NHTSA Complaint #11447588 — 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
SUSPENSION issue reported to NHTSA
Complaint Details
| ODI Number | 11447588 |
| Vehicle | 2018 TESLA MODEL 3 |
| Component | SUSPENSION |
| Date of Incident | |
| Date Filed | |
| Mileage | N/A miles |
| Crash | No |
| Fire | No |
| Injuries | 0 |
| Deaths | 0 |
| Vehicle Towed | No |
| State | AZ |
Consumer Description
I own a 2018 Tesla Model 3. On December 1st, 2021 I heard a clunk in the front left wheel area while backing up. I stopped and found a 3 inch long 1/2 inch diameter bolt on the ground. I had my vehicle towed to the Tesla service center. They claimed that this was not associated to the recall for similar failure on 2019 and 2020 vehicles, but they extended the warranty and replaced the entire front end suspension system. Specifically, they claimed that this is not a safety issue, but they did me a "favor" by servicing this under warranty. The repair was exactly the same as the recall on the 2019 and 2020 Tesla model 3 cars. Then on January 14, 2022 I was driving over a very low speed bump and the entire right front end dropped. After inspection, it was visible that the same bolt that had dropped out of the left front tie rod had dropped out of the right front tie rod, but this time more catastrophically. Luckily, I was in a parking lot and driving slowly, but if I had hit a pothole on the highway 5 minutes earlier, it almost certainly would have cost me my life or severe injury. The tow truck driver noted that the bolt was only screwed in for less than 1/2 inch and there was no locktite on the bolt. I had the vehicle towed to the closest Tesla service center. I gave them the dropped bolt. I have not yet heard the resolution from Tesla. My biggest fear is that this is also a systemic issue on the 2018 Tesla Model 3 and it is not being addressed by Tesla. At this point in time, I am in fear of driving my vehicle whether they repair it successfully or not. Please advise me on how to protect myself on this issue. I am afraid that the repair technicians do not properly know how to repair this "clear" safety issue.
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