U.S. auto safety regulators are turning their attention back to hardware components on popular electric vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has officially opened a preliminary investigation into approximately 1.2 million Tesla vehicles over potential suspension failures that could lead to a loss of steering control.
As detailed in a report by Reuters, the probe was launched by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation after receiving 156 complaints. The issue impacts 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2021-2023 Model Y builds, with complaints alleging that the front lower lateral link can detach while driving.
Details of the Suspension Probe
According to the agency, a detached front lower lateral link leaves the vehicle undriveable, resulting in the driver needing to have it towed. Most owner complaints indicated there was no advance warning before the component failed, though a few drivers reported hearing unusual noises right before the break occurred.
Not a Tesla App
Fortunately, NHTSA noted that it is currently unaware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities connected to the reported defect. This initial evaluation serves as the first stage of NHTSA’s defect identification process, which can lead to an official recall if inspectors confirm a safety hazard.
This is not the first time lower lateral link detachments on Tesla vehicles have prompted action. Tesla previously recalled roughly 2,800 2021 Model 3 cars due to a manufacturing assembly error, while a separate 2023 recall affected 422 Model 3 units for similar detachment issues. However, NHTSA emphasized that the newly reported failures extend far beyond the scope of those previous recalls and appear unrelated to the production defects that led to them.
Ongoing Federal Oversight
This new suspension investigation arrives alongside broader regulatory activity surrounding the Tesla fleet. NHTSA notably also recently closed a longstanding investigation into Model 3 and Model Y steering failures, resolving questions over power steering assist loss.
At the same time, scrutiny around Tesla’s software capabilities — its autonomy features in particular — continues to mount in Washington. Lawmakers urged NHTSA to investigate Tesla’s safety claims surrounding its Full Self-Driving software earlier this summer, asking regulators to scrutinize public marketing statements regarding driver assistance.
For now, NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation into the 1.2 million Model 3 and Model Y vehicles will focus on determining the underlying cause, scope, and severity of the suspension issue. As the investigation progresses, we’ll keep you updated if federal regulators request a full recall and Tesla starts issuing notices to owners.