NHTSA Investigates Nearly 1.2 Million Tesla Vehicles Over Suspension Failures

Federal safety regulators have opened an investigation into nearly 1.2 million Tesla vehicles after receiving complaints about front suspension failures. Here’s what Tesla owners should know about the investigation and what it could potentially mean for their rights under California’s lemon law.

Key Takeaways:

• The NHTSA has opened a formal investigation into 2018–2020 Tesla Model 3 and 2021–2023 Tesla Model Y vehicles over reports of front suspension failures.
• Affected owners report losing directional control after front lower lateral links detached, typically without any warning.
• A federal investigation by itself doesn’t create a lemon law claim, but owners who have experienced repeated, unresolved suspension issues during their warranty period may have grounds for one.

Why Is the NHTSA Investigating Certain Tesla Vehicles?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened the probe after receiving 156 complaints about suspension failures in the affected model years. According to the complaints, the failures involve detachments of the front lower lateral links, which help control the wheel’s lateral movement and keep the vehicle tracking straight.

The NHTSA has noted that this investigation is looking at a different issue than Tesla’s previous recalls involving lateral link detachments, so vehicles that weren’t included in prior recalls are now the focus.

Which Models Are Affected?

The investigation covers approximately 1.2 million vehicles, specifically:

• 2018–2020 Tesla Model 3
• 2021–2023 Tesla Model Y

What Are Tesla Owners Reporting?

Most owners report losing directional control with little to no warning. Allegedly, there were no warning lights, dashboard alerts, or other visual indicators before the suspension gave way. In some cases, drivers reported hearing unusual noises before the failure, but that was the only indication something was wrong.

Once the suspension failed, the vehicles could not be driven. Tow trucks were required in most reported cases.

One Owner’s Experience

One Model Y owner described the experience this way in their NHTSA complaint: while driving, the front left wheel partially detached without warning, causing an immediate loss of steering control. Inspection revealed that two major suspension bolts were extremely loose or had fully detached, and a rotor screw came off easily during the inspection.

That same owner noted frustration that their vehicle hadn’t been included in any prior recall and that they didn’t receive a notification before the failure occurred.

What Is Tesla Doing About It?

At this stage, NHTSA is still investigating, which means no recall has been issued. The agency will review the complaints and determine whether a recall is warranted. That process can take months.

Tesla has not yet publicly indicated whether it will initiate a recall on its own or wait for the outcome of the federal investigation.

Could This Lead to a California Lemon Law Claim?

A federal investigation alone doesn’t qualify your vehicle as a lemon, and an open NHTSA probe doesn’t automatically trigger lemon law rights. What matters under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act is whether your specific vehicle has a defect that substantially affects its use, value, or safety, and whether the manufacturer has failed to fix it after a reasonable number of repair attempts during the warranty period.

That said, if you own a 2021 or newer Tesla Model 3 or Model Y and have experienced suspension problems that your dealer has attempted, but failed, to resolve more than once, that repair history is worth reviewing with an attorney. California’s lemon law generally presumes a vehicle qualifies when the same defect has gone unrepaired after four or more attempts, or after two or more attempts for a defect that poses a serious safety risk. Suspension failures that cause loss of directional control would fall into the serious safety category.

Have Questions About Your 2021 or Newer Tesla?

If you’ve had recurring suspension issues with your Tesla and the dealership hasn’t been able to resolve them, it may be worth finding out whether you have a lemon law claim. Norman Taylor & Associates has over 40 years of experience handling California lemon law cases, including those with recurring electrical, mechanical, and safety-related defects.

Contact us or call our team at 818-244-3905 or 888-817-8822 to schedule a FREE, no-obligation consultation today.