NHTSA Opens Tesla Probe for Steering Wheels Falling Off

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a probe about Tesla steering wheels falling off. In a document just made public, ODI said it is aware of two reports of complete detachment of the steering wheel from the steering column while driving in 2023 Model Year Tesla Model Y vehicles. Both Model Y Teslas were delivered to the owners missing the retaining bolt (P/N1036655-00-A) which attaches the steering wheel to the steering column.

In the filing, ODI said both vehicles received an end of line repair requiring removal and re-installation of the steering wheel. A friction fit maintained the connection between the steering wheel and the column splines during operation until separation. Sudden separation occurred when the force exerted on the steering wheel overcame the resistance of the friction fit while the vehicles were in motion. Both known incidents occurred at low vehicle mileage.

A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) has been opened to assess the scope, frequency, and manufacturing processes associated with this condition The investigation was approved on 4 March 2023. More than 20,000 Model Y vehicles are involved.