The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary probe into Tesla after two reports of steering disengagement while on the move, according to Reuters. The focus is on whether there is a defect that could affect steering reliability and driver control.
Roughly 120,000 2023 Tesla Model Y vehicles are part of the investigation. The agency says the review will examine the scale, frequency and the manufacturing processes tied to the issue, aiming to determine if a broader safety action is warranted.
In one incident, a driver who had taken delivery of the car five days before the event experienced a sudden failure of the steering wheel while traveling on a highway in New Jersey. The wheel detached from the steering column, and the driver managed to bring the car to a stop. Investigators found that the housing lacked locking bolts, leaving the steering wheel connected only by a threaded joint. The vehicle was subsequently repaired and returned to service.
Both affected vehicles have already undergone repairs, but the new information prompted the agency to initiate a formal look that could culminate in a recall if a broader risk is confirmed. The investigation is being conducted to assess potential systemic issues and to verify whether proper safety standards were met during production and assembly.
Separately, reports indicate a separate incident involving two teenagers driving a stolen Kia Sportage in the United States. After a pursuit, the vehicle went off a bridge as officers closed in, and the occupants escaped on foot. Local authorities are continuing to investigate the incident as part of ongoing crime and safety investigations. The event underscores ongoing concerns about vehicle thefts and the broader safety landscape for popular, high-demand models.
Industry watchers emphasize that government inquiries of this kind are not unusual when steering components or other critical systems show signs of failure. The NHTSA process includes reviewing incident data, examining manufacturing records, and testing vehicles if necessary. If a pattern emerges that points to a broader fault, a recall could be issued to ensure owners are protected. Until then, manufacturers often cooperate with regulators to provide parts, service documentation and updates aimed at addressing the issue without disrupting the market signal that buyers rely on when making vehicle choices. Reuters and other outlets will monitor the situation as more details become available, and the agency will likely continue to publish updates as evidence is gathered and analyzed.