NHTSA Complaint #11712088 — 2023 TESLA MODEL X

I am reporting a catastrophic suspension failure resulting in complete wheel separation on my 2023 Tesla Model X Plaid shortly after Tesla service. While driving, the front left wheel separated from the hub, rendering the vehicle not drivable and creating an immediate risk of loss of control, collision, and serious injury or death. Tesla towed the vehicle back to its service center and issued written service documentation stating (verbatim): “The front left wheel had separated from the hub. The issue was caused by missing hardware on the upper control arm, leading to further damage.” Tesla did not attribute the failure to impact, road debris, wear, or misuse. The missing hardware was at a critical suspension attachment point. As a result, Tesla replaced multiple major safety-critical components under Goodwill / Internal Service, including the front left active damper/air spring, upper control arm bracket, halfshaft, wheel speed sensor, and multiple structural fasteners. A wheel-off event caused by missing suspension hardware represents a severe safety defect with high risk of catastrophic injury or fatality. This incident raises serious concerns about suspension assembly, post-service quality control, and whether other vehicles may be operating with missing or unsecured hardware. I respectfully request NHTSA review this as a suspension/wheel retention safety defect and evaluate whether additional investigation or corrective action is warranted.