The government launches an investigation into 115,000 Tesla vehicles for suspension problems



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Not for the first time Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) is facing an investigation into the production of its cars. On Friday, the federal government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that it will probe approximately 115,000 cars from the electric vehicle maker about a safety issue with the front suspension.

The investigation is initially taking the form of a preliminary assessment on vehicles, particularly Model S sedans from 2015 to 2017 and Model X SUVs from 2016 to 2017. The NHTSA has received 43 complaints from consumers detailing the failure of the left or right suspension front links.

A Tesla Model S driven down a mountain road.

Image source: Tesla Motors.

In February 2017, Tesla issued a service bulletin stating that such failures could occur because “Some Model S and Model X vehicles may have been manufactured with front suspension front suspension that may not meet Tesla endurance specifications.”

The company added that, “In the event of a link failure, the driver can still maintain control of the vehicle but the tire can make contact with the wheel arch trim.” The company suggested replacing the two front suspension links.

Tesla has not yet commented on the NHTSA announcement.

The NHTSA has looked into various aspects of Tesla vehicles since the company’s inception. Earlier this year, for example, the regulator announced that it was reviewing failure reports of media control units (i.e. dashboard touchscreens) in some Model S and Model X vehicles.

The NHTSA is obligated to investigate vehicle-related matters when it receives a significant number of complaints, so this is nothing out of the ordinary for any manufacturer, let alone Tesla. Investors are therefore unlikely to panic over this latest investigation, although they should certainly keep an eye on it as it unfolds.



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