NHTSA Complaint #11571675 — 2020 TESLA MODEL X

There were two issues that occurred within months of each other: 1) Power steering failed on several occasions– immediately following a service appointment in which the CV joint/half shafts were replaced and an alignment performed. Tesla implied that the intermediate shaft failed in pure coincidence; this is not the case: intermediate steering shaft failure after 40,000 miles with no warning and no impact is very highly unlikely. 2) suspension and steering components began to fail (Front Aft Suspension Link, as diagnosed by Tesla), causing excessive noise and wear on other vehicle components. Tesla was aware of the manufacturing defect prior to failure, but refused to cover the repairs under the warranty. Both issues caused difficulty steering and distractions while driving at both high and low speeds; losing power steering on the highway can be deadly. No warning signs appeared prior to the component failure in either instance, and "driver abuse" did not occur– though Tesla implies that with every concern. The car is set to the slowest acceleration and gentlest handling settings possible to maintain the longevity of the car's components. Independent mechanics not affiliated with Tesla Motors inspected the car and agreed that the failures were abnormal and not to be expected at such a low milage. The issues that began early into the warranty period were sudddenly no longer addressed once the warranty expired: a clear violation of the MMWA of 1975.