar 4 (which lacks a rear window), it becomes the primary way to see traffic behind you.

In modern vehicles, rear-view cameras replace or supplement traditional mirrors and windows by showing a live video feed. The concern raised here is that if the camera system fails, the driver may lose the ability to see behind the vehicle.

The Tesla Cybertruck is known for its angular, futuristic design and its unconventional visibility choices. In this segment, the hosts criticize the small rear window and argue Tesla should have used a camera-driven rear view instead of relying on limited glass.

In this context, “electric doors” refers to door operation that relies on electrical actuation rather than purely mechanical linkages. The hosts are criticizing how this design can introduce new failure points, especially when paired with retracting door handles.

Retractable door handles are door handles that slide in and out of the body using an actuator. The hosts argue this is “new car tech” that can be annoying or costly when the mechanism wears out or fails.

Microswitches are small, sensitive electrical switches used to detect a specific position or trigger an action. The hosts mention microswitches as part of Tesla’s later refinement to the retracting handle system, implying improved sensing/control.

A physical pivot for the door handle means the handle movement is guided by a mechanical hinge-like linkage rather than relying entirely on electronic pop-out actuation. The hosts credit this as a mitigation because it reduces how much the handle must “electronically pop out.”

Electric door handles replace the usual mechanical linkage with an electronically actuated latch/handle. Because there’s no purely mechanical backup path, a failure can leave you unable to open the door normally, so manufacturers often add a secondary backup method.

The Tesla Model 3 is Tesla’s mainstream electric sedan, built to deliver electric driving with a more accessible size and price than the Model S. It’s discussed here in the context of physical details like how keys and door areas are designed. That kind of mention usually points to how Tesla’s packaging and controls differ from traditional cars.

The EX60 is referenced in the context of solving a specific problem with how the car operates, and the speaker compares that approach to Tesla’s solutions. While the transcript doesn’t spell out the exact issue, the key point is that the EX60 handled it in a way that worked well for the speaker. It’s being used as an example of a design/engineering choice that improves real-world behavior.

The DC battery refers to the high-voltage battery pack in an EV, which stores energy as direct current. The hosts say the electric door handle can draw power from both the 12V system and the high-voltage DC battery to improve reliability.

In EVs, the 12-volt battery is the low-voltage system that powers many conventional car electronics (like control modules and actuators). The hosts describe using the 12V battery as part of the power redundancy for the electric door handle.

This describes a design where the car first attempts to open the door using an electric mechanism, then switches to a mechanical method if you keep actuating the handle. It’s meant to reduce the chance of being trapped if the electric system fails.

An electronic door handle uses sensors and actuators to release the latch, rather than relying purely on a direct mechanical linkage. In an emergency, that can be a problem if the electronics are affected—so some cars add a mechanical backup release.

A mechanical release is a direct, non-electronic way to unlatch a door. The hosts are highlighting that this backup can work even when the car’s electronics are compromised, such as during an escape from a submerged vehicle.

“Door handle failing” here refers to a mechanical/electronic actuation problem with the door handle mechanism. On many modern cars (including Teslas), the handle is integrated with sensors and actuators, so a failure can require more than just a simple mechanical fix.

“Event controls in the screen” points to infotainment/UI controls where functions are triggered via the touchscreen rather than dedicated physical buttons. This can be frustrating because touchscreen interfaces can be less intuitive, slower to operate while driving, and more expensive to repair if the screen or control logic has issues.

The C8 Corvette is Chevrolet’s mid-engine Corvette generation, meaning the engine sits behind the driver instead of up front. That packaging choice reshapes the cabin layout, which is why small usability items like the phone charger location can feel awkward for some drivers.

A push-button transmission uses electronic buttons to select gears (like Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive) instead of a traditional gear shifter. It’s often paired with a compact electronic shifter module, which can create packaging and ergonomics compromises in the cabin.

A panoramic sunroof is a large glass roof opening that spans much of the roof area, often including both front and rear sections. Because it lets in a lot of sunlight, many cars rely on sunshades or other heat-management features to keep the cabin from getting too hot.

Tesla is an electric-vehicle brand known for minimalist interiors and large glass roof designs on many models. In this context, the hosts are criticizing how Tesla’s roof-wide panoramic sunroof can feel impractical without effective sunshading.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a flagship luxury sedan known for extreme comfort, quiet operation, and high-end craftsmanship. The podcast mentions battery use for cooling, which points to how even luxury cars manage energy and thermal systems behind the scenes. It’s brought up to illustrate a specific moment where systems are actively drawing power.

“ID bus” is likely referring to Volkswagen Group’s ID-family electric-vehicle platform and its internal vehicle network architecture. In practice, listeners should treat it as a brand/platform reference tied to how the car’s electronics communicate.

A "sunroof delete" means removing the sunroof option from a car (or choosing a version without it). Enthusiasts do it for weight savings and to simplify the roof structure and potential leak points.

