NHTSA Complaint #11425381 — 2015 TESLA MODEL S

Today, I encountered what I now know to be a common problem with the U Joint in Steering Rack binding heavily at 45 degree, 90 degree, and 180 degree positions. This resulted in my steering wheel being stuck in position while driving and nearly caused me to crash into another vehicle today as a result. Luckily I was able to unbind the steering but it got really stiff. I drove to a safe area with steering continued to show binding/seizing behavior. I got a profession who inspected the U Joint and found a lot of debris. Teflon lubricant was applied and cleaned to their best ability but the part is really hard to reach and requires removal of the front drive unit for the dual motor cars. The binding is still occurring but not as strongly as before. This is already a flagged item and should be considered a recall. This issue could have killed someone today. The U Joint should have a boot over it and not be exposed to the elements. Posted below is a related bulletin for RWD Model S. I have a dual motor Model S so this issue is not only RWD S. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10177030-9999.pdf The steering U Joint issue is not something to take light hearted. I did not know the steering could potentially bind until it occurred and it was so sudden. With so many occurrences with other owners, there will be an increased chance someone may crash and cause injury to themselves or others. If this happens during a lane change, it can cause the steering to bind and in the wrong situation, a pedestrian can get killed. I beg for the NHTSA to take a deeper look and announce a recall. Please see other owners who have this issue: https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/steering-u-joint-lower-shaft-issue-and-my-solution-so-far.212604/ Thank you. Best Regards, James