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. Read more →

A Florida jury held Tesla partially liable for the death of 22‑year‑old Naibel Benavides, ordering the company to pay $243 million in damages after a Model S driver crashed into Benavides and her boyfriend. Tesla’s attorneys argue the driver was solely at fault, contend that the verdict conflicts with Florida tort law and due‑process principles, and challenge the inclusion of statements by CEO Elon Musk and alleged data‑withholding claims. The appeal, filed by Gibson Dunn, seeks to have the verdict vacated or a new trial granted. Read more →

A jury found Tesla partly to blame for a fatal 2019 crash involving the use of Autopilot, awarding $200M in damages. The jury assigned two-thirds of the blame to the driver and one-third to Tesla. Read more →