NHTSA probes 1.2 million Teslas over suspension failure complaints
The U.S. auto safety regulator has opened a preliminary investigation into nearly 1.2 million Tesla vehicles after receiving 156 complaints about a suspension part that can detach and cause loss of steering control. No crashes or injuries have been reported so far.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating nearly 1.2 million Tesla vehicles following complaints of a suspension issue that could lead to “a loss of vehicle directional control.” The preliminary probe covers 2018–2020 Model 3 and 2021–2023 Model Y vehicles, according to a filing from NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation.
The agency has received 156 complaints about the problem, which involves the detachment of the front lower lateral link. In most of the cases NHTSA reviewed, the failure occurred with no advance warning, though some complaints mention noises before the failure. NHTSA has not documented any crashes, injuries, or deaths linked to the potential defect.
Previous Tesla suspension recalls
This is not the first time Tesla has faced suspension issues. In 2021, the company recalled 2,791 Model Y and Model 3 vehicles due to a possible suspension defect. Later, Tesla recalled another batch of Model 3 vehicles after NHTSA found that a loose fastener could allow the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame. However, NHTSA says the complaints tied to the current investigation do not appear to be related to these earlier problems.
