Observe how this Tesla's FSD performs actions it clearly wasn't designed for, all without resulting in a crash | Carscoops

      Using Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) on a road like this can feel significantly more stressful than driving manually.

      15 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      The self-driving system navigates a narrow mountain trail deep in rural China.

      At one point, the Model Y reached a speed of 28 km/h on the dirt road beside a cliff.

      Tesla likely never anticipated its Full Self-Driving being tested on trails of this kind.

      Despite regulatory challenges causing delays, Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system continues to attract attention, especially when it performs tasks that most people wouldn't associate with an EV. While the company's rollout in China hit a temporary pause in late March, new videos are emerging online, showcasing the extent of Tesla’s driver assistance technology when faced with difficult scenarios.

      Two particular clips stand out. In these, a Model Y is seen maneuvering along a narrow, winding mountain trail—terrain typically meant for a rugged 4×4, not a tech-driven crossover on regular road tires. Yet here it is, convincingly, navigating dirt paths where it arguably shouldn’t be.

      Read: Tesla Forced to Halt FSD Trials in China Over New Regulations

      Originally shared on the Chinese social media platform Douyin, the videos have since circulated on other platforms, offering a clearer look at how FSD (Supervised) copes with unpredictable, unpaved conditions. The footage includes both interior shots and wide angles captured from a 360-degree camera on the back of the vehicle.

      Tight Trails, Nervous Hands

      With the FSD system activated, the Tesla is observed navigating the dirt path with surprising precision. The central touchscreen displays that the camera-based system can track the trail's direction, keeping the Model Y centered and avoiding the risk of tumbling down the cliff or colliding with nearby trees. However, it appears to be a rather tense experience for the driver, who is seen holding his hands just above the yoke, prepared to take control at any moment.

      — Aaron Li (@boolusilan) May 19, 2025

      The second clip from the same video is a tad more precarious. As the Model Y continues along the dirt road, the FSD system struggles to maintain the car’s center position, applying the brakes at random intervals. At one point, it begins to accelerate quickly, reaching 28 km/h (17.3 mph) on the narrow path, bouncing over bumps, yet surprisingly avoiding a dramatic crash.

      Several other Tesla owners in China have also tested FSD in recent months. In early March, the owner of a white Model X put the system through its paces on numerous narrow mountain roads before venturing into city streets and major highways.

      To clarify, this is not the intended use of FSD. Tesla did not design this system for off-roading, nor was it marketed as capable of handling such terrain. Yet, this hasn’t deterred owners from testing it in challenging situations, and so far, the software appears to be performing well. That said, it raises pertinent questions about liability, overconfidence, and what occurs when circumstances don’t go as planned.

      $TSLA This is by far the most astonishing FSD footage I've seen in China, showcasing narrow and steep mountain roads, city streets so tight that only one vehicle can pass, highway toll booths, and rural areas. It's incredible what FSD can accomplish. While enjoying the video, feel free to check out… pic.twitter.com/O7TciAG9Qs

      — 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑒𝑠 (@CharlesWBoy) February 28, 2025