If you’re a Tesla Model Y SUV owner, here’s the latest information regarding the United States Department of Transportation’s formal investigation into the steering wheel detaching from the column mid-drive.
Key takeaways from the investigation:
- The NHTSA is investigating the 2023 production year for Model Y SUVs. No other model years have been questioned at this time.
- Approximately 120,000 Tesla Model Y SUVs are said to be affected by this concerning safety issue.
- The federal agency is currently aware of two known instances which probed the opening of an official investigation on Wednesday, March 8th. If further analysis leads to greater concern, a recall will be announced; the next step in resolving the problem.
- The report does not mention any record of accidents or injuries resulting from the steering wheel falling off the column.
Details of the 2023 Tesla Model Y SUV investigation
As recounted in the video, one Tesla Model Y owner had a startling experience while on a drive last month. The steering wheel completely fell off the column while the car was in motion, and without warning. The owner was fortunate enough to be in a non-congested area and was able to come to a safe stop following the unexpected incident.
Though the departure of this integral car part called for immediate repair, there were other problems that followed. Complaints of the latest Tesla safety issue also detailed a number of errors appearing on the front touchscreen.
What caused the issue?
Both Tesla Model Ys were delivered without the retaining bolt that is necessary for keeping the wheel secured to the column. It is suspected that more 2023 model years could have this problem. To repair the issue, the retaining bolt was applied and the owner of the vehicle was charged $103.96 to resolve the issue. However, Tesla soon removed the charge and provided the owner with a brand new Tesla Model Y SUV.
Other Tesla safety concerns
Just a few weeks prior Tesla sunk deeper into hot water with the federal agency for its faulty self-driving beta system. This function is primarily used for autonomous driving in current Tesla models. The NHTSA recall affected over 362,00 cars. All of which have a heightened chance of a crashing when using the self-driving beta feature.
Overview
By now Tesla investigations are becoming a monthly occurrence. Although the American automaker is known for bringing the innovation to the EV industry, they are getting substantial heat from safety organizations who frequently calibrate the standard of road safety. With technology at the heart of car safety, there is little room for error. Yet Tesla models have been under fire for a range of technical and autonomous features for nearly a decade.
Interested in staying up-to-date with this Tesla investigation? Have more questions about the steering wheel falling off? You can get more answers by reading the full NHTSA report here.