U.S. highway safety regulators have closed an investigation into complaints that suspension parts can fail on nearly 75,000 Tesla vehicles, and they won’t seek a recall
DETROIT — U.S. highway safety regulators have closed an investigation into complaints that suspension parts can fail on nearly 75,000 Tesla vehicles, and they won’t seek a recall.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in documents released Wednesday that it found 426 reports of failures on the Model S from 2015 through 2017 and the Model X from 2016 and 2017. One crash was reported with no injuries.
But the agency found in testing and in checking complaints that the Teslas could still be controlled by drivers if the front fore links failed. So it decided to close the probe that was opened in November of 2020.
Tesla did a customer satisfaction campaign in 2017 to replace fore links on some of the vehicles. But NHTSA said that didn’t cover 75% of the failures identified in its investigation. The agency recommended that Tesla expand the replacement program.
A message was left Wednesday seeking comment from Tesla.
The US safety agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), recently concluded its investigation into reports of suspension failures in Tesla vehicles without recommending a recall. The investigation was launched after several Tesla owners reported issues with the suspension systems in their vehicles, leading to concerns about the safety of these electric cars.
The NHTSA’s investigation focused on Model S and Model X vehicles manufactured between 2015 and 2017, specifically looking into reports of the rear suspension links failing and causing the wheels to become misaligned. This issue could potentially lead to loss of control of the vehicle and pose a serious safety risk to both drivers and passengers.
After conducting a thorough investigation, the NHTSA determined that there was no evidence to suggest a defect in the design or manufacturing of the suspension components in Tesla vehicles. The agency concluded that the reported incidents were likely due to normal wear and tear on the parts, rather than a systemic issue with the vehicles themselves.
While the NHTSA did not recommend a recall for Tesla vehicles, they did issue a safety advisory to remind owners to regularly inspect their suspension systems and have any necessary repairs or maintenance performed by a qualified technician. This advisory serves as a reminder to all Tesla owners to stay vigilant about the condition of their vehicles and take proactive steps to ensure their safety on the road.
Tesla has also responded to the investigation findings, stating that they have always prioritized safety and will continue to monitor and address any potential issues that may arise with their vehicles. The company has emphasized the importance of regular maintenance and inspections to prevent any potential safety hazards from occurring.
Overall, while the NHTSA’s investigation did not result in a recall for Tesla vehicles, it serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and inspections for all vehicles. By staying proactive about vehicle safety, drivers can help prevent potential issues from escalating and ensure that their vehicles remain safe and reliable on the road.
