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NHTSA Opens Audit After Tesla Cybercab Manual Mode Discovery

9/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Austin riders discovered a hidden manual mode in Tesla’s Cybercab within a week of launch.
The Cybercab launched September 3 2026 without steering wheel or pedals, featuring a touchscreen joystick.
Riders tried the joystick, which controls forward, reverse, stop, horn and doors, though it did not move the cab.
Tesla says the joystick helps employees nudge cabs in tight spots.
NHTSA opened a September 3 audit of about 1,000 Cybercab units.

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Story summary

Austin riders discovered a hidden manual mode in Tesla’s Cybercab within a week of launch.
The Cybercab launched September 3 2026 without steering wheel or pedals, featuring a touchscreen joystick.
Riders tried the joystick, which controls forward, reverse, stop, horn and doors, though it did not move the cab.
Tesla says the joystick helps employees nudge cabs in tight spots.
NHTSA opened a September 3 audit of about 1,000 Cybercab units.