Apparently keeping your Lucid Air’s software up-to-date isn’t just for the latest features—it can save you from voiding your warranty.
A recent story from a Lucid Air owner highlights an unexpected and costly issue for buyers of used Lucid EVs: missing a software update can lead to pricey repairs. The owner, who purchased a pre-owned 2023 Lucid Air with only 1,200 miles, discovered that a skipped update by the car’s previous owner meant he would have to pay $1,300 to bring the car’s systems up to date.
The problem started when the new owner realized the car wasn’t receiving any over-the-air (OTA) updates. Following advice from an online forum, he took the vehicle to a Lucid service center. There, he learned that the car’s Telematics Control Module (TCM) wasn’t communicating with Lucid’s servers, and the only way to fix it was to replace the TCM, costing $1,300 in parts and labor. To make matters worse, this wasn’t covered under warranty due to a rule in Lucid’s policy.
According to Lucid’s warranty, missing a critical software update for more than 30 days can void coverage. Because the car’s original owner missed an important update, the warranty didn’t cover the TCM repair, putting the new owner on the hook for the expense.
A confusing twist added to the frustration: the car’s infotainment system indicated it was fully updated, even though it wasn’t. Forum members explained that a specific software update released in November 2023 came with a warning—if it wasn’t installed within 30 days, the car would lose OTA update capability. Since the new owner didn’t have the car at that time, he missed this alert, and with such low mileage, it’s possible the original owner wasn’t aware either.
The situation has raised concerns among Lucid enthusiasts, with some voicing frustrations about how easily the 30-day rule could impact secondhand owners or cars left at a body shop or service center. Some owners who’ve faced similar issues have reported that Lucid replaced the TCM at no cost when they were the car’s original owners. However, for cars that switch hands, the responsibility seems to fall on the new owner.
As Lucid’s presence in the EV market grows, so does the importance of staying up-to-date with its software. The story highlights the need for used Lucid buyers to verify the car’s software status before purchase. Doing so could prevent a costly repair and ensure a smoother ownership experience for those stepping into Lucid’s tech-driven world.
