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US safety regulators have opened an investigation into an issue with Tesla’s (NASDAQ:TSLA) Model Y SUV wherein the steering wheel can become detached.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation said that it is “aware of two reports of complete detachment of the steering wheel from the steering column while driving in 2023 Model Y vehicles.” The investigation notice indicated that the autos were delivered to owners missing a key bolt that attaches the wheel to the steering column.
“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,” the notice states. “Sudden separation occurred when the force exerted on the steering wheel overcame the resistance of the friction fit while the vehicles were in motion.”
One complaint available on the NHTSA database reported a Model Y steering wheel falling off during operation on Route 1 in New Jersey. The driver was able to pull over and no injuries were reported.
Tesla (TSLA) shares tumbled 3.4% on Wednesday.
Read more on Tesla’s recent FSD-related recall.
Image and article originally from seekingalpha.com. Read the original article here.