Tesla Faces U.S. Probe Over Suspension Issues Affecting 1.2 Million Model 3, Model Y Cars

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a preliminary safety investigation into roughly 1.2 million Tesla electric vehicles. This action stems from 156 owner complaints alleging that front suspension parts detached while driving, leading to a potential loss of steering control. The vehicles under scrutiny include Model 3s from the 2018-2020 model years and Model Ys from the 2021-2023 model years.

The investigation specifically targets the "Front Lower Lateral Link" of the front suspension system. According to NHTSA, if this component separates from the vehicle body, it could result in a complete loss of steering capability, rendering the car undrivable and possibly requiring towing. The Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) has initiated this preliminary assessment. Should a safety defect be confirmed, the investigation could escalate to a full engineering analysis, potentially leading to a recall order for Tesla.

Documents indicate that most owners reported no prior warning signs before the part failure, with only a few hearing unusual noises before the malfunction. NHTSA considers the risk of sudden suspension component detachment a serious safety concern warranting thorough investigation. As of now, there have been no reported accidents, injuries, or fatalities linked to this specific issue.

This is not the first time Tesla's suspension system has faced regulatory scrutiny. In 2021, the company recalled approximately 2,800 Model 3 vehicles due to manufacturing defects, and in 2023, another 422 Model 3s were recalled for similar issues. However, NHTSA notes that the scope of the current investigation extends beyond these previous recalls, and the cause appears distinct from prior manufacturing flaws. Tesla's suspension quality and durability have been under the watch of regulatory bodies for years, with NHTSA investigating Model S and Model X suspension problems in 2020, which concluded in 2024 without a recall but recommended design modifications.