The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a probe into a potential safety issue related to 120,000 Tesla Model Y electric crossovers. This comes after reports of steering wheels literally coming off the car while driving.
The two reports that NHTSA received were related to “complete detachment of the steering wheel from the steering column while driving.” It was found that both vehicles were delivered to customers missing a bolt that holds the steering wheel onto the steering column.
Tesla has had its fair share of recalls, but some fans, owners, and investors point out that most of Tesla’s issues aren’t really recalls since they can be fixed with a free over-the-air software update, which doesn’t require a service visit.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation put out a public memo outlining the issue and is currently investigating it as part of a preliminary probe. Once NHTSA has uncovered all of the information it needs related to the potential steering wheel concern on the Model Y, it will determine whether there is a safety issue that needs to be addressed, as well as how to move forward.
If it’s found that Tesla Model Y vehicles have an issue that could cause the steering wheel to detach, the automaker obviously isn’t going to be able to send out a software update to “shore things up.” Model Y owners will likely have to go through the typical inspection and repair process.
It’s important for Tesla owners to be aware of any potential safety issues and take the necessary steps to ensure their vehicles are safe. NHTSA’s investigation into this particular issue is ongoing and it remains to be seen what the outcome will be.
FAQ
Q1: Are electric car batteries recyclable?
A1: Yes, electric car batteries are recyclable.
Q2: Are electric car chargers free?
A2: It depends on the charger and the location. Some electric car chargers are free, while others may require a fee.
Q3: Can electric car batteries be rebuilt?
A3: Yes, electric car batteries can be rebuilt with the right tools and knowledge.