Rotary dials for mirror controls mean you adjust mirror position using a knob or dial rather than dedicated left/right buttons or a directional pad. The hosts argue that this adds extra steps and makes it harder to move the mirrors quickly and accurately.

Rivian is an EV brand whose vehicles often emphasize modern, screen-and-control-heavy interfaces. In this episode, they’re specifically tied to the idea of using rotary dials for mirror controls, which the hosts find unintuitive.

In car design, "unintuitive controls" are interfaces that don’t match how drivers naturally expect to operate them. When mirror adjustments require extra navigation (like searching in a screen), it can slow down quick corrections and increase the chance of mistakes.

This refers to the trend of moving vehicle functions into touchscreen interfaces instead of using dedicated hardware controls. The host’s complaint is usability-related: when too much is controlled through menus and screens, tasks like mirror adjustment or climate changes can take longer and feel distracting.

Physical buttons are dedicated, tactile controls on the dashboard (or steering wheel) that let you operate functions without navigating menus. The host specifically argues for physical buttons for temperature controls so you can adjust climate quickly and reliably while driving.

Temperature controls are the climate system settings that regulate cabin heating and cooling. In modern cars, these are often integrated into touchscreen menus, but the host criticizes that approach and prefers dedicated controls for quick adjustments.

“Natural speech” refers to voice interfaces that try to understand everyday spoken commands instead of requiring strict button presses or exact phrases. In cars, it’s part of the AI/voice system that interprets what you say and maps it to actions like navigation or climate/seat controls.

Gemini is Google’s AI system. The hosts discuss it as an AI option that can be built into cars, but they note that the level of integration with car functions (like volume or other controls) can differ from Tesla’s approach.

“Integrated with the manual” here means the AI voice system is connected to the car’s underlying control logic for specific functions, not just able to answer or do limited tasks. If that integration isn’t there, commands like “turn up the volume” won’t reliably trigger the actual vehicle settings.

Volvo EX60 is referenced as an example of a car that can use Google’s Gemini AI. The hosts use it to illustrate a limitation: even if the AI is present, it may not be integrated deeply enough to control certain functions via voice (like turning up volume).

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a large luxury SUV positioned as a premium, feature-rich alternative to more traditional luxury models. The podcast references its launch messaging about having many screens, which speaks to how it was marketed as a tech-forward cabin. It’s also mentioned as feeling dated and cheap, which highlights how interior materials and technology can age over time.

The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for comfort, off-road capability, and a high-end interior. The podcast specifically references a 2006 Range Rover Sport with two screens in the headrests, which highlights how the cabin tech and features can be a big part of ownership. It’s mentioned because that kind of interior setup stands out and affects daily usability.

The Range Rover Sport is a luxury SUV from Land Rover, and this 2006 model is notable here for its rear-seat/occupant entertainment tech. In this segment, the hosts specifically point out that it has two screens built into the headrests, which they see as “new car tech” that may be outdated or impractical.

Headrest screens are displays integrated into the seat headrests, typically for rear-seat passengers. They’re meant to provide entertainment or information without needing a separate tablet, but they can be awkward to use and may distract or be underutilized compared with simpler options like a phone or center display.

A passenger screen is a display placed in front of the front passenger—often in the dashboard or center area—so the passenger can view content independently of the driver. The concern raised here is usability and safety: the driver may still need to interact with the center screen, and the passenger’s view can become distracting or redundant.

The hosts argue that, for everyday tasks like checking the weather, built-in screens in the car are often less convenient than using a smartphone. This highlights a common “tech adoption” problem: even if the hardware is impressive, drivers and passengers may default to the device they already use and understand.

Driver profiles are saved settings tied to a specific user, often stored in the car and recalled automatically. They commonly include seat position, mirror positions, climate preferences, and sometimes steering wheel settings.

A key fob is the wireless remote used to lock/unlock a car and often to start it. Many cars also use the key fob identity to load personalized settings like seat position via driver profiles.

Insurance companies are businesses that underwrite policies and set premiums based on risk. When connected-car data is shared with insurers, it can influence pricing or eligibility through usage-based or behavior-based assessment.

Subscription-based services in cars are recurring payments to enable features that could otherwise be included at purchase. In this segment, the hosts criticize subscriptions for functions like heated seats and for performance-related software unlocks.

BMW is mentioned in the context of selling features like heated seats through a subscription model rather than bundling them with the car. The hosts argue this kind of paywalling of convenience features can make the brand feel “cheap” or less trustworthy.

Mercedes is referenced as using a subscription-style approach to unlock additional power (the hosts mention “horsepower”). This is part of the broader trend of monetizing software capabilities after purchase.

“Enhanced auto driving” is described here as a driver-assistance mode that replaces or modifies Autopilot behavior. The hosts characterize it as a worse version of Autopilot, implying reduced capability or performance.

“Full self-driving” (often abbreviated as FSD) is a marketing name for a Tesla software package that adds more advanced driver-assistance and automation features beyond basic autopilot. The host claims the behavior differs between autopilot and full self-driving—especially around passing maneuvers and when the system disengages.

