Tesla Under Regulator Scrutiny: Safety Probe Launched For 280,000 Model 3 And Model Y Cars

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into Tesla Inc. TSLA over steering control issues in its 2023 Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover utility vehicles, CNBC reports.

Steering Control Concerns: The federal vehicle safety regulator has received multiple complaints from drivers experiencing steering problems, including one that led to a crash. This “preliminary evaluation” could potentially impact an estimated 280,000 vehicles in the U.S.

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Previous Software Issues: In 2021, Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that the company could rewrite software to switch from one type of chip to another to manage semiconductor shortages. However, a year later, Tesla voluntarily recalled some Model S and Model X vehicles due to power steering problems caused by a flawed software update.

Investigation Outcomes: An NHTSA probe can result in the automaker investigating possible manufacturing or design defects and conducting a voluntary recall. Tesla has not yet responded to the investigation.

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