Tesla Vehicles Now Use Internal Mics to Detect Squeaks and Rattles at Factory

Tesla vehicles are now using their built-in cabin microphones to listen for squeaks and rattles during the final moments of factory assembly, with the entire validation process running autonomously via Full Self-Driving.

What Happened

In an interview with longtime Tesla enthusiast Herbert Ong, VP of Engineering Lars Moravy revealed that new vehicles now drive themselves completely through the bumps, squeaks, and rattles (BSR) section of the production line—a final validation track before cars leave the factory floor. As the car navigates the course autonomously, built-in cabin microphones listen for assembly issues and report findings directly back to Tesla's engineering team. Moravy said Tesla is developing a specialized AI system called "Full Self-Hearing" to automatically detect minor imperfections before delivery. The factory is also deploying internal AI agents across engineering, supply chain, service, and manufacturing quality control.

Why It Matters

For owners and buyers, this represents an evolution in how Tesla catches defects before vehicles reach customers. Using microphones that are already installed in the car—rather than external sensors—means the system mirrors real-world driving conditions where drivers might report cabin noises. Catching squeaks, rattles, and other assembly issues at the factory level could reduce early-life complaints and service visits, improving long-term ownership experience.

The Bottom Line

Tesla continues pushing its Full Self-Driving technology beyond public roads into factory operations. The microphone-based quality control system is currently active during vehicle validation, with a dedicated "Full Self-Hearing" AI still in development to expand the capability.