(MENAFN) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a new investigation into problems with Teslas, this time focusing on complaints that the seat belts may not hold people in a crash. The investigation covers an estimated 50,000 Model X SUVs from the 2022 and 2023 model years. The agency has received two complaints from Tesla owners that the front belts weren’t sufficiently connected at the factory.
According to documents posted by the agency on Tuesday, the belt linkage and pretensioners, which tighten the belts before a crash, are anchored to the seat frames. Both complaints allege that the linkage and pretensioner separated from the frames when the vehicles were driving and force was exerted. Neither incident involved a crash. The agency is opening the probe to look into Tesