Tesla’s “Mad Max” mode is now under federal scrutiny

Ars TechnicaCenterEN 1 min read 100% complete by Jonathan M. Gitlin October 24, 2025 at 08:35 PM

AI Summary

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Tesla recently introduced a new firmware update for its full self-driving (FSD) feature, which includes two driving modes: "Sloth" and "Mad Max." The latter mode accelerates quickly and swerves through traffic to reach destinations faster. Following reports of FSD Teslas exhibiting risky behavior, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated an investigation into these new features. Notably, Tesla had previously tested a similar feature in Autopilot in 2018 but did not release it due to public backlash. Despite losing a federal wrongful death lawsuit, Tesla describes "Mad Max" as driving smoothly and swiftly through traffic, ideal for those running late.

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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 70% Tesla ×480%

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mad max mode 100% tesla 90% full self-driving (fsd) 80% national highway traffic safety administration 70% traffic safety 70% firmware update 60% federal scrutiny 60% wrongful death lawsuit 50% driving modes 50% autonomous driving technology 40%

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