The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced the closure of a preliminary evaluation into 74,918 Tesla vehicles due to front suspension failures. This issue was initially brought to light in 2020, with complaints alleging the failure of front suspension fore links in 2015-2017 Tesla Model S and 2016-2017 Model X vehicles. The failure of a fore link, a crucial component of a vehicle’s suspension system, can potentially lead to additional damage to other parts of the vehicle.
Despite the concerns raised by these complaints, the NHTSA ultimately closed the investigation as they found no instances where the failure of the part prevented the ability to control the vehicle in testing or reported instances of failure. This decision comes after reports from Reuters in December revealed that tens of thousands of Tesla owners had experienced premature failures of suspension or steering parts since 2016, with the company allegedly attempting to blame drivers for these issues.
According to the NHTSA, there was one minor crash associated with the 426 instances of fore link failures. The majority of these failures occurred at low speeds, between one to fifteen mph, typically while parking in driveways or parking lots. Despite the closure of the investigation, the NHTSA emphasized that this does not mean there were no safety issues present. Records show that Tesla has had nine recalls in the United States for steering and suspension issues since 2018.
In response to the investigation, Tesla issued a consumer satisfaction bulletin in 2017 to replace the component in some vehicles manufactured between January and May 2016. However, this bulletin did not cover 75% of the instances of failures identified in the investigation. The NHTSA recommended that Tesla expand the terms of the bulletin to cover all vehicles equipped with fore links, ensuring the safety of all affected vehicles.
As of now, Tesla has not provided a comment on the closure of the investigation. It is essential for car manufacturers to address safety concerns promptly and transparently to ensure the well-being of their customers. The NHTSA’s continued oversight and recommendations serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in the automotive industry.