US Regulator Opens Preliminary Probe into Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Suspension Defects
US regulators have opened a preliminary investigation into suspension defects in Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, covering 2018 to 2020 Model 3s and 2021 to 2023 Model Ys. The Office of Defects Investigation has received 156 complaints, mostly involving detachment of the front lower lateral link, with failures often occurring without warning. No crashes, injuries or deaths have been reported. The probe is a preliminary evaluation, but the agency could compel a recall if a safety defect is confirmed. Tesla recalled 2,791 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in 2021 over suspension issues.
The investigation covers Tesla Model 3 vehicles from model years 2018 to 2020 and Model Y vehicles from model years 2021 to 2023. The regulator said suspension failure can directly render a vehicle undriveable, requiring a tow truck. As of the start of the investigation, no crashes, injuries or deaths related to the potential defect had been reported.
The agency’s Office of Defects Investigation has received 156 complaints, with the problems centred mainly on detachment of the front lower lateral link. In most of the cases reviewed, the suspension failure occurred without warning, although some owners reported hearing abnormal noises before the failure. The investigation is at the first stage of the defects investigation process, a preliminary evaluation. If a safety defect is ultimately found, the agency has the authority to compel Tesla to conduct a recall.
Tesla has previously recalled vehicles over suspension problems. In 2021, Tesla recalled 2,791 Model Y and Model 3 vehicles because of suspension defects. The agency said the complaints covered by this latest investigation do not coincide with the failure causes associated with the several earlier recalls.