Tesla FSD v14.3.9 Adds Automatic Collision Evasion During Manual Driving

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving pitch just flipped for a subset of owners: the software can now switch itself on. In coverage dated September 17, 2026, The Auto Wire walks through FSD (Supervised) v14.3.9 and a feature Tesla files under Active Safety: Automatic Collision Evasion.

What the feature actually does

Release notes describe it as activating Full Self-Driving (Supervised) to try to keep the vehicle safe and then continue driving. Triggers during manual driving include: an imminent frontal collision where braking alone may not be enough, and cases where the cabin camera concludes the driver is heavily distracted (reaching for the back seat is cited) or FSD was disengaged by accident. The Model Y manual now lists it beside Lane Assist and Collision Avoidance Assist—not in the convenience drawer.

Critical caveat: you need FSD software

This is not every Tesla on the road. The mechanism works by switching FSD on. Cars without FSD available have nothing to enable. Owners who paid for or subscribe to FSD but were driving manually are the audience—not Autopilot-only cars.

Why steering is riskier than AEB

Automatic emergency braking is increasingly regulated (NHTSA FMVSS 127 timelines). Evasive steering moves the car sideways—toward a barrier, shoulder, or adjacent lane—if the model is wrong. Tesla also says the system continues driving after the maneuver rather than dumping a startled human mid-swerve. That design choice is sensible and legally thorny at once.

Calibration and cabin camera

Camera calibration after windshield or body work still matters; manuals cite ~20–25 miles for self-calibration. Sunglasses, hats, and dirty cabin lenses affect attention detection. After shop work, verify safety-feature status on the touchscreen before assuming ACE is healthy.

Rocks take

Treat Automatic Collision Evasion like an airbag with a steering wheel: valuable if it works, not a license to look away. Keep dashcam clips with steering/FSD state for claims. Independent analysis: The Auto Wire. Open questions remain on false-positive rates and whether owners can fully disable it.

FAQ

Does it work without FSD? No—the feature activates FSD Supervised.

Is the driver still responsible? Tesla still brands it Supervised; insurers will treat you as the driver unless proven otherwise.