NHTSA Complaint #11522163 — 2018 TESLA MODEL 3

SUSPENSION issue reported to NHTSA

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Complaint Details

ODI Number	11522163
Vehicle	2018 TESLA MODEL 3
Component	SUSPENSION
Date of Incident	February 9, 2023
Date Filed	May 15, 2023
Mileage	N/A miles
Crash	No
Fire	No
Injuries	0
Deaths	0
Vehicle Towed	No
State	CA

Consumer Description

My 2018 Model 3 was purchased brand new direct from Tesla with no other drivers or accidents. In Feb of 2023 I heard a creaking sound from the front driver wheel. The steering wheel felt like it was shaking when going into lane changes. I brought it into Tesla and they found that both lateral link bolts were loose, subframe damage. The exact issue was recalled under #23V-235. I showed them the reports but Tesla refused to honor the recall because they only do it on specific vins. My VIN was clearly missed in error. There is absolutely no way that I had the exact issue as the recall and for my car to somehow be an exception. I paid $2,162.13 that needs to be refunded. This could have killed me and they are lucky that I brought the car in and found the issue before they were dragged by the NHTSA to actually do the recalls. Now they are trying to skimp on my repair because of a lucky coincidence that my vin was somehow missed.

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