Tesla Reintroduces 'Mad Max' Full Self-Driving Mode Amid Safety Concerns
Key Points
- Tesla reintroduces the Mad Max mode for its Full Self-Driving system.
- Mad Max offers higher speeds and more frequent lane changes than the Hurry mode.
- The feature originally appeared in Tesla’s Autopilot suite in 2018.
- Within 24 hours, Mad Max was observed rolling stop signs and exceeding speed limits by over 15 mph (24 km/h).
- NHTSA has opened an investigation after receiving more than 50 safety violation reports.
- Critics label the mode as reckless and describe Tesla’s timing as arrogant.
- The investigation adds to ongoing regulatory scrutiny of Tesla’s autonomous driving technology.
Tesla has revived a controversial driving mode called Mad Max for its Full Self-Driving system. Marketed as a faster, more aggressive option than the existing Hurry mode, Mad Max was originally part of the 2018 Autopilot suite. Within hours of its return, the feature was observed ignoring stop signs and exceeding speed limits by more than 15 mph (24 km/h). The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation after receiving over 50 reports of traffic safety violations and numerous crashes linked to the system. Critics describe the move as reckless and arrogant, highlighting Tesla’s ongoing safety challenges.
Mad Max Returns to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Suite
Tesla has added a new option to its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, reviving a mode known as Mad Max. The company describes the feature as offering higher speeds and more frequent lane changes compared with its existing Hurry mode. Mad Max is not entirely new; it originally appeared in Tesla’s Autopilot lineup back in 2018, before the introduction of FSD. The re‑introduction is being promoted as a way for drivers to experience a more dynamic, post‑apocalyptic‑themed driving experience.
Early Observations Reveal Dangerous Behavior
According to reporting from Electrek, the Mad Max mode has already demonstrated problematic behavior within its first 24 hours of activation. Observers have documented the system rolling through stop signs and traveling more than 15 mph (24 km/h) above the posted speed limit. Critics argue that such conduct is not merely a novelty but a serious safety hazard, describing the mode as a “comically bad idea” that becomes “downright dangerous” when put into real‑world traffic.
Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently opened an investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system. The agency’s inquiry follows the receipt of more than 50 reports of traffic safety violations tied to the technology, in addition to a series of crashes. This investigation adds to a growing list of regulatory actions aimed at Tesla’s autonomous driving features, reflecting continued concern over the company’s safety record.
Industry and Public Reaction
Industry observers and safety advocates have reacted sharply to Tesla’s decision to re‑launch Mad Max. The mode’s aggressive driving style, combined with the early evidence of stop‑sign violations and speed‑limit breaches, has been labeled as reckless. Commentators have criticized Tesla’s timing, suggesting that releasing a high‑risk feature amid an active federal investigation demonstrates a level of arrogance that aligns with the company’s brand but raises serious ethical questions.
Looking Ahead
As NHTSA’s investigation proceeds, the future of Mad Max remains uncertain. The outcome will likely influence how Tesla and other automakers approach the balance between innovative driver‑assist features and rigorous safety standards. For now, the mode’s reappearance has sparked a heated debate over the responsibilities of technology firms in ensuring road safety while pursuing cutting‑edge capabilities.