SIM card also contains security credentials to prove and secure subscriber identity. eSIM has the same capability. It has nothing to do with operator lock as such. That is more the device capability - to use only the specific operator network where it is 'locked'.

My father in law had similar experience with his Pajero Pick Up. One icon on dashboard was light up indicating engine problem. After his car had to get an siftware upgrade at service because top speed became only 80 km/h.
And there was no any indication of real mechanical failure.
Did you know that more than 25% of price of a modern car is spent on electronical equipment and subsystems? Ok, I admit that some of these are for safety but sometime I feel that those are not really neccessary. Like ESP (that helps you to get over a situation of effect of under/oversteering in a fast curve) I can really get rid off. Since you have to drive in a clever way and not like a racedriver.