Tesla faces US safety probe of 1.2 million vehicles over suspension defect

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a preliminary investigation on July 31 into roughly 1.2 million Tesla vehicles after receiving 156 consumer complaints about a possible failure of the front lower lateral link. The defect, reported in Model 3 cars built between 2018‑2020 and Model Y SUVs built between 2021‑2023, could cause the component to detach, potentially compromising steering control and leaving the vehicle undrivable.

NHTSA said it has not identified any crashes, injuries or fatalities linked to the issue. The agency noted that earlier recalls – about 2,800 Model 3s in 2021 and 422 Model 3s in 2023 – addressed similar problems, but the current investigation appears to involve a broader cause. Tesla has not responded to requests for comment. If NHTSA determines the defect is safety‑related, a recall could follow.