NHTSA Complaint #11520241 — 2016 TESLA MODEL X

On August 30, 2022 between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. the driver of a 2016 Tesla X, was traveling at highway speeds in the number one lane. The fore link failed when the driver applied the vehicle’s brakes in response to a vehicle in front of her abruptly braking for a hazard ahead. A grinding noise came from the drivetrain and the vehicle rapidly slowed involuntarily. The driver was able to navigate across several lanes of traffic to the right shoulder. The vehicle remained inoperable at the side of the freeway until it was later towed to Tesla, Inc. for repair. The nature of the incident was reported to Tesla Inc. Tesla, Inc. diagnosed the issue and found front left fore link to be broken at the ball joint. The technician found additional damage to : (1) the coaxial cable that leads to the left rocker panel; (2) the front aero shield; (3) front left fender liner (missing); and (4) main harness. Later, damage was discovered to the A/C compressor. Notably, Tesla Inc. inspected the vehicle braking system twice in the two months preceding the incident. On June 28, 2022, Tesla Inc. replaced the front brake pads. On August 4, 2022, Tesla Inc. inspected the tire pressure and condition and did not recommend rotation. No warnings were displayed. Co-owner spoke with a service manager at Tesla Inc. regarding Service Bulletin 17-31-001, indicating that Model X vehicles built in 2016 may have been manufactured with front suspension fore links that may not meet Tesla strength specifications. Nevertheless, Tesla, Inc. refused to cover the repairs under the Drivetrain Warranty or goodwill. The co-owner later learned that the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE20-020) regarding this issue. Co-owner also requested that Tesla, Inc. replace the right fore link without charge. After Tesla Inc. refused to do so, co-owner paid for the replacement out of pocket.