NHTSA Urges Tesla to Expand Fix for 'Whompy Wheel' Suspension Issues

NHTSA Urges Tesla to Expand Service Bulletin for Suspension Failures

The U.S. National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has put forth a recommendation for Tesla to broaden an existing service bulletin aimed at addressing suspension failures in older Model S and Model X vehicles. This suggestion stems from the findings of the agency’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), which recently concluded an investigation that identified 426 instances of the specific defect in Tesla vehicles.

Understanding the "Whompy Wheel" Defect

Within the Tesla community, the defect has been colloquially referred to as the "whompy wheel." This issue arises from the failure of fore links on either the right or left sides of the front suspension, predominantly when the vehicle is operating at low speeds. The affected models primarily include:

• Tesla Model S (2015-2017)
• Tesla Model X (2016-2017)

History of the Investigation

The formal investigation from the ODI commenced back in 2020, during which time the agency identified two specific part numbers that frequently failed. In the event of a fore link breaking, there is a risk that the tire could rub against the wheel well, though ODI asserts that this problem has not resulted in a loss of vehicle control.

NHTSA's Ongoing Concerns

NHTSA's interest in suspension problems on the Tesla Model S dates back to 2016. Concerns were raised when it was discovered that Tesla had asked customers to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that prevented them from discussing repairs related to suspension damage under a program referred to as "Goodwill." In 2017, Tesla initiated a service bulletin to address suspension issues for a limited number of vehicles built within a four-month period. However, this response was not without controversy, as it involved pushing some blame onto customers for the damage sustained.

Conclusion

The recommendation by the NHTSA calls for a proactive approach from Tesla to ensure the safety and satisfaction of its customers with affected vehicle models. For current Tesla owners, it may be essential to keep abreast of further communications from the company regarding this issue.

For more details on Tesla's safety measures and updates, visit the official Tesla website or follow related discussions on Tesla Motors Club.