DETROIT – The US auto safety regulator has opened a new investigation into safety issues in Tesla cars.
This time, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating a dozen complaints about loss of steering control or loss of power steering in the 2023 Model 3 and Y electric cars.
It is estimated that the investigation would affect some 280,000 vehicles. Five drivers claimed in their complaints that they were unable to steer their vehicles, while another seven cited failures in the power steering, which required more effort to drive.
According to reports, an accident occurred, but there were no injuries.
In a document posted on its website Tuesday, the agency said loss of steering control may be accompanied by messages to drivers indicating that power steering assistance has been reduced or disabled.
The researchers will study the frequency with which the problem occurs and its severity, and the manufacturing processes, the document added.
the investigation to Tesla it is at least the fifth that the agency has started on Tesla cars in the last three years. Investigators are reviewing whether Teslas can crash into parked emergency vehicles while driving with the Autopilot partially automated driving system, suspension failure, possible steering wheel drop, and front seat belt failure, which may not be well connected.
Tesla did not respond to a request for comment early Tuesday.
