The steering failure problem of Tesla Model 3 and Model Y escalates! A recall may be imminent!

On May 29, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it is seeking records from electric car maker Tesla to investigate steering failures in Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The investigation has been escalated in February this year, covering about 334,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles for the 2023 model year. It is reported that Tesla has not yet responded to the statement, and Tesla shares fell 0.32% yesterday.

In July 2023, the NHTSA conducted a preliminary assessment of reports of lost steering control on 280,000 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y cars. The agency said in February that it received a total of 2,388 complaints. Moreover, the speed at which Tesla encountered this problem varied, with one-third of the complainants stating that they lost power steering at speeds below 5 miles per hour (8 km/h), and about half occurred at speeds between 5 and 10 miles per hour (8-16 km/h). And the rest occurred when the speed exceeded 35 miles per hour (56 km). The NHTSA also said that if a driving safety hazard is determined, Tesla may be required to initiate a recall.

The NHTSA requires Tesla to submit records related to the steering parts by July 24, including Tesla's process of identifying problems and addressing potential defects. In addition, the agency also wants to understand whether Tesla has made any changes to the power steering parts, or if there are any changes planned within the next four months.