The NHTSA has launched a preliminary investigation into nearly 1.2 million Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles after complaints of a suspension failure that could cause drivers to lose directional control.
Key facts
- The NHTSA is probing nearly 1.2 million Tesla vehicles.
- The complaints concern a suspension failure that could cause a loss of vehicle directional control.
- The investigation covers 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2021-2023 Model Y vehicles.
- The probe is a preliminary investigation opened by the NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
- The issue was first reported by Reuters.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary investigation into nearly 1.2 million Tesla vehicles, according to a report by The Verge. The agency acted after receiving complaints about a suspension failure that could cause “a loss of vehicle directional control.”
The investigation was first reported by Reuters, The Verge noted. The probe stems from complaints filed with the regulator concerning the potential defect and its safety implications for drivers.
According to a filing from the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, the preliminary investigation includes the 2018-2020 Model 3 and the 2021-2023 Model Y. These two models account for the roughly 1.2 million vehicles now under scrutiny.
A preliminary investigation is an early step in the federal review process. It allows regulators to gather information and assess whether a defect exists before deciding on any further action, such as an engineering analysis or a recall.
The reported failure carries safety concerns because a loss of directional control affects a driver’s ability to steer the vehicle. The scope of the affected models spans several model years across two of Tesla’s most widely sold cars.
No additional details about the outcome of the investigation, findings, or any response from Tesla were included in the available reporting.
Why it matters
A suspension failure that could cause a loss of directional control is a serious safety concern, and the investigation covers roughly 1.2 million vehicles across two of Tesla's most popular models. The outcome could lead to further regulatory action or a recall affecting a large number of drivers.