11-6-2023 (AUSTIN) Tesla has announced a recall of 137 Model Y vehicles in response to a steering wheel problem that could cause it to become loose or even detach, according to a New Jersey man who experienced the steering wheel detachment firsthand.
Documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate that the issue arises from the attachment of the steering wheels using a fastener.
“The manufacturing and service records suggest that certain characteristics in the manufacturing process may be related to the fastener being installed but not tightened to the specified torque. If the fastener is not properly torqued, it could result in the steering wheel disconnecting from the steering column,” explains the description of the defect.
A loose steering wheel poses a significant hazard as it can lead to a loss of steering control, significantly increasing the risk of an accident.
While Tesla claims that no incidents of steering wheels detaching have been reported as a result of this problem, Prerak Patel shared his harrowing experience with NJ.com in February. He recounted how his steering wheel suddenly became dislodged while driving on a New Jersey highway.
Fortunately, Patel was able to safely maneuver his vehicle to the side of the road and call for a tow truck. However, the incident left him with a lingering sense of unease about driving his car. Patel even shared photos of the detached steering wheel and provided a detailed account of the incident in a tweet he posted on the day it occurred.
To address the issue, Tesla plans to inspect the 137 affected vehicles to determine if any of them have improperly torqued fasteners. If such a case is identified, Tesla dealerships will install new fasteners and tighten them to the correct specification. The recall affects the 2022-23 Model Y models.
