The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary investigation into about 1.2 million Tesla vehicles over reports that a front suspension part can detach and cause a loss of steering control. The agency has logged 156 complaints tied to certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2021-2023 Model Y vehicles and says it knows of no crashes, injuries or fatalities so far.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a preliminary investigation into about 1.2 million Tesla vehicles on Friday, citing reports of suspension failures that could cause a loss of steering control. The agency's Office of Defects Investigation said it has received 156 complaints alleging the front lower lateral link detached in certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2021-2023 Model Y vehicles.
NHTSA said the suspension failure could leave the vehicle undriveable and require it to be towed. Tesla did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
No warning before most failures
Most complaints indicated there was no advance warning before the failure, though some owners reported hearing noises beforehand. The agency said it is not aware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities related to the reported defect.
NHTSA is conducting a preliminary evaluation, the first stage of its defect investigation process, which could lead to a recall if the agency finds a safety-related defect. The evaluation will examine the underlying cause, scope and severity of the potential defect.
Earlier recalls covered similar failures
Tesla has previously recalled vehicles over lower lateral link detachments. A 2021 recall covered about 2,800 Model 3 vehicles due to a production issue. A separate 2023 recall involved 422 Model 3 vehicles that experienced similar failures. NHTSA said the newly reported failures extend beyond the scope of those recalls and do not appear related to the production issue that prompted them.
Reuters reported in 2023 that Tesla had internally tracked chronic failures of suspension and steering components for years, even as it frequently blamed the damage on driver abuse in communications with customers and regulators. Tesla, ranked seventh by recall volume in Q2, issued three recalls affecting about 234,000 vehicles, according to recall management firm BizzyCar.
Source: Investing.com
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