Tesla Video Game Feature Probe Ends
NHTSA doesn’t pursue a recall but points out ‘significant concerns’ around driver distraction from discontinued capability.
NHTSA closed its investigation without a recall but said that doesn’t mean it found 'no safety-related defect' or that it wouldn’t take action later 'if warranted.'
IMAGE: Pexels/Roberto Nickson
An investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that the video game-playing capability it temporarily offered through vehicles’ center screens caused “significant concerns about driver distraction,” Reuters reported.
Soon after NHTSA started its probe of nearly 600,000 Tesla vehicles in December 2021, Tesla agreed to stop allowing “Passenger Play” video gaming on vehicle screens while cars are in motion.
The agency closed its investigation without recalling any Tesla vehicles but said that doesn’t mean it found “no safety-related defect” or that it wouldn’t take action later “if warranted,” Reuters said.
The EV maker told NHTSA that no accidents or consumer complaints related to Passenger Play were reported in one year of use, Reuters reported. The agency’s investigation examined vehicles with the feature sold since 2017.
NHTSA said, "apparent driver use of Passenger Play while not in Park in approximately a third of the trips in which the feature was in use demonstrates the importance of affirmative technology-based lockouts over administrative controls such as labeling or disclaimer screens."
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Product & Technology
Computer Headaches on the Road
Consumers keep complaining about new cars’ infotainment tech, but are automakers listening? A recent survey shows regression except for mapping and speakers.
Read More →
Another Death Tied to Imported Air Bags
The Texas traffic fatality is the 11th federal regulators have connected to defective inflators imported from China. They urge that a certain population of used vehicles be inspected.
Read More →
Roadside Warnings Debut
Mazda works with AAA and a technology company to alert passersby to stranded vehicles from its lineup, for both parties’ safety.
Read More →
AI As Trainer?
This month, Agent Entrepreneur Editor Hannah Mitchell shares an artificial-intelligence development that could upend traditional dealership training.
Read More →
A Lingering Auto Tech Divide
Automakers still struggle to hit consumers’ sweet spot, hanging onto the despised touchscreen and adding other complex systems while simple, effective details hit the mark.
Read More →
AI, China and the Next Wave of Auto Retail Innovation
F&I sits at the center of the changes expected to sweep the industry in just the new few years as new players change the game.
Read More →
That Bot Can Do a Lot
Artificial intelligence was all the buzz at the 2026 Agent Summit. A panel of tech specialists broke through the noise to give agents guidance on steering dealer clients.
Read More →
Cyber F&I
Your dealer clients could only benefit from showcasing products on their websites along with vehicle inventory. Modern consumers expect to be informed and are more likely to buy products when they are.
Read More →
Road Glare to Drop a Notch?
Audi is preparing two SUV models for the American market with the automaker’s adaptive LED headlights. Its technology is designed to reduce brightness for other drivers, a growing complaint among U.S. motorists.
Read More →
AppOne Partners With RouteOne for E-Contracting Solution
By digitizing the entire contracting and funding process, the company says auto dealers can eliminate frustrating and disorganized manual processes.
Read More →