Tesla Robotaxi Fart Noises Persist During SF Ride
Neither the safety driver nor the passenger could disable the persistent noises during the Hayes Valley trip.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Robotics
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A robotaxi passenger in Hayes Valley spent their entire trip subjected to a persistent barrage of synthetic fart noises. The sounds, triggered by an emissions testing mode, could not be silenced by either the passenger or the required human safety driver.
Why it matters
The glitch highlights the unpredictable nature of in-car software settings that, while intended as a joke, can override user control during a ride. It serves as a reminder that even as autonomous-adjacent vehicles operate on our streets, they remain tethered to complex software suites prone to unintended activation.
The Tesla emissions testing mode features 5 distinct volume levels for its sound effects, all of which proved unresponsive to manual adjustments by the driver and passenger during the ride.
The players
Tesla
The manufacturer of the vehicle and the software that powers the emissions testing mode.
The details
The incident occurred in Hayes Valley when a Tesla robotaxi began emitting continuous wheezes and squelches. The safety driver, who reported interacting with vehicle settings prior to the trip, attempted to stop the noises via the car's control panel without success. The passenger also attempted to disable the feature using the Tesla app, but the sounds persisted for the duration of the journey.
Timeline
2018: Tesla first introduced the emissions testing mode in a holiday software update.
October 2026: The robotaxi trip occurred in the Hayes Valley neighborhood.
Across the Bay
California law requires a human safety driver to be present at the wheel of Tesla robotaxis operating on local streets. This incident marks a departure from smooth autonomous operation, demonstrating that manual supervision cannot always resolve software-driven malfunctions.
If you are riding in a Tesla, be aware that software settings like the emissions testing mode can be difficult to override once active. Avoid adjusting cabin features immediately before or during a trip if you want to ensure a quiet commute through the neighborhood.
The takeaway
Drivers and passengers should be aware that cabin-wide sound settings, once enabled, may bypass standard controls. Keep an eye on software updates, as features introduced as holiday novelties can create unexpected complications during routine trips.
Further reading
You can find more developments in Robotics regarding how local transit and autonomous vehicle software interfaces are evolving.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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