NHTSA Asks Tesla For Explanation Regarding Driver Assistance Mode 'Mad Max'

JAKARTA The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) on Friday, October 24, said it was asking Tesla for information regarding a new driver assistance mode called "Mad Max" which operates at a speed higher than other versions.

Several drivers on social media reported that Tesla vehicles using the aggressive version of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system could accelerate beyond the set speed limit.

NHTSA is communicating with manufacturers to gather additional information, the agency said. "Human drivers behind the wheel remain fully responsible for vehicle control and compliance with all traffic safety regulations."

Earlier this month, NHTSA opened an investigation into 2.9 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the FSD system following dozens of reports of traffic safety violations and accidents. In its opening report, NHTSA said it was reviewing 58 safety-related issues when FSD was used, including 14 accidents and 23 injuries.

Tesla has not commented on the response request. But last week, the company re-shared a social media post describing Mad Max mode as a mode that accelerates and maneuvers traffic at incredible speeds, but remains smooth driving a car like a sports car. If you're in a hurry, here's the mode that suits you.

The NHTSA previously stated that the FSD system, which still requires driver attention and intervention, had caused vehicle behavior that violated traffic safety laws. The agency recorded six reports in which Tesla vehicles using FSD drove to a red light intersection and caused collisions with other vehicles.

Tesla claims that FSD can drive anywhere with active driver supervision and minimal intervention, but insists the system hasn't made the car fully autonomous.

Tesla's FSD system, which is more sophisticated than the Autopilot feature, has been investigated by NHTSA over the past year. In October 2024, the agency opened an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four collisions occurred in limited visibility conditions.

The Washington Post previously reported NHTSA's interest in Mad Max mode.