Tesla probe widens after China suspension recall for Model S, X
The front suspension of the Tesla Model S and X is the subject of a safety recall in China and official investigation in the USA.
Tesla rejects there is an issue although chatter about Model S and X suspension failures have circulated for some years.
A class action law suit has also been filed in California alleging front and rear suspension issues for the Model S and X.
Both cars are built on the same Fremont, California, assembly line for global distribution including Australia.
There are as yet no reports of recall actions being undertaken in Australia. And the recalls do not affect the top selling Tesla, the Model 3.
About 30,000 Model S and Model X vehicles built between 2013 and 2017 are subject to the Chinese recall and 115,000 built between 2015 and 2017 subject to an investigation in the USA being conducted by the automotive safety regulator the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
The NHTSA is also investigating 159,000 Model S and Model X built between 2012 and 2018 for touchscreen failures that can result in multiple issues including loss of the reversing camera images.
The touchscreen investigation has reached the stage of engineering analysis, a step required before a recall is compelled.
The NHTSA opened a preliminary investigation into 2015-2017 Model S and 2016-2017 Model X vehicles after receiving 43 complaints alleging failure of the left or right front suspension fore links.
In a June 2016 blog post Tesla denied any suspension-related safety defects in the Model S and X after informal enquiries were made by the NHTSA.
In a 2017 service bulletin Tesla said some vehicles have “front fore links that may not meet Tesla strength specifications. In the event of link failure, the driver can still maintain control of the vehicle but the tire may contact the wheel arch liner.”
In October it confirmed Chinese regulators had requested a recall “because the environment in China required stronger suspension due to local roads and driving conditions.” Tesla is also issuing a separate rear suspension link recall in China for the Model S vehicles”.
Tesla indicated it did not agree with the recall. It said incidents were “exceedingly rare” and it was unaware of any related crashes, injuries or deaths worldwide.
