NHTSA Complaint #11074874 — 2017 TESLA MODEL S

STEERING issue reported to NHTSA

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Complaint Details

ODI Number	11074874
Vehicle	2017 TESLA MODEL S
Component	STEERING
Date of Incident	February 20, 2018
Date Filed	February 25, 2018
Mileage	10,000 miles
Crash	No
Fire	No
Injuries	0
Deaths	0
Vehicle Towed	No
State	CA

Consumer Description

THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT FRAGILE ALLOY STEERING AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS USED ON ALL MODELS OF TESLA CARS INCLUDING THE S, X, AND MODEL 3. HERE IS A THREAD IN WHICH SEVERAL OWNERS REPORT THE SAME SNAPPED STEERING ARM. HTTPS://TESLAMOTORSCLUB.COM/TMC/THREADS/CRACKED-FORELINK.95637/PAGE-2 PHOTOGRAPHS ARE ATTACHED WHICH SHOW THAT THE EYELET OF THE STEERING ARM HAS SNAPPED. THIS IS A CLASSIC "BRITTLE FRACTURE" *BRITTLE FRACTURE IS THE SUDDEN, VERY RAPID CRACKING OF EQUIPMENT UNDER STRESS WHERE THE MATERIAL EXHIBITED LITTLE OR NO EVIDENCE OF DUCTILITY OR PLASTIC DEGRADATION BEFORE THE FRACTURE OCCURS.* SOME OF THE POSTERS ON THAT THREAD HAVE RECOMMENDED THAT THIS FAILURE SHOULD BE REPORTED TO NHTSA. OTHERS HAVE SUGGESTED JUST LEAVING IT TO TESLA. SINCE IT SEEMS THAT THE ORIGINAL POSTER HAS NOT SO FAR FILED A COMPLAINT I AM FILING THIS REPORT IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY. THIS IS NOT A ONE OFF FAILURE. IT IS THE RESULT OF POOR DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE. LIVES ARE AT RISK. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER IMMEDIATELY.

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