NHTSA closes Tesla Model Y steering probe without requiring a recall
NHTSA closes Tesla Model Y steering investigation without further action
NHTSA closes Tesla Model Y steering probe without requiring a recall
The U.S. safety regulator ended its investigation into 2023 Tesla Model Y steering wheel detachments, finding no need for further action but leaving the door open if new data emerges.
2026-04-29T00:42:01+03:00
2026-04-29T00:42:01+03:00
2026-04-29T00:42:01+03:00
The U.S. regulator NHTSA has closed its investigation into the 2023 Tesla Model Y without requiring the manufacturer to take any additional action. The review covered 120,089 vehicles and focused on a potential steering defect.The case stemmed from two incidents in which the steering wheel could detach from the steering column because a retaining bolt was missing. Tesla acknowledged the issue, saying both vehicles had been delivered with the defect and repaired under warranty.The investigation found that both incidents occurred early in vehicle use, within the first 700 km of driving. That allowed the regulator to conclude that, had the issue been widespread, it would likely have appeared in other vehicles as well.It was also determined that the defect may have arisen after production operations in which the steering wheel was removed and then reinstalled. That work was carried out at Tesla’s plants in Austin and Fremont.Even though the case has been closed, NHTSA stressed separately that the decision does not mean there is no risk at all. The regulator reserved the right to reopen the investigation if new data appears.For Tesla, this is an important outcome: the company avoided a recall campaign and the associated financial consequences. Still, the incidents once again raise questions about production quality control, particularly as electric-vehicle output continues to grow.
Tesla Model Y, NHTSA, steering defect, recall investigation, quality control, Austin plant, Fremont plant, electric vehicles
2026
Michael Powers
news
NHTSA closes Tesla Model Y steering investigation without further action
The U.S. safety regulator ended its investigation into 2023 Tesla Model Y steering wheel detachments, finding no need for further action but leaving the door open if new data emerges.
Michael Powers, Editor
The U.S. regulator NHTSA has closed its investigation into the 2023 Tesla Model Y without requiring the manufacturer to take any additional action. The review covered 120,089 vehicles and focused on a potential steering defect.
The case stemmed from two incidents in which the steering wheel could detach from the steering column because a retaining bolt was missing. Tesla acknowledged the issue, saying both vehicles had been delivered with the defect and repaired under warranty.
The investigation found that both incidents occurred early in vehicle use, within the first 700 km of driving. That allowed the regulator to conclude that, had the issue been widespread, it would likely have appeared in other vehicles as well.
It was also determined that the defect may have arisen after production operations in which the steering wheel was removed and then reinstalled. That work was carried out at Tesla’s plants in Austin and Fremont.
Even though the case has been closed, NHTSA stressed separately that the decision does not mean there is no risk at all. The regulator reserved the right to reopen the investigation if new data appears.
For Tesla, this is an important outcome: the company avoided a recall campaign and the associated financial consequences. Still, the incidents once again raise questions about production quality control, particularly as electric-vehicle output continues to grow.
