Tesla is under investigation over reports of steering wheels falling off inside 2023 Model Y cars.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received two complaints about the steering wheels becoming detached while the cars were in motion. “Both vehicles were delivered to the owners missing the retaining bolt (P/N1036655-00-A), which attaches the steering wheel to the steering column,” the US agency says.
The probe targets an estimated 120,089 Model Y vehicles. The ensuing investigation will examine the “scope, frequency and manufacturing processes” surrounding the problem.
The NHTSA adds that the two defective cars arrived with their steering wheels attached. But the equipment became undone once the car owners pushed on the steering wheels.
“Sudden separation occurred when the force exerted on the steering wheel overcame the resistance of the friction fit while the vehicles were in motion,” the report adds. “Both known incidents occurred at low vehicle mileage.”
The probe comes after a Tesla owner took to social media to complain about their steering wheel falling off their recently purchased Model Y vehicle. “Family was excited to receive Tesla Y delivery on 1/24/2023. Was driving on highway and all the sudden steering wheel fall off,” tweeted Prerak Patel, who posted photos of the detached steering wheel.
Initially, Tesla sought to charge Patel a repair fee for the detached steering wheel. A letter from the company added it found “no defect” with the vehicle, but as a “gesture of goodwill” Tesla decided to buy back the vehicle, which later resulted in Patel getting a replacement Model Y. However, Patel also tweeted that the NHTSA contacted him about the steering wheel defect.
The incident is raising concerns about quality control at Tesla. Last week, the company also recalled 3,470 Model Y vehicles due to potentially loose bolts in the second row back seats.
Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.