US agency acts over reports of Tesla ‘Mad Max’ driver assistance mode

NHTSA earlier this month opened an investigation into 2.9 million Tesla vehicles equipped with its FSD system

Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaks during the official opening of the new Tesla electric car manufacturing plant on March 22, 2022 near Gruenheide, Germany (Christian Marquardt - Pool/Getty Images)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking information from Tesla about a new driver assistance mode, dubbed 'Mad Max', which reportedly operates at higher speeds.

The US regulator's inquiry follows social media reports that vehicles using this more aggressive Full Self-Driving system could exceed posted speed limits.

"NHTSA is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information," the agency said. "The human behind the wheel is fully responsible for driving the vehicle and complying with all traffic safety laws."

NHTSA earlier this month opened an investigation into 2.9 million Tesla vehicles equipped with its FSD system due to the dozens of reports of traffic-safety violations and crashes.

Tesla vehicles line a parking area at the company's Fremont, Calif., factory on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Noah Berger, File) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

NHTSA said in opening the investigation it is reviewing 58 reports of issues involving traffic safety violations when using FSD, including 14 crashes and 23 injuries.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but last week reposted a social media post that described Mad Max mode as accelerating and weaving "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."

NHTSA said earlier this month that FSD - an assistance system that requires drivers to pay attention and intervene if needed - has "induced vehicle behavior that violated traffic safety laws."

A screenshot from Mad Max: Fury Road (Warner Bros)

The agency said it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with FSD engaged, "approached an intersection with a red traffic signal, continued to travel into the intersection against the red light and was subsequently involved in a crash with other motor vehicles."

Tesla says FSD "will drive you almost anywhere with your active supervision, requiring minimal intervention" but does not make the car self-driving.

Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.

In October 2024, NHTSA opened anm investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles with FSD after four collisions in conditions of reduced roadway visibility.