US investigates 280,000 new Tesla vehicles for steering problem.

US investigates 280,000 new Tesla vehicles for steering problem.

Investigation into Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Steering Issues

Tesla Model 3

Washington, Aug 1 (ANBLE) – The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently initiated an investigation into potential steering control and power steering issues in around 280,000 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles[^1^]. This investigation was triggered by 12 complaints received from owners of these newer Tesla models.

One driver reported an incident in May where their Model 3 “car steering felt stuck and slid off the road which resulted in crashing into a tree”[^1^]. Another driver in Alpharetta, Georgia faced a similar issue in June when their two-week-old Tesla Model Y suddenly lost steering control, forcing them to maneuver to avoid a potential collision[^1^]. These incidents highlight the gravity of the matter and the potential risks these steering issues may pose to the safety of Tesla owners.

The NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation marks the first step in a formal investigation that aims to determine if these reported steering issues present an unreasonable safety risk[^1^]. Should the NHTSA find substantial evidence, they have the authority to upgrade the probe to an engineering analysis, which would then allow them to issue a recall if deemed necessary[^1^].

Interestingly, one complaint from an April incident revealed that a Tesla Model Y, not even a month old, experienced a sudden jerking motion of the steering wheel, accompanied by an error message that read, “Steering Assist Reduced”[^1^]. In response, Tesla informed the driver about a known issue and scheduled a service visit for May 25, citing a backlog of parts[^1^]. The customer expressed concerns about the safety of driving the vehicle with a disabled power steering system.

Another Tesla owner in Honolulu relayed their experience with the steering issues, stating that the steering wheel would randomly lock up after just one week of owning the vehicle[^1^]. This persistent issue occurred multiple times but eventually required a new steering rack/motor, necessitating a three-week stay at the Tesla service department[^1^].

Tesla’s Response and Possible Implications

As of now, Tesla has not commented on this investigation by the NHTSA[^1^]. The automotive manufacturer may be preparing to address these concerns, but until an official statement is made, it remains uncertain how Tesla will handle this situation.

The potential ramifications of the NHTSA investigation on Tesla are significant. Not only would a recall affect a large number of Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, but it could also undermine consumer confidence, a crucial factor for any automaker. Moreover, safety concerns surrounding steering issues in electric vehicles can have broader implications for the overall perception and acceptance of electric vehicles in the market.

Conclusion

The NHTSA’s investigation into the potential steering control and power steering issues in Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles represents a proactive measure to ensure the safety of automotive consumers. Tesla, as an industry leader in electric vehicles, faces the challenge of addressing these reported incidents and providing a satisfactory resolution to affected vehicle owners.

As this investigation progresses, it will be interesting to see how Tesla responds and what steps they take to rectify any identified issues. The outcome of this investigation will not only impact Tesla’s brand reputation but also serve as a benchmark for the industry’s commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of electric vehicles.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the content of the original news report and does not reflect the opinions or evaluations of the writer.

Wall St shines, China misses again
Apple’s fanbase is eager to highlight...
Morning Bid Asian markets’ challenge ...
Businesses are not preparing for an upcomin...
Bearish traders flock to AMC options amid d...
TikTok creator earns $7,000 daily by repeat...
Tech

Tech