The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary investigation into nearly 1.2 million Tesla vehicles, according to infohub.kz.
The probe covers Model 3 sedans built from 2018 to 2020 and Model Y crossovers produced from 2021 to 2023.
The move follows 156 complaints from owners about a possible defect in the front lower lateral link of the suspension. According to the regulator, this component may loosen or fail, potentially affecting vehicle handling.
Most drivers say the failure occurred without any warning. Some heard unusual noises beforehand, but the car gave no error messages. After the part failed, the EVs often could not continue driving and required towing.
Despite the high number of complaints, no crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue have been reported.
NHTSA notes that Tesla has already recalled some Model 3s for similar problems. However, the new complaints may indicate a more widespread defect, prompting the agency to launch a separate investigation.
The probe is in its early stages, and no recall has been announced. Investigators will determine the root cause, the number of potentially affected vehicles, and whether a service campaign is needed.
Owners of Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are advised to watch for unusual suspension noises and any changes in handling. If such symptoms appear, they should contact a service center as soon as possible.
Earlier, Kursiv Avto reported that an American woman demanded 5 billion tenge from Tesla after a crash during a test drive.