US auto safety regulators open investigation into 1.2 million Tesla vehicles over suspension failures

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration just opened a preliminary investigation into roughly 1.2 million Tesla vehicles over reports that a key suspension component can detach, potentially leaving drivers without steering control. The probe, launched on July 31, covers certain 2018–2020 Model 3 sedans and 2021–2023 Model Y SUVs. NHTSA has logged 156 complaints from owners flagging potential detachment of the front lower lateral link, a critical piece of the suspension system that helps keep the front wheels aligned and the vehicle steerable. What exactly is happening under these Teslas The front lower lateral link connects the wheel assembly to the vehicle’s frame and plays a direct role in steering geometry. If it detaches, the driver can lose directional control of the vehicle. No crashes, injuries, or fatalities have been reported in connection with the issue so far. That’s the good news. The less-good news is that 156 complaints was enough to trigger a formal regulatory response, which tells you something about the severity NHTSA assigns to steering-related failures. A familiar pattern for Tesla’s suspension This isn’t Tesla’s first encounter with lower lateral link ...