Autopilot is a driver-assistance system that uses cameras and sensors to automate parts of driving, like lane keeping and adaptive cruise control. In this segment, the host is criticizing how autopilot behavior changed—specifically how it disengages when you try to pass.

Enhanced traffic mitigation is a safety/automation setting that changes how the car responds to traffic situations—often by prompting driver takeover or adjusting automated behavior. In the segment, the host suggests that using this setting triggers a takeover/disengagement flow when the driver signals to pass.

Auto start-stop is a system that automatically shuts the engine off when the car is stopped (like at a red light) and restarts it when you lift off the brake or press the accelerator. It’s meant to reduce fuel use and emissions in stop-and-go traffic, but it can feel intrusive to some drivers and can add wear to components like the starter/12V battery depending on the implementation.

A drive cycle is one continuous period of driving that starts when you begin a trip and ends when you shut the car off. The host’s point is that auto start-stop resets each drive cycle, so they have to manually re-enable it every time they start the car.

The Land Rover Discovery 5 is a large SUV where the host says auto start-stop forces them to re-enable it every drive cycle. That’s important here because it highlights how this “worst new tech” can be more annoying on certain vehicles and powertrains.

CAFE credits were part of U.S. fuel-economy regulation that allowed automakers to earn credits for meeting efficiency goals and trade them under certain rules. The host argues that auto start-stop was adopted because it could improve measured fuel economy enough to generate or preserve those credits.

MPG (miles per gallon) is a measure of fuel economy—how far a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. The host uses it to quantify the claimed benefit of auto start-stop on test results.

Fleet average refers to the overall fuel-economy (or emissions) performance across a manufacturer’s lineup, averaged over many vehicles. The host claims auto start-stop helped manufacturers raise that fleet average enough to meet regulatory targets.

Some auto start-stop systems also shut down HVAC components like the air conditioner and heater when the engine turns off. That can be especially noticeable in hot or cold weather, and it’s part of why the feature can feel “super annoying.”

A hybrid uses an electric motor alongside an internal-combustion engine, which can allow certain systems to keep running smoothly when the engine would otherwise shut off. The host suggests that on hybrids, auto start-stop can feel “almost seamless” because the car can manage power without the same noticeable interruption.

A cold start is when you start an engine after it has been sitting and the oil is not yet fully warmed or circulated. The concern is that lack of lubrication can increase wear during the first moments, but once oil pressure builds and oil circulates, normal lubrication resumes.

Frequent engine start/stop events happen when the car shuts the engine down at idle (like at stop lights) and restarts it when you’re ready to move. The key point in the discussion is that this is not the same as a morning cold start, because the engine and oil are already warm and lubricated.

Driver assistance systems are electronic features that help prevent crashes or reduce driver workload, often by monitoring the road and the driver. They can include things like lane-keeping, collision warnings, and automated braking—sometimes with steering or braking interventions.

When a steering wheel “tugs” at your hands, it’s usually the car’s lane-keeping or lane-centering function applying steering torque to keep you in the lane. If it’s overly sensitive or misreads the road, it can feel intrusive and annoying.

“GM product” refers to vehicles from General Motors, where the speaker says the seat can vibrate as part of the car’s driver-assistance or alerting strategy. Different automakers tune these haptic alerts differently, which can affect how intrusive they feel.

A system that “yells at you if you yawn” is typically using driver monitoring (often a camera) to detect signs of fatigue or inattentiveness. It then triggers alerts to encourage breaks, but false positives can be irritating.

Warning chimes are the audible alerts cars use to notify you of detected risks or driver behaviors, such as lane departure, forward collision risk, or fatigue-related prompts. Excessive chimes can become distracting and reduce driver trust in the system.

Driver assist features are systems that help the driver with tasks like warning, steering support, or braking interventions. They can include alerts (like speed warnings) as well as active safety actions, which is why they can feel intrusive when they’re overly sensitive.

A speed limit chime is an audible alert that triggers when the car detects you’re exceeding the posted speed limit. It’s part of driver-assistance and infotainment systems that try to keep you within legal limits.

The BMW X5 is BMW’s popular midsize luxury SUV, and it’s known for offering lots of driver-assistance and infotainment options. In this segment, the speaker specifically mentions the X5’s speed-related chimes and the hassle of turning them off.

Emergency stopping is an active safety function where the car automatically brakes hard to avoid or reduce a collision when it detects an imminent danger. It’s typically part of forward-collision warning or automatic emergency braking systems.

Lane keeping is an ADAS feature that uses cameras and/or sensors to help keep the car centered in its lane. When it detects lane markings, it can apply steering corrections, which can feel jerky or even unsafe if the system misreads the situation.

Emergency braking is an ADAS function that detects a potential collision and automatically applies the brakes to reduce speed or avoid impact. The concern here is false positives or overly aggressive activation—like braking hard without considering traffic behind you.