U.S. Regulator Investigates Tesla Suspension Defects
Synopsis
Federal regulators are investigating 1.2 million Tesla vehicles over complaints of suspension defects affecting steering control.
Key Highlights
- The preliminary NHTSA investigation has opened 1.2 million investigations into Tesla vehicles.
- The investigation comes after nearly 156 cases of suspension failures that could result in a loss of steering control.
- This inquiry applies to select Model 3 as well as Model Y automobiles made between 2018 and 2020 for the former, as well as from 2021 to 2023 for the latter.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a preliminary investigation covering about 1.2 million Tesla vehicles following reports of suspension failures that may lead to a loss of steering control.
The agency’s Office of Defects Investigation said it received 156 complaints involving the front lower lateral link detaching in certain 2018–2020 Model 3 and 2021–2023 Model Y vehicles.
Investigation Underway
According to NHTSA, the reported suspension issue could leave affected vehicles undriveable and require towing. Most owners said there was no warning before the failure, although some reported unusual noises beforehand.
The regulator said it is not aware of any crashes, injuries or deaths linked to the issue. The preliminary evaluation is the first step in the defect investigation process and could ultimately lead to a recall if NHTSA determines a safety-related defect exists.
Failures Extend Beyond Previous Recalls
Tesla recalled around 2,800 Model 3 vehicles in 2021 over a manufacturing issue involving lower lateral links, followed by another recall of 422 Model 3 vehicles in 2023 for similar problems.
NHTSA said the failures being examined in the latest investigation appear to fall outside the scope of those earlier recalls and are not believed to be related to the previous manufacturing defect. The agency will investigate the underlying cause, extent and severity of the potential issue.
Reuters reported in 2023 that Tesla had internally monitored recurring suspension and steering component failures for years, while often attributing the damage to driver misuse in communications with customers and U.S. regulators.
According to recall management firm BizzyCar, Tesla ranked seventh by recall volume in the second quarter, issuing three recalls affecting roughly 234,000 vehicles.
Source: Reuters
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