Tesla's "Mad Max" mode returns, stirring excitement and concern

17 October 2025

Tesla has once again released a feature for its driver-assist system with a name designed to attract attention: "Mad Max." This setting, part of what the company calls "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)," allows for higher speeds and more frequent lane changes.

Some drivers are praising the update, but it arrives at a time when Tesla is already facing questions from safety regulators. The new "Mad Max" mode is an option within the latest software update, known as FSD v14.1.2. According to Tesla, this setting is more aggressive than the "Hurry" profile, making it the most assertive driving style available.

This isn't the first time the feature has appeared. It was initially introduced back in 2018 for Tesla's Autopilot system, the predecessor to the current Full Self-Driving software. CEO Elon Musk described it then as a way to handle challenging traffic situations, specifically mentioning the busy streets of Los Angeles.

Early users who have tested the revived "Mad Max" mode have shared their experiences online. Many of the first tests were conducted at night, shortly after the update became available. Videos posted by Tesla owners show the system navigating traffic with what they describe as a confident and assertive nature.

One longtime user called the mode "amazing" and "perfect for LA traffic," praising its ability to be both cautious and decisive. Another tester noted that the acceleration is smooth and that the car feels safe, even while driving quickly. The consensus among these early adopters is that "Mad Max" mode helps the vehicle fit in better with aggressive, heavy traffic.

But the name and function of the feature have raised some eyebrows. The "Mad Max" film series is famous for its post-apocalyptic car chases, not really an image we would associate with road safety, however bad it might actually be. The timing of the release is also curious, with Tesla being under several investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding its driver-assist systems.

In 2022, the company was required to recall its FSD Beta software because it allowed vehicles to perform "rolling stops" at stop signs. Some users have already reported that the new "Mad Max" mode has been observed driving more than 15 mph over the speed limit and rolling through stop signs.

The controversies aside, Tesla seems to be pushing forward with its vision for self-driving technology. The head of Tesla's AI division has suggested that "Mad Max" mode was developed specifically to handle busy daytime traffic, an experience that frustrates many drivers.

By creating a system that can navigate such challenging conditions, Tesla apparently hopes to move closer to its goal of creating a fully autonomous vehicle. The company has been making this claim for the past seven years, and each new update is seen as another step in that direction. Will we ever get there? Eventually, it's inevitable, but it'll take a while longer.

Let's not forget one important detail: Tesla puts the responsibility for safety on the driver. The company reminds users that both Autopilot and Full Self-Driving are only Level 2 advanced driver-assistance systems, and the driver has to stay alert and be ready to take control of the vehicle at any moment.

The new "Mad Max" mode may offer a more assertive driving experience, but however much fun the new mode might feel, when something goes wrong, it'll be the driver and other innocent people paying the price.