Tesla software update 2026.38.3.1, dated October 8, 2026, lists seven documented features spanning emergency charging, seasonal entertainment, trip planning, vehicle graphics, lighting, Supercharger information, and security. Its notes continue several themes of the 2026.38 family. Each entry is labeled New Feature, but the software number alone does not establish that every item is newly introduced in this particular patch.
Emergency Drive Away appears first in this release. On the listed newer Model S and Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck vehicles, it permits shifting into Drive while a Supercharger cable remains attached. This is an emergency-only measure: leaving with the cable connected will damage the car and charger, and the user may be responsible for repairs. Activating it also shares short camera recordings with Tesla.
Halloween Mode combines a ghost costume for the vehicle visualization, spooky sounds and flickering lights when visitors approach, a scheduled themed light show, and Halloween Photobooth effects. The description allows use beyond the holiday itself. Model 3 and Model Y are listed, while the other model indicators retain question marks and therefore remain unconfirmed.
Set Arrival Energy adds a phone-based way to choose the battery energy level desired at a destination. Owners enter their destination in the location tab of the Tesla mobile app and select the arrival-energy control. The feature is listed for Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, and Cybertruck, with app version 4.58.0 or later required.
Two display and lighting entries have narrower eligibility. Visual Updates bring higher-quality vehicle graphics and an enhanced parking scene to AMD-equipped HW3 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. Dynamic Headlight Leveling is listed for specific Model 3 and Cybertruck vehicles, automatically adjusting low-beam aim to driving conditions and nearby traffic to improve visibility while reducing glare.
Supercharger Site Maps apply to Intel-equipped legacy Model S and Model X, Model 3, and Model Y. Selected pilot locations offer a detailed site layout and live stall status on arrival, helping drivers distinguish available, occupied, and out-of-service spaces. Security Improvements are also included, although the notes do not identify individual vulnerabilities or provide a detailed list of fixes.
Below are the illustrated 2026.38.3.1 Release Notes, preserving the separate vehicle, hardware, and app requirements for each feature.
Emergency Drive Away
New Feature
for Model S (New), 3, X (New), Y and CT
An emergency-only option allows a compatible vehicle to shift into Drive without first disconnecting a Supercharger cable. Departing with the cable attached will damage both the car and charging equipment, and repair costs may be charged to the user. Activating the function shares short vehicle-camera recordings with Tesla.
Halloween Mode
New Feature
for Model 3 and Y (S?, X? and C? unconfirmed)
Available Worldwide
Give the vehicle visualization a ghost costume, enable visitor-triggered spooky sounds and flickering lights, schedule a Halloween light show, or use themed Photobooth effects. The listed Model 3 and Model Y support is confirmed; the remaining model indicators retain question marks.
Set Arrival Energy
New Feature
for Model S, 3, X, Y and CT
Tesla App 4.58.0+ / Available Worldwide
In the Tesla mobile app, open the location tab, enter a destination, and choose Set Arrival Energy to specify the energy level you want remaining when you arrive. This requires app version 4.58.0 or later.
Visual Updates
New Feature
for Model 3 and Y
AMD / HW3 / Available Worldwide
AMD-equipped HW3 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles receive higher-quality vehicle imagery and an enhanced parking environment on the center display.
Dynamic Headlight Leveling
New Feature
for Model 3 and CT
Specific Vehicles / Available Worldwide
On the specified eligible Model 3 and Cybertruck vehicles, low beams automatically change their aim in response to driving conditions and nearby traffic, improving road visibility while limiting glare for other drivers.
Supercharger Site Maps
New Feature
for Model S (Legacy), 3, X (Legacy) and Y
Intel / Available Worldwide
Use View Site Map at a supported Supercharger to inspect the site layout. When navigating to a pilot location, live arrival information distinguishes available, occupied, and out-of-service stalls. This entry is listed for Intel-equipped vehicles.
Security Improvements
New Feature
for Model S, 3, X, Y and CT
Available Worldwide
The release includes security fixes and improvements. Individual vulnerabilities and the specific changes made to address them are not described.
