Summary: A viral TikTok video shows a Tesla seemingly detecting “ghosts” on its screen, but this is just a case of the car’s object detection system mistaking headstones and other objects for pedestrians. While Tesla’s cameras and sensors are impressive, they can’t actually see spirits. This Halloween-themed phenomenon highlights the quirks and ongoing improvements in Tesla’s driver-assist technology.
The Viral Tesla ‘Ghost’ Video
Last week, a TikTok video went viral featuring a man pretending that the cameras mounted on his Tesla allow him to see ghosts on the car’s infotainment screen. The video, posted by @evaneramagic, has been viewed about 11 million times so far. The user humorously explores the idea of “ghost hunting” using Tesla’s object detection system, tapping into the spooky season spirit.
Why Teslas Mistake Objects for Pedestrians
If you’re tempted to scare someone by driving around a cemetery in a Tesla and pointing out “ghosts” on the screen, it’s worth knowing how Tesla’s detection system works. Tesla’s cars use cameras and sensors to identify objects like pedestrians, but they don’t have LIDAR (laser-based 3D imaging). This can lead to mistakes, such as mistaking a vase of flowers or headstones for people.
In 2021, a Tesla driver noticed that the car’s object detection system mistook a graveside vase full of flowers for a pedestrian. This glitch was shared in a spooky TikTok video that racked up 23 million views. Tesla’s manual cautions that collision avoidance features may not always detect all objects accurately and may sometimes give false warnings.
The History of Tesla’s ‘Phantom Braking’ Issue
False positives in Tesla’s detection system have had real-world consequences. Around 2021, Tesla recalled nearly 12,000 cars due to the risk of sudden braking caused by these mistaken detections during assisted driving, a phenomenon dubbed “phantom braking.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigated these incidents, which included cases where shadows or other illusions fooled the system.
Improvements in Tesla’s Object Detection System
Since then, Tesla has updated its object detection system, removing ultrasonic sensors and enhancing spatial positioning and object differentiation capabilities. According to Tesla’s website (updated last month), the new system offers higher-definition spatial awareness and longer-range visibility, aiming to reduce false positives and improve safety.
The Latest Spooky Tesla Videos
Despite improvements, new Halloween-themed videos have emerged showing Teslas mistaking headstones for pedestrians at night. The influencer behind the viral TikTok had also previously posted sponsored content where the Tesla allegedly confused Halloween decorations for real people. These videos are entertaining reminders of the system’s quirks, especially during the spooky season.
Final Thoughts and Tesla’s Response
While Tesla’s cameras and sensors are impressive, they’re not supernatural. They can’t detect ghosts—only physical objects, sometimes imperfectly. Gizmodo has reached out to Tesla for comments on recent changes and improvements to their object detection system and will provide updates if we hear back.