US Opens Tesla Probe Into Claims Steering Wheels Fell Off

Following two reports of steering wheels falling off while driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Wednesday that it is conducting a preliminary investigation into 120,000 2023 Tesla Model Y vehicles. The steering wheels in both vehicles, which had low mileage, completely detached, according to the US auto safety regulator. The retaining bolt that connects the steering wheel to the steering column was missing when the vehicles were delivered to owners.

The agency is opening a preliminary investigation to assess the "scope, frequency, and manufacturing processes associated with this condition". The investigation is the first step before the NHTSA can order a recall.

The agency said it received a complaint from a parent who had purchased a new Model Y five days earlier and was driving down Route 1 South in Woodbridge, New Jersey on January 29 when "all of a sudden the steering wheel" fell off. "I was fortunate that there was no car behind me and that I could pull on the divider."

As part of the complaint, the NHTSA included a link to a tweet. On Twitter, the tweet has received over 2.4 million views.
Tesla did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

According to the NHTSA, "both vehicles received an end-of-line repair that required the removal and re-installation of the steering wheel." The agency said, "During operation, the friction fit maintained the connection between the steering wheel and the column splines until separation. The force exerted on the steering wheel overcame the resistance of the friction fit while the vehicles were in motion, resulting in sudden separation."