U.S. Regulators Launch Suspension Defect Probe into Nearly 1.2 Million Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Vehicles

On July 31, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced it has opened a preliminary investigation into approximately 1,198,300 Tesla vehicles following multiple complaints about suspension system failures. The affected vehicles include Model 3s from model years 2018 to 2020 and Model Ys from model years 2021 to 2023. NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 156 related complaints alleging that the front lower lateral link poses a risk of detachment, which could result in loss of steering control. The defect under investigation is not covered by any prior recalls and appears, at this preliminary stage, unrelated to manufacturing issues addressed in previous recalls. Through this initial evaluation, ODI will determine the root cause, scope, severity, and potential safety risks associated with the issue.