Elon Musk's 'works anywhere' robotaxi caught in chaotic Texas rollout

Elon Musk's Tesla robotaxi expansion in Dallas and Houston is reportedly plagued by massive wait times and major service failures.

An investigation by Reuters has revealed significant issues with the service. A reporter endured a nearly two-hour journey for what is typically a 20-minute, five-mile trip in Dallas.

The Tesla app repeatedly showed messages like "high service demand" or "no rides available". At the same time, an Uber was just an eight-minute wait away.

After 36 minutes of trying to book, a car finally appeared on the app. The estimated wait time for its arrival was another 19 minutes.

This faltering start clashes with the vision of Elon Musk. He has previously stated his self-driving technology "works anywhere" and criticised the methodical approach of rivals like Waymo.

For the unknown, Waymo has operated fully driverless services in Dallas and Houston since February 2026. Its Austin fleet is also reportedly five times larger than Tesla's.

On his difficult Dallas journey, the reporter’s car avoided the main motorway. It instead opted for slower surface streets, taking nearly 35 minutes for the ride itself.

The drop-off point was a car park requiring a 15-minute walk to City Hall. A support agent told the reporter the area was "restricted" despite being on Tesla's service map.

"We're still in the beta version," the agent reportedly admitted inside the car. This was a common problem with other requested downtown drop-offs.

Another ride ended on the opposite side of a motorway. The app suggested a walk under filthy overpasses to reach a popular farmers' market.

In a different instance, the robotaxi failed to make a left turn four times. The car appeared confused by "do not enter" signs at a freeway off-ramp.

Experiences in Houston were similarly poor. After one successful ride, a second was cancelled by the app, and no other cars were found for half an hour.

Even in Austin, where Tesla has operated for nearly a year, service remains spotty. In 27% of checks during April, no cars were available at all.

This slow expansion comes after Musk predicted his robotaxis would serve half the US by 2025. He recently stated the company is now taking a "cautious approach".

Austin Police Lieutenant William White has also raised concerns about the vehicles speeding. He noted the cars consistently drive 5 mph above the speed limit.

He said Tesla defended the practice as keeping up with traffic. White told the publication he responded firmly to the company's justification.

"At no time would we ever advocate that you program your vehicles to speed," he said.