Tesla is under investigation by U.S. auto safety regulators over complaints that new Model 3 and Model Y vehicles can lose steering control, according to a filing Tuesday—the latest probe into Tesla vehicles, including investigations into the automaker’s autopilot system, steering wheels and seat belts.
An estimated 280,000 Tesla vehicles are under investigation.
Key Takeaways
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received 12 complaints alleging a loss of steering control and power steering in 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, of which five reported an inability to steer the vehicle, according to a filing by the agency—though only one crash was reported.
- A loss of steering control is often accompanied by messages indicating the vehicle’s power steering assist—which reduces the effort required to turn the wheel—has been reduced or disabled, according to the agency.
- A complaint filed May 7 indicated the driver’s Model 3 vehicle crashed after the “car steering felt stuck” before the vehicle “slid off the road, which resulted in crashing into a tree.”
- Other complaints indicated a loss of power steering that would cause the steering wheel to not move “without great effort.”
- A preliminary investigation into the vehicles will determine whether the issue poses an unreasonable safety risk, after which the agency could upgrade the investigation to an engineering analysis, which could result in a recall.
Big Number
280,000. That’s the estimated number of vehicles covered by the probe.
Key Background
The investigation into new Tesla vehicles is the fifth started by the U.S. auto safety regulators in the last three years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been investigating Tesla’s self-driving features since August 2021, adding to scrutiny by the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission over the company’s autopilot claims.
The agency previously recalled some Tesla vehicles, leading Tesla to issue a software change, after concerns the self-driving system could cause problems like passing stop signs without stopping or driving through intersections without using caution.
An investigation was opened a year earlier into some Model S and Model X vehicles from the 2015, 2016 and 2017 model years, following complaints of front suspension failure. Regulators have opened a separate investigation into new Model Y vehicles, following complaints that steering wheels have fallen off while driving. Another investigation opened weeks later indicated seat belts were not fully attached to new Model X vehicles.
This article was first published on forbes.com and all figures are in USD.
