NHTSA Shuts Down Investigation Into Tesla Model S And X Suspension Failures Without Recall

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has concluded its investigation into alleged front suspension failures in certain Tesla Model S and Model X electric vehicles (EVs) without issuing a recall.

The probe by the NHTSA, which started in November 2020, covered 74,918 EVs from the 2015 to 2017 model years. According to Reuters, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) identified 426 instances of failure involving the fore links, crucial components of the vehicle’s suspension system. Despite these failures, the agency found no significant safety risk, with only one minor crash reported and no injuries.

“A majority of the failures occurred between one to fifteen mph while parking in driveways or parking lots,” NHTSA stated. The agency noted that in cases where EVs were traveling at higher speeds, they remained controllable with no associated crashes or injuries.

Tesla had previously issued a service bulletin in 2017 to replace the fore links on a limited number of vehicles built between January 19 and May 25, 2016. However, NHTSA believes this does not cover 75% of the instances identified in their investigation.

While closing the investigation without mandating a recall, NHTSA recommended that Tesla expand the terms of its service bulletin to cover all EVs equipped with the affected fore links. The agency emphasized that the closure “does not constitute a finding by the Agency that a safety-related defect is not present.”

Tesla Recalls In China

This investigation stemmed from various complaints and a recall of nearly 30,000 EVs in China in 2020. Tesla had disputed the necessity of the Chinese recall, attributing higher failure rates in China to “driver abuse” and severe road conditions.

Although accusations on Tesla attempting to blame drivers for failures of parts it knew were defective, the NHTSA’s investigation found no instances where fore link failures prevented drivers from controlling their EVs during testing or in reported incidents according to Reuters.

With the closure of this investigation without a mandatory recall representing a positive outcome for Tesla, the recommendation to expand its service bulletin suggests there may still be room for improvement in addressing potential suspension issues in affected EVs. As of now, Tesla has not immediately responded to requests for comment on the closure of the investigation.

If you are looking for Tesla models, we can help you get started. Click Here to find the best deals near you. Want to learn more about EV? Thinking of buying an EV? Head over to EV.com and discover more.