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Tesla’s Mad Max Mode Drew NHTSA Scrutiny Amid a Broader FSD Review

Tesla’s Mad Max is a faster, more lane-change-heavy FSD (Supervised) profile. NHTSA sought information about it while reviewing broader allegations involving FSD—not in a separate Mad Max-only investigation.
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Tesla’s “Mad Max” setting is a speed profile within Full Self-Driving (Supervised), not an autonomous-driving mode. On October 24, 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it was in contact with Tesla to gather information about the profile. That contact was not a finding that Mad Max violated traffic laws, nor was it a separate Mad Max-only formal investigation.

What Mad Max mode does

Tesla’s Cybertruck owner’s manual describes Mad Max as a Full Self-Driving (Supervised) speed profile: “Cybertruck drives more quickly than in the Hurry profile, with more frequent lane changes.” The descriptions below are Tesla’s characterizations, not independent performance measurements. Availability may vary by vehicle configuration, market and software version.

Profile Tesla’s description
Sloth Drives at or below the speed limit.
Chill Uses slower lanes and makes minimal lane changes.
Standard Matches normal speed and traffic flow.
Hurry Drives faster and makes more frequent lane changes than Standard.
Mad Max Drives faster than Hurry and makes more frequent lane changes.

Tesla says speed-profile choice is considered alongside navigation data, historical data from other Tesla vehicles, surrounding traffic speed and posted speed limits. That description does not establish that a profile will always obey a speed limit or that it is safe to use in any particular situation. Tesla Cybertruck Owner’s Manual

Why NHTSA contacted Tesla

Reuters reported on October 24, 2025, that NHTSA said: “NHTSA is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information.” Reuters also reported social-media claims that vehicles using Mad Max could exceed posted speed limits. Those claims were not presented as NHTSA findings, and seeking information did not establish that the mode caused a violation. Reuters, October 24, 2025

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The contact came amid a broader NHTSA review of alleged traffic-law violations involving Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system, rather than a publicly identified formal investigation devoted solely to Mad Max. The agency’s preliminary evaluation, PE25012, was opened on October 7, 2025, according to its opening materials. NHTSA PE25012 opening resume

What the broader FSD review examines

In its December 3, 2025 information-request letter, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation said it was assessing allegations that Tesla vehicles operating with FSD executed maneuvers that may constitute traffic-safety violations. The review included whether the system detects and responds to traffic signals, signs and lane markings, and whether its indications and warnings are accurate, conspicuous and timely enough for drivers to supervise and intervene. NHTSA information-request letter and PE25012 materials

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The agency’s opening resume described reports of vehicles proceeding into intersections against red signals, entering opposing lanes or roads marked with wrong-way signs, and using lanes improperly in intersections. NHTSA also said some reported incidents appeared to leave drivers with little notice or opportunity to intervene. These are allegations and matters under review, not confirmed violations or a final defect finding. NHTSA PE25012 opening resume

As of its December 3 letter, NHTSA said 62 complaints, four media reports and 14 reports submitted under its Standing General Order might relate to the alleged defect. Those categories are not a count of confirmed violations. Reuters separately reported an initial October figure of 58 reported issues, including 14 crashes and 23 injuries; that earlier figure is not interchangeable with the later counts in NHTSA’s letter. NHTSA information-request letter · Reuters, October 24, 2025

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The Associated Press reported that the broader FSD investigation covered about 2.9 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD. That estimate concerns the broader system review, not a Mad Max-only software inquiry. Associated Press report

What is known about the case’s status

On January 16, 2026, the Associated Press reported that Tesla had received an extension to February 23, 2026, to respond to NHTSA’s request. That deadline extension is a procedural update, not a decision on the allegations. The sources available here do not establish whether NHTSA later closed PE25012, escalated it or issued a finding after the extended deadline. Associated Press, January 16, 2026

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A September 2026 NHTSA Audit Query concerning Tesla Cybercab’s self-certification addresses federal vehicle standards for Cybercab. It is a separate matter and does not resolve PE25012 or establish a finding about Mad Max. NHTSA Cybercab Audit Query

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Mad Max does not remove the driver’s responsibility

Tesla labels the feature Full Self-Driving (Supervised). Its Cybertruck manual says: “You must remain attentive and be ready to take over at all times while Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is engaged.” The manual warns that failing to do so could cause damage, serious injury or death, and says improper use can result in suspension of the feature. Tesla Cybertruck Owner’s Manual

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NHTSA’s statement quoted by Reuters likewise said: “The human behind the wheel is fully responsible for driving the vehicle and complying with all traffic safety laws.” A driver using an assistance system must therefore remain prepared to supervise and intervene rather than treating the selected profile as permission to disregard road conditions or traffic rules. Reuters, October 24, 2025

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