Tesla software update 2026.38.3, dated October 6, 2026, brings together seasonal entertainment, an emergency charging function, and new trip-planning controls. Its seven documented feature entries also include vehicle graphics, headlight adjustments, Supercharger maps, and security improvements. Availability varies by model and onboard hardware, so the complete feature list should be read alongside the requirements for each vehicle.
Halloween Mode adds a ghost costume to the vehicle visualization, a Trick or Treat setting with spooky sounds and flickering lights, a scheduled themed light show, and Halloween Photobooth effects. Model 3 and Model Y are listed as supported; the other model indicators remain unconfirmed. The description presents it as a mode that can be used beyond the Halloween season.
Emergency Drive Away allows a compatible Tesla to shift into Drive while still connected to a Supercharger. This is strictly an emergency measure: departing with the cable attached will damage the vehicle and charging equipment, and repair costs may fall to the user. Activating it also shares short vehicle-camera recordings with Tesla. Its listed vehicles include newer Model S and Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck.
Set Arrival Energy moves a trip-planning preference into the Tesla mobile app. After entering a destination in the location tab, owners can choose their desired energy level on arrival. The feature requires app version 4.58.0 or later and is listed across Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, and Cybertruck.
The visual changes target AMD-equipped HW3 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, with more detailed vehicle images and an enhanced parking scene. Dynamic Headlight Leveling has different eligibility: specific Model 3 and Cybertruck vehicles can automatically adjust low-beam aim for driving conditions and surrounding traffic, improving visibility while limiting glare.
Supercharger Site Maps are listed for Intel-equipped legacy Model S and Model X, Model 3, and Model Y. At supported pilot locations, a site view helps owners see the layout and live stall status when arriving. The release also lists security fixes and improvements, without identifying individual vulnerabilities.
Below, you can find the illustrated 2026.38.3 Release Notes, with each feature and its vehicle, hardware, or app requirements explained separately.
Halloween Mode
New Feature
for Model 3 and Y (S?, X? and C? unconfirmed)
Available Worldwide
Halloween Mode combines a ghost-themed vehicle display, visitor-triggered sounds and flickering lights, a scheduled spooky light show, and themed Photobooth effects. The source confirms Model 3 and Model Y while retaining question marks for the other model indicators.
Emergency Drive Away
New Feature
for Model S (New), 3, X (New), Y and CT
This emergency-only function permits shifting into Drive with a Supercharger cable attached. Driving away will damage the vehicle and Supercharger, and the user may face repair costs. Short recordings from the vehicle cameras are shared with Tesla when the feature is activated.
Set Arrival Energy
New Feature
for Model S, 3, X, Y and CT
Tesla App 4.58.0+ / Available Worldwide
Choose the energy level you want remaining at your destination from the Tesla app: open the location tab, enter the destination, and select Set Arrival Energy. Tesla app version 4.58.0 or later is required.
Visual Updates
New Feature
for Model 3 and Y
AMD / HW3 / Available Worldwide
Compatible Model 3 and Model Y vehicles receive more detailed vehicle graphics and an updated environment in the center display's parking scene. This feature is listed for AMD hardware with HW3.
Dynamic Headlight Leveling
New Feature
for Model 3 and CT
Specific Vehicles / Available Worldwide
On eligible Model 3 and Cybertruck vehicles, low-beam aim adjusts automatically to driving conditions and nearby traffic, balancing road visibility with reduced glare for other road users.
Supercharger Site Maps
New Feature
for Model S (Legacy), 3, X (Legacy) and Y
Intel / Available Worldwide
Select View Site Map at a supported Supercharger to see its layout. Navigation to a pilot site displays live stall availability on arrival, distinguishing available, occupied, and unavailable stalls. The listed vehicles use Intel hardware.
Security Improvements
New Feature
for Model S, 3, X, Y and CT
Available Worldwide
Includes security fixes and improvements. The release notes do not provide a breakdown of the individual issues addressed.
