NHTSA Investigates 1.2M Tesla Vehicles Over Suspension Failure Risks

U.S. auto safety regulators have refocused on hardware components in popular electric vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary investigation into approximately 1.2 million Tesla vehicles over potential suspension failures that could result in a loss of steering control.

According to a report by Reuters, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation initiated the probe after receiving 156 complaints. The reports involve 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2021-2023 Model Y vehicles, with allegations that the front lower lateral link can detach while driving.

Details of the Suspension Probe

The agency said a detached front lower lateral link leaves the vehicle undriveable, requiring the driver to have it towed. Most owner complaints indicated there was no advance warning before the component failed, though a few drivers reported hearing unusual noises immediately beforehand.

NHTSA said it is currently unaware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities associated with the reported defect. This initial evaluation is the first step in the agency’s defect-identification process and can lead to an official recall if inspectors confirm a safety hazard.

Lower lateral link detachments on Tesla vehicles have drawn action before. Tesla previously recalled roughly 2,800 2021 Model 3 vehicles due to a manufacturing assembly error, and a separate 2023 recall affected 422 Model 3 units for similar detachment issues. However, NHTSA said the newly reported failures extend far beyond those earlier recalls and appear unrelated to the production defects that prompted them.

Ongoing Federal Oversight

The suspension probe comes amid broader regulatory activity involving Tesla’s fleet. NHTSA also recently closed a longstanding investigation into Model 3 and Model Y steering failures, resolving questions over power steering assist loss.

At the same time, scrutiny of Tesla’s software capabilities—particularly its autonomy features—continues in Washington. Lawmakers urged NHTSA to investigate Tesla’s safety claims regarding its Full Self-Driving software earlier this summer, asking regulators to scrutinize public marketing statements about driver assistance.

For now, NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation covering 1.2 million Model 3 and Model Y vehicles will focus on determining the underlying cause, scope, and severity of the suspension issue. Depending on the findings, regulators may request a full recall and Tesla could issue notices to owners.