Tesla Detects Ghosts? Viral Videos Show Mysterious Figures Appearing on Car Screens, Internet Divided
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — Viral videos showing Tesla cars detecting “invisible” human figures on their screens have stirred a major debate online — with some drivers claiming their vehicles might be seeing ghosts, while experts insist it’s nothing more than a technical glitch.
The mystery began when a Tesla owner shared footage of his car display lighting up with multiple human-shaped icons while driving past a cemetery, even though no one was visible outside.
The video spread rapidly across platforms like X and TikTok, amassing millions of views and prompting others to test their cars in similar conditions.
“It is being reported that Teslas driving through cemeteries pick up human bodies on the sensor and display them on the screen,” one viral post read, alongside the now-famous clip.
Cemetery Drives Spark Curiosity and Fear
Following the first viral post, several other Tesla owners shared their own unsettling experiences. One said he purposely drove through a cemetery late at night — only to watch “multiple moving figures” appear on his Tesla’s screen.
“There was absolutely no one around,” he said. “The display showed people walking near the car — it was unsettling.”
Another driver said his Tesla displayed human-like shapes while cruising through a forest at dusk, despite the area being empty.
“It was like the car could see something I couldn’t,” he explained in his video.
Internet Theories: Spirits or Software Glitch?
The eerie clips have spawned dozens of theories online. Some users joked that Tesla’s Autopilot system had tapped into the spirit world, while others genuinely wondered if the technology was detecting something beyond human sight.
However, engineers say there’s a far simpler explanation.
He was cruising through the forest at dusk, totally alone… or so he thought. Then his phone showed the images of people surrounding his car out of nowhere.
Was his car giving him a glimpse into the spiritual realm?
What would you do if your screen showed what your eyes… pic.twitter.com/tyWVBs9G0b
— 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎 🍁 𝙳𝚒𝚟𝚊™ (@1776Diva) October 9, 2025
Experts Debunk the “Ghost” Theory
According to experts, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving and Autopilot systems use radar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors to detect movement and objects around the car. In low-light conditions or cluttered environments — like cemeteries, forests, or parking lots — these systems can easily misinterpret reflections or shadows as human figures.
“It’s not ghosts — it’s physics,” one sensor specialist explained. “Reflections from tombstones, trees, or even metal surfaces can confuse the detection system.”
While Tesla hasn’t commented publicly on the viral claims, the company’s frequent software updates often improve object recognition and fix similar false-positive detections.
A Viral Mystery That Won’t Die
Despite rational explanations, the fascination continues to grow. The videos have become a trending topic under hashtags like #TeslaGhosts and #HauntedTech, with users debating whether modern AI has accidentally crossed into the supernatural.
For now, experts say there’s no evidence Tesla cars are detecting anything paranormal — but that hasn’t stopped drivers from keeping a closer eye on their displays, especially near cemeteries.
Have you experienced a strange Tesla sensor glitch or ghostly encounter? Share your story with us at NapervilleLocal.com and join the conversation.

I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.