NHTSA Complaint #11718296 — 2021 TESLA MODEL Y

Vehicle experienced front suspension lateral link failure. The links separated from the sub-frame due to improperly secured fasteners. This is the exact defect described in existing recall SB-21-31-003 / NHTSA Campaign 21V835000. The existing recall states 'front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.' This vehicle has this identical manufacturing defect but was not included in the recall database. Tesla Service confirmed the links 'fell out' and separated from the sub-frame at approximately 65,000 miles. Technician notes indicate a 'speed mismatch between wheel and motor' caused by the link separation - this is the symptom of the underlying fastener defect. The failure resulted in loss of steering control and made the vehicle undriveable (VOR - Vehicle Off Road). This is a safety-critical manufacturing defect affecting front suspension, creating crash risk due to sudden loss of vehicle stability and control. Owner is being charged for repair of a known manufacturing defect that should have been covered under the existing recall. This suggests the recall scope was too narrow and did not capture all affected vehicles with this defect. Request investigation into whether recall should be expanded to include additional affected vehicles.