NHTSA Complaint #11579727 — 2022 TESLA MODEL Y

The front license plate holder, which is attached to the vehicle with two strips of double-sided adhesive tape, became detached while driving on the highway. This occurred while driving on the highway without any prior collision or impact that could have caused such damage. The detachment resulted in damage to the vehicle’s paint on the bumper, dislodgement of the ultrasonic parking sensor, and the license plate holder itself flying off the vehicle. I have ordered a replacement plate at my expense. Safety Concerns: There was no prior warning or indication of instability of the license plate holder. Tesla’s provided literature does not include instructions for regular checks or maintenance of the plate frame, nor are there warnings against the potential risks of car washes on the adhesive’s integrity. Previous Incidents: Online forums and discussions among Tesla owners reveal multiple instances of similar occurrences, indicating a pattern that suggests a potential defect in the design or materials used for the license plate holder’s attachment. Response from Manufacturer: Upon contacting Tesla regarding the incident, I was informed that they consider this situation akin to a collision and hold me solely responsible for all repairs. Despite the availability of video footage and telemetry data from my vehicle that could confirm the absence of a collision, Tesla has declined to utilize these resources to investigate the incident further. Requested Action: I urge the NHTSA to consider the potential safety hazards posed by the detachment of the front license plate holder on Tesla vehicles. An investigation into the frequency and circumstances of these incidents could be warranted to ensure the safety of Tesla vehicle owners and the driving public.