Tesla Model X Under Investigation by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into 50,000 units of Tesla Model X due to two complaints regarding the failure of the front safety belt. The initial assessment conducted by the NHTSA includes vehicles from 2022-2023, as there were reports of failure for the safety belt to latch when worn by the driver.
The newest models of the Tesla Model X have an anchor tether that reportedly has problems attaching properly, although no reported accidents or problems have occurred due to this issue. Tesla has yet to comment on the matter.
One of the complaints was filed in California, stating that while driving at a speed of around 10-15 miles per hour, the brake system of the Tesla vehicle activated when a parked truck suddenly opened its driver’s door. The sudden stop caused the force of the upper body to be thrown forward, causing the safety belt attachment in the lower seat to completely come off.
After opening the initial assessment, the NHTSA must decide whether to upgrade this to a technical analysis before any refunds or recalls occur, according to Reuters.
This is not the first time Tesla has been under investigation or scrutiny by the NHTSA. In recent months, there have been reports of recalls for Tesla Model Y due to loose bolts, as well as a fatal accident involving a Tesla Model S in Florida.
Despite these ongoing investigations, Tesla remains committed to innovation and progress in the electric vehicle market, with competitors Volkswagen and BMW investing more money than ever to keep up. It remains to be seen how this investigation will affect Tesla’s market share and reputation in the industry.