US Regulators Probe 280,000 New Teslas Over Steering Problems
US auto safety regulators have launched an investigation into approximately 280,000 recently manufactured Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The probe follows several reports suggesting potential steering control loss and power steering failure.
NHTSA Receives Disturbing Complaints on Tesla Models
Triggering this regulatory action, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received 12 complaints from owners of the 2023 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. One Model 3 driver reported an incident where the vehicle's steering felt stuck, causing the car to slide off the road and collide with a tree.
Tesla Model Y Owner Shares Terrifying Steering Experience
Further highlighting the gravity of the issue, a Tesla Model Y driver from Alpharetta, Georgia reported a frightening experience with the steering wheel in June. The driver recounted that the steering wheel of his two-week-old vehicle wouldn't turn while exiting a shopping center, prompting a hazardous maneuver across traffic.
Formal Investigation Process Begins Amidst Tesla's Silence
Despite these alarming reports, Tesla has not immediately issued a statement or response. The NHTSA's preliminary evaluation marks the first step in a formal investigation to ascertain if these steering issues pose an unreasonable safety risk. If concerns persist, the agency might escalate the probe to an engineering analysis, which could potentially lead to a product recall.
Recent Complaints and Delays in Tesla Service
Another alarming complaint stated that a newly purchased Model Y exhibited erratic steering behavior. A driver reported that upon ignition, the steering wheel jerked hard right with an error message indicating reduced steering assistance. The power steering subsequently failed, and Tesla service delays only exacerbated the owner's concerns.
Reports of Steering Issues Persist
One driver from Honolulu reported recurrent steering wheel lock-ups just a week after purchasing their Tesla. This issue necessitated multiple visits to Tesla's service department and prolonged waiting periods for parts replacement, causing considerable inconvenience to the new Tesla owner.
