US regulators are intensifying their scrutiny of Tesla as they broaden an investigation into the electric vehicle manufacturer’s power steering systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has upgraded its preliminary probe, originally launched in July 2023, to include an engineering analysis of over 334,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles from the same year. The investigation stems from thousands of drivers reporting incidents of losing control of their steering wheels, with one crash and numerous drivers left stranded. The NHTSA’s move is perceived as a significant step toward a potential comprehensive recall of Tesla models equipped with the standard power steering feature.
According to NHTSA documents dated February 1st, the loss of steering reported by drivers is often accompanied by messages indicating a reduction or disablement of power steering assist in Tesla’s electric cars. A total of 2,388 steering loss complaints have been filed, including one incident resulting in a crash where the driver collided with another vehicle after being unable to complete a right-hand turn. Tesla and the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) conducted a joint examination of the crashed vehicle and its steering rack, a component potentially subject to the recall, with reported success for owners whose steering rack was replaced by Tesla.
The complaints from Tesla owners detail instances where they could not turn the steering wheel or had to exert increased effort during both startup and driving. Approximately 1 in 10 owners experienced the issue at speeds of 35 mph or more, with half of the incidents occurring at speeds as low as 5 mph. Some drivers described their steering as feeling “notchy” or “clicky” before or after the problem occurred. The broader context includes Tesla’s recent recalls, including a voluntary recall of 2 million vehicles for dashboard warning lights and a forced recall in December related to Autopilot safety concerns.
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