Following reports of Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y drivers losing steering control and power steering, the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it has launched a fresh investigation against the auto brand.
In a statement released by the agency: “A Notice of Preliminary Evaluation (PE)” said it has received 12 complaints about Model 3 and Model Y vehicles losing steering ability and/or power steering. According to NHTSA, approximately 280,000 vehicles could be affected by the results of the investigation.
“The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) on 2023 model-year Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles due to reports of inability to steer the vehicle or the loss of power steering,” said the agency.
“ODI has received twelve complaints alleging loss of steering control and power steering in 2023 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. Five reports indicate an inability to steer the vehicle. Seven additional reports cite loss of power steering resulting in an increased effort to control the vehicle. A PE has been opened to assess the scope, frequency, manufacturing processes, and severity associated with this condition.”
Since the introduction of Autopilot in 2015 and the testing of Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, Tesla has been facing a series of investigations from the concerned authority. Just last month, the California Attorney General’s Office launched a fresh investigation against the EV giant over its autopilot regeneration accident.
Although it is not only Tesla that is facing similar issues. Recently, Ford was forced to recall nearly 900,000 F-150 trucks over emergency brakes that could activate while driving – but Tesla is unique in its ability to address some defects with software updates.
However, in our opinion, due to more than a dozen incidents in which Tesla vehicles employing driver-assist capabilities have collided with stopped emergency vehicles, the company may have to recall its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving devices.
