The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an Investigation into Tesla Vehicles (TSLA) following complaints related to the loss of steering control and power steering. According to the preliminary report from NHTSA, 12 Tesla owners have reported incidents where their Model 3s and Model Y SUVs experienced a “loss of steering control,” accompanied by warning messages indicating that “power steering assist is reduced or disabled.” Among these cases, five owners reported the inability to steer the vehicle, while the remaining seven cited a loss of power steering, leading to increased effort in controlling the vehicle.
The investigation targets approximately 280,000 Model 3 and Model Y sedans from the 2023 model year. One major concern arises as Tesla may not be able to address the steering issue through a simple software update, potentially necessitating an expensive recall campaign that involves part replacements.
Several motorists have provided detailed complaints, shedding light on the severity of the problem. A motorist from Washington state shared that while driving their 2023 Model Y, the electronic power steering abruptly ceased to function. Fortunately, no vehicles were behind them, preventing any accidents, but they had to exert immense manual power on the steering to move the vehicle to the side. Another owner from Hawaii reported that just a week after purchasing their Tesla, the steering wheel would randomly lock up, leading to six occurrences on different dates before being able to take the car to the Tesla service department. As a result, the vehicle currently remains at Tesla for three weeks while waiting for a new steering rack/motor.
Notably, this isn’t the first time Tesla has faced steering-related issues. In a previous investigation in March, Tesla had to conduct a safety recall due to reports of the steering wheel in Model Y SUVs detaching completely from the steering column. The resolution involved fastening a nut to the steering wheel to secure it properly.
In addition to this latest steering investigation, NHTSA is also currently examining Tesla over claims of unintended acceleration and a “phantom braking” issue that occurs when the vehicle uses its Autopilot semi-autonomous driving feature. These investigations are separate from a broader ongoing NHTSA inquiry into Autopilot software, where Tesla vehicles have been involved in collisions with emergency vehicles stationed at accident scenes.
As of the latest trading data, Tesla stock is currently valued at 261.82 USD, down 2.10% today. It is essential to keep a close watch on the developments regarding the NHTSA investigation and the subsequent actions taken by Tesla to address these steering concerns. As always, the safety of vehicle operations remains a top priority for regulators and automakers alike. Potential recalls or corrective measures could have significant implications for Tesla and its customers. Investors and consumers should stay informed and exercise caution in light of these ongoing Investigation into Tesla Vehicles.
Source: Yahoo Finance
