Arab Press

بالشعب و للشعب
Sunday, Jun 22, 2025

Tesla investigated by US regulator over steering wheels that can fall off

Tesla investigated by US regulator over steering wheels that can fall off

A Tesla service centre gave one complainant a $103.96 estimate for repairs after the driver said the wheel came off while he was driving with his family on a major highway.
US motor vehicle safety regulators have opened an investigation into a Tesla model after getting two complaints that the steering wheels can come off while being driven.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says the probe will look into Tesla's Model Y SUV after the cars were delivered to customers in both cases with a missing bolt that holds the wheel to the steering column.

In one complaint, an owner said he was driving with his family on a major highway in New Jersey when the steering wheel suddenly came off - five days after the vehicle was bought.

Prerak Patel said: "It was horrible experience, I was driving back from mall with family and in middle of freeway steering wheel fell off."

He added that there were no cars behind him and no injuries, and he was able to pull over toward the central reservation.

At first, a Tesla service centre gave Mr Patel an estimate of $103.96 to repair the problem. The service centre apologised in what appear to be text messages posted on Twitter.

Tesla, which has disbanded its media relations department, has been contacted for comment.

When Mr Patel wrote that he had lost faith in Tesla and asked for a refund, the service centre removed the charge and wrote that Tesla doesn't have a returns policy, but he could contact the sales and delivery team.

Mr Patel said he was later given the option of keeping the car or getting it replaced with a new one, which he chose to do.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the investigation covers an estimated 120,000 vehicles from the 2023 model year.

It comes as US safety regulators said on Wednesday that a Tesla that crashed into a fire truck in California last month killing the driver and injuring a passenger, as well as four firefighters, is suspected of operating on one of the company’s automated driving systems.

The latest NHTSA investigation adds to a long string of problems that Tesla is having with the US road safety agency.

In the past three years it has opened investigations into Tesla's 'autopilot' driver-assist system crashing into parked emergency vehicles, and problems with suspension systems.

At least 14 Teslas have crashed into emergency vehicles while using the autopilot system.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Arab Press
0:00
0:00
Close
WATCH: Israeli forces show the aftermath of a massive airstrike at Iran's Isfahan nuclear site
We have new information and breaking details to share about what is shaping up to be a historic air campaign tonight
Six Massive Bombs Dropped on Fordow; Trump: 'A Historic Moment for the U.S., Israel, and the World'
Fordow: Deeply Buried Iranian Enrichment Site in U.S.–Israel Crosshairs
United States Conducts Precision Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
US strikes Iran nuclear sites, Trump says
Pakistan to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize.
Israel Confirms Assassination of Quds Force Commander in Tehran
16 Billion Login Credentials Leaked in Unprecedented Cybersecurity Breach
Senate hearing on who was 'really running' Biden White House kicks off
G7 Leaders Fail to Reach Consensus on Key Global Issues
Mass exodus in Tehran as millions try to flee following Trump’s evacuation order
Iranian Military Officers Reportedly Seek Contact with Reza Pahlavi, Signal Intent to Defect
China's Iranian Oil Imports Face Disruption Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Trump Demands Iran's Unconditional Surrender Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli Airstrike Targets Iranian State TV in Central Tehran
President Trump is leaving the G7 summit early and has ordered the National Security Council to the Situation Room
Netanyahu Signals Potential Regime Change in Iran
Analysts Warn Iran May Resort to Unconventional Warfare
Iranian Regime Faces Existential Threat Amid Conflict
Energy Infrastructure Becomes War Zone in Middle East
Iran Conducts Ballistic Missile Launches Amid Heightened Tensions with Israel
Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Negotiations Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions
Shock Within Iran’s Leadership: Khamenei’s Failed Plan to Launch 1,000 Missiles Against Israel
UK Deploys Jets to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions
Exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi Urges Overthrow of Khamenei Regime
Wreck of $17 Billion San José Galleon Identified Off Colombia After 300 Years
Iran Launches Extensive Missile Attack on Israel Following Israeli Strikes on Nuclear Sites
Israel Issues Ultimatum to Iran Over Potential Retaliation and Nuclear Facilities
Coinbase CEO Warns Bitcoin Could Supplant US Dollar Amid Mounting National Debt
Trump to Iran: Make a Deal — Sign or Die
Operation "Like a Lion": Israel Strikes Iran in Unprecedented Offensive
Israel Launches 'Operation Rising Lion' Targeting Iranian Nuclear and Military Sites
Israeli Forces Intercept Gaza-Bound Aid Vessel Carrying Greta Thunberg
IMF Warns of Severe Global Trade War Impacts on Emerging Markets
Syria to Reconnect to Global Economy After 14 Years of Isolation
Saudi Arabia Faces Uncertainty Over Succession After Mohammed bin Salman
Israel Confirms Arming Gaza Clan to Counter Hamas Influence
Majority of French Voters View Macron's Presidency as a Failure
U.S. Reduces Military Presence in Syria
Trump Demands Iran End All Uranium Enrichment in Nuclear Talks
Iran Warns Europe Against Politicizing UN Nuclear Report
Businessman Mauled by Lion at Luxury Namibian Lodge
Paris Saint-Germain's Greatest Triumph Is Football’s Lowest Point
OPEC+ Agrees to Increase Oil Output for Third Consecutive Month
Turkey Detains Istanbul Officials Amid Anti-Corruption Crackdown
Meta and Anduril Collaborate on AI-Driven Military Augmented Reality Systems
EU Central Bank Pushes to Replace US Dollar with Euro as World’s Main Currency
European and Arab Ministers Convene in Madrid to Address Gaza Conflict
Head of Gaza Aid Group Resigns Amid Humanitarian Concerns
×