Tesla is issuing another recall, this time for 137 Model Ys, due to a potential hazard of steering wheels detaching. This problem is not new to Tesla vehicles, as previous cases have been reported.
Following an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the automaker has decided to recall the affected Model Ys. According to Tesla, the problem comes from a single fastener that can come loose, which can cause the steering wheel to come off.
Of the 137 Model Y affected by the recall, Tesla estimates that only 10% of them could have the loose steering wheel problem. The issue was initially discovered by a Tesla technician on May 4, who noticed a loose steering wheel while tending to another issue. On May 22, Tesla made the voluntary decision to initiate the recall.
Some Model Ys still have some finishing issues
The problem lies with a single fastener that is responsible for securely attaching the steering wheel to the steering column. In some cases, this fastener may not have been tightened to the proper levelwhich can cause the flywheel to loosen and detach.
A loose steering wheel obviously presents a significant safety risk, as it can affect the driver’s ability to maintain control of the vehicle. If the steering wheel comes off completely while driving, this can result in loss of control and potentially accidents or injuries.
That’s exactly what happened to a recent Model Y owner earlier this year. After only a few days, his steering wheel had come off in the middle of the highway. Fortunately, the man had managed to pull over without causing any accident, but other road users might have had less luck.
Although Tesla has acknowledged several cases related to the loose flywheel issue, including warranty claims and field reports, there have been no no reports of accidents, injuries or deaths resulting from this specific issue. Nonetheless, the proactive recall is intended to prevent any potential incident and provide affected Model Y owners with the repairs necessary to remedy the issue.