THE National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States has opened an investigation into the Tesla Model Y Electric SUVs on a potential issue that could see their steering wheels come loose.
In a report opened March 3, NHTSA said it found two instances of Tesla Model Y 2023 vehicles in which the steering wheel has come off. This is not yet a tagged reminder.
“The Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) is aware of two reports of the steering wheel completely detaching from the steering column while driving model year 2023 Tesla Model Y vehicles,” NHTSA said in a statement. his report.
“Both vehicles were delivered to owners without the retaining bolt (P/N 1036655-00-A) that secures the steering wheel to the steering column.”
“Both vehicles received an end of line repair requiring the removal and reinstallation of the steering wheel,” he added.
“A friction fit maintained the connection between the flywheel and the column splines during operation until separation.
“A sudden separation occurred when the force on the steering wheel overcame the resistance of the friction fit while the vehicles were in motion. Both known incidents occurred at low vehicle mileage.
At this point, it’s unclear where the two Model Ys were produced, or how widespread the issue is. In the United States, they are currently produced at the Fremont plant in California and at the Texas Gigafactory.
Tesla Model Y examples sold in Australia are produced in China. It is not known if this issue affects these models.
That’s not the only issue NHTSA has investigated Tesla for.
Last month, NHTSA recalled 362,758 Model 3Y-model, Models And Model X vehicles from 2016 to 2023 due to an issue with the Autosteer on City Streets feature.
At the time, it was announced that the issue would be resolved with an over-the-air update “in the coming weeks”.
On the local front, deliveries of the hotter Tesla Model Y Performance just started after deliveries of the entry-level model started in August last year.
The range also recently received a gradual increase in prices after a price drop earlier in the year.
The 2023 Tesla Model Y is currently starting to $69,300 before road charges for the entry level RWDand extends to $95,300 before road trips for the Performance.
Looking to the future, a refreshed version of Model Ycodenamed Project Juniper internally, expected to go into production from October 2024.
Two sources said Reuters that Tesla asked suppliers for quotes for the exterior and interior components of the Model Y update.
It’s unclear exactly what changes will bring to the crossover, although the Model 3 update – codenamed Project Highland – looks set to roll out. receive visual updates at its front and rear ends.
MORE: All Tesla Model Y
