Tesla’s ‘Mad Max’ Mode is Now Being Investigated by U.S. Regulators

Another day, another federal investigation into Elon Musk’s troubled EV company. This week, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reportedly announced that it is looking into one of Tesla’s automated driving modes, interestingly called “Mad Max.”

If you haven’t heard of “Mad Max,” you probably are. Ars Technica Note that This and another mode, “Sloth,” were added to the car via a firmware update issued earlier this month. well, Reuters now reports Some people on social media have complained that Teslas are exceeding the speed limit using Driving Mode (it sure sounds like it Max will do anything) Now the government is looking into the matter.

“NHTSA is contacting the manufacturer to gather additional information,” the agency told Reuters. “The man behind the wheel is solely responsible for driving and obeying all traffic safety laws.” Other than that, not much information is available, but Gizmodo has reached out to Tesla for comment (although the company dissolve Most of its contact teams years ago) and to NHTSA for more information.

Who would have thought that a semi-automated driving mode named after a vengeful dystopian drifter with a lead foot could ever catch the eye of federal regulators? not me Sarcasm aside, Tesla’s FSD has functioned Investigations by federal regulators over the years So, for that reason too, it’s not that surprising. FSD has been criticized Because, despite its name, it still needs a driver to…you know, drive.

Earlier this month, NHTSA also opened an investigation into Tesla over dozens of reports alleging that its cars were running stop signs while involved in FSD, CBS. As previously reported. Tesla also recently lost a wrongful death lawsuit involving Autopilot that would They cost $329 million.