NHTSA Complaint #11527538 — 2016 TESLA MODEL S

The right front suspension "Lower Fore Link" broke under braking. The Fore Link broke/separated from the ball joint connecting it to the right spindle/upright, causing loss of directional and braking control. The damaged Four Link is available for inspection. Once the Fore Link broke, any braking caused the wheel to move rearward and contact the body wheel arch liner. Once the body contacted the tire, it rode up on the rotating tire, causing the front end to rise and bounce up and down. Under my situation, with my advanced driving experience, I was able to bring the car to a stop before hitting the cars stopped ahead. But under more severe braking conditions, or lower experienced driver, the car might not be able to stop in time, putting me, my passengers, and those of any cars in front of the car at risk. This problem is documented by Tesla Technical Service Bulletin SB-17-31-001. The vehicle and defective component has been inspected by the local Tesla Service Center in Carlsbad CA, but not by any police/insurance/other representative. There were no warnings in advance of the failure.