https://arstechnica.com/cars/2025/10/feds-probe-tesla-about-its-mad-max-mode/ Skip to content Ars Technica home Sections Forum Subscribe Search * AI * Biz & IT * Cars * Culture * Gaming * Health * Policy * Science * Security * Space * Tech * Feature * Reviews * AI * Biz & IT * Cars * Culture * Gaming * Health * Policy * Science * Security * Space * Tech Forum Subscribe Story text Size [Standard] Width * [Standard] Links [Standard] * Subscribers only Learn more Pin to story Theme * HyperLight * Day & Night * Dark * System Search dialog... Sign In Sign in dialog... Sign in yet another nhtsa investigation Tesla's "Mad Max" mode is now under federal scrutiny The new mode added in the latest update will speed and weave through traffic. Jonathan M. Gitlin - Oct 24, 2025 2:35 pm | 233 In the summertime, under the sunny sky, a car drives along the country road, creating a mesmerizing motion blur effect. As it speeds ahead, the surrounding environment becomes a blur of colors and shapes. Trees pass by in a rural landscape, accentuating the sense of a long journey. This exhilarating travel experience captures the thrill of speed and the allure of the open road. In the summertime, under the sunny sky, a car drives along the country road, creating a mesmerizing motion blur effect. As it speeds ahead, the surrounding environment becomes a blur of colors and shapes. Trees pass by in a rural landscape, accentuating the sense of a long journey. This exhilarating travel experience captures the thrill of speed and the allure of the open road. Credit: Getty Images Credit: Getty Images Text settings Story text Size [Standard] Width * [Standard] Links [Standard] * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav Earlier this month, Tesla rolled out a new firmware update that added a pair of new driving modes for the controversial full self-driving (FSD) feature. One, called "Sloth," relaxes acceleration and stays in its lane. The other, called "Mad Max," does the opposite: It speeds and swerves through traffic to get you to your destination faster. And after multiple reports of FSD Teslas doing just that, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants to know more. In fact, "Mad Max" mode is not entirely new--Tesla beta-tested the same feature in Autopilot in 2018, before deciding not to roll it out in a production release after widespread outcry. These days, the company is evidently feeling less constrained; despite having just lost a federal wrongful death lawsuit that will cost it hundreds of millions of dollars, it described the new mode as being able to drive "through traffic at an incredible pace, all while still being super smooth. It drives your car like a sports car. If you are running late, this is the mode for you." Earlier this month, we learned that the NHTSA had opened a new preliminary investigation into Tesla following dozens of complaints of its EVs running stop signs or crossing into oncoming traffic while operating under FSD. Now, according to Reuters, NHTSA is seeking more information from the automaker about "Mad Max" mode. "NHTSA is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information," it told Reuters, adding that "[t]he human behind the wheel is fully responsible for driving the vehicle and complying with all traffic safety laws." "Tesla is deliberately programming cars to exceed speed limits and drive aggressively, putting everyone on our roads at risk. This 'Mad Max' rollout is the latest iteration of Tesla's preference for aesthetics and sales over safety, and I urge regulators to take action to prevent this technology from being unleashed," said Brett Schreiber, founding partner at the firm that won the aforementioned wrongful death lawsuit. Photo of Jonathan M. Gitlin Jonathan M. Gitlin Automotive Editor Jonathan M. Gitlin Automotive Editor Jonathan is the Automotive Editor at Ars Technica. He has a BSc and PhD in Pharmacology. In 2014 he decided to indulge his lifelong passion for the car by leaving the National Human Genome Research Institute and launching Ars Technica's automotive coverage. He lives in Washington, DC. 233 Comments Comments Forum view Loading Loading comments... Prev story Next story Most Read 1. Listing image for first story in Most Read: Tesla's "Mad Max" mode is now under federal scrutiny 1. Tesla's "Mad Max" mode is now under federal scrutiny 2. 2. A single point of failure triggered the Amazon outage affecting millions 3. 3. Man takes herbal pain quackery, nearly dies, spends months in hospital 4. 4. Tech billionaires are now shaping the militarization of American cities 5. 5. 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