NHTSA Investigates Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Over Suspension Failures
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into approximately 1.2 million Tesla vehicles following reports of a front suspension component detaching while driving. The probe affects 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2021-2023 Model Y vehicles, with the agency’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) at the helm.
The ODI has opened a preliminary evaluation, which is the first stage in its process for investigating potential safety-related defects. If the investigation finds evidence of such a defect, it can escalate to an engineering analysis and potentially lead to a recall.
The front lower lateral link, a critical component of the front suspension system, has been reported to detach from the vehicle in affected cars. According to NHTSA documents, this failure can cause steering control issues, render the vehicle undriveable, and necessitate towing.
A notable aspect of these complaints is that most owners reported no warning signs before the link failed. Some drivers did report hearing noises beforehand, but many others were caught off guard by the sudden loss of suspension integrity. This lack of advance warning raises concerns about the safety implications of a critical component failing without warning.
At this point in time, NHTSA has not identified any crashes, injuries, or fatalities linked to these alleged defects. However, 156 complaints is a significant number for an investigation at its preliminary stage. The agency will continue to monitor and assess the situation as more information becomes available.
Tesla has previously faced issues related to suspension problems on the same vehicles in question. In 2021, the company issued a recall covering approximately 2,800 Model 3 vehicles due to a production-related issue affecting the front lower lateral link. A second recall in 2023 targeted 422 Model 3 vehicles for similar failures.
NHTSA notes that these current complaints appear to go beyond the scope of those earlier recalls and do not seem to be related to the same production problem. The agency will need to determine whether there is a systemic defect underlying these issues, which could potentially lead to further action.
The investigation into Tesla’s suspension problems marks another chapter in an ongoing saga between the company and regulators. In 2020, NHTSA scrutinized Tesla over Model S and Model X suspension concerns after it disputed a related recall in China. The agency ultimately closed that case without forcing a recall but recommended changes to the part.
The pattern of complaints piling up, followed by Tesla pointing to isolated causes, has become familiar in recent years. NHTSA must now decide whether there is a deeper issue at play and take appropriate action if necessary.
A Model Y owner who experienced this problem firsthand shared their story online. They reported hearing knocking noises while turning the vehicle earlier this year and later discovered that a loose nut on one of the axles was causing the issue. Fortunately, it did not fall off during driving, but they had to have the car towed by Tesla.
The suspension probe comes at a time when NHTSA is already scrutinizing other aspects of Tesla’s operations. The agency recently upgraded its investigation into Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology over reduced-visibility crashes, expanding it to cover 3.2 million vehicles and potentially paving the way for further action.
A critical component like the front lower lateral link should not detach without warning, and drivers have every right to expect their vehicle’s suspension system to function properly. While there are no reported injuries or fatalities at this stage, NHTSA will continue to monitor the situation closely as it unfolds.