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

Set Yourself Apart
Product providers can follow the lead of industry cohorts in the practice of leveraging their brands through private labeling, pumping new energy into their platforms to stand out from competitors.
Read More →
EVs Excel at Longevity
Research finds that after a certain mileage point, they outlast gas and diesel vehicles despite being driven more.
Read More →
Integrating AI Into Your Admin System
It’s important for finance-and insurance administrators to build the technology into their existing systems instead of bolting it on.
Read More →
Public EV Charging Improves
The infrastructure buildout in the U.S. is providing more availability and safety at a better cost, according to the latest EV experience study by JD Power.
Read More →
AI in the Dealership
A Cox Automotive poll shows most dealers use it, but only some have found the smartest ways to adapt the surging technological sensation.
Read More →
AAA Honors Service and Repair Facilities
Three automotive dealerships made AAA's Service Providers of Excellence and Best in Repair list this year.
Read More →
EFG Launches Product Admin Platform
The company says the offering is designed to empower administrators, service contract providers, and product marketers to expand automotive and power-sports capabilities.
Read More →
Optimized Charging Could Reduce Costs
According to an Alliance for Automotive Innovation analysis, optimized EV charging could cut costs for drivers and improve grid infrastructure - potential adoption incentives.
Read More →
From Inspection to Impact
Data, video and artificial intelligence are driving service performance today, when inspection performance is closely tied to key business outcomes.
Read More →
Car Karaoke Gets Official Platform
The in-vehicle karaoke and sing-along platform by Samsung arm is meant to add traveling enjoyment safely in technology that automakers can tailor to their specific needs.
Read More →