NHTSA Complaint #11554803 — 2021 TESLA MODEL Y

Front left wheel of vehicle started pivoting under causing tire to bottom out on inner fender without any prior incident or issues. Inspection revealed one of two bolts missing on the lower lateral control link, which was later found in the driveway. Second bolt was 1/3 loosened. Car was towed to Tesla and they proceeded with repairs to include replacing both sets of lower lateral control links. After looking into this further, we found Tesla service bulletin SB-21-31-003 which issued a recall for this problem for 2019-2021 model Y and 3, however, according to Tesla our vin was not included in this recall. These bolts hold the linkage that secures the wheel to the frame, without which the wheel and tire assembly will likely separate or collapse causing major damage and possible death to any occupants that are traveling at normal highway speeds. The SB refers to a torque inspection for these bolts that “may not have been torqued to internal specifications.” The problem appears to be wider than the recall vin range as this was precisely what occurred on our model Y.