The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently investigating Tesla in response to a series of reports involving the 2023 model year Model 3 and Model Y vehicles experiencing steering-related problems. These concerns have prompted the agency to initiate a preliminary evaluation (PE), prompted by drivers' claims of encountering either steering difficulty or a loss of power steering assistance.
According to the NHTSA, there have been five reports of drivers being unable to steer their vehicles, while an additional seven reports highlight instances of power steering loss, leading to heightened effort requirements in controlling the vehicles. The purpose of this preliminary evaluation is to comprehensively assess the extent, frequency, manufacturing procedures, and severity of this issue.
Notably, no fatalities or injuries have been reported in connection with these incidents, although one case did result in a crash or fire, as highlighted by Electrek. The investigation encompasses approximately 280,000 vehicles, potentially leading to a recall if deemed necessary. Tesla, unfortunately, lacks a communication department that can be contacted for comment on the matter.
This occurrence is not the first instance of the NHTSA delving into safety concerns related to Tesla vehicles. In March, the agency commenced a separate investigation following reports of steering wheels detaching from Model Y vehicles while in operation. Additionally, Tesla has captured the attention of the Department of Justice (DOJ). In January, the company confirmed the DOJ's request for documents related to Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features.
Furthermore, in the previous month, Tesla proactively issued a voluntary recall affecting over 1,300 Model S, X, and Y vehicles manufactured this year. The recall was necessitated by misaligned cameras, a glitch that "might render specific active safety functionalities, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist, inoperative, all without alerting the driver to their non-functionality."
