In 2018, Elon Musk’s Tesla released a software update timed for the holidays that included a so-called “emissions testing” mode allowing Model S, 3, and X owners to play a variety of flatulent noises with the push of a button.
While the novelty of the prank feature has more than likely worn off for the vast majority of users, some Tesla employees continue to be haunted by it to this day.
As the San Francisco Standard’s Zara Stone experienced first hand, her Bay Area Tesla robotaxi seemingly got stuck in the mode, erupting in gaseous sounds during her ride. An Instagram video shows her bewildering encounter with far more flatulence than anybody could’ve bargained for.
When Stone asked the human safety driver — who Tesla is required to have behind the wheel as the company’s robotaxis are not licensed in California yet — why the car kept farting, he shrugged and replied “no idea.”
“That’s crazy!” a baffled Stone can be heard saying, while stifling laughter.
The driver said he was playing with the settings, only to lose control of the feature.
“It’s the first time I’m experiencing this,” he said. “Sorry.”
“Even the volume doesn’t control it,” the driver added, laughing.
The incident is particularly hilarious considering Tesla is trying to roll out a fully autonomous ride-hailing service in the country. Considering how controlling an eight-year-old prank feature is proving a little too challenging, it’s anybody’s guess what else could go wrong as the EV company lets software take the reins.
We’ve already seen plenty of reports of terrifying close calls, crashes, and shoddy service. Most recently, Musk admitted that the company’s software — which relies entirely on cameras, and not LIDAR or radar sensors — struggled not to “run over pets” at night.
More on robotaxis: Elon Musk Admits Why Tesla Robotaxis Can’t Be Trusted at Night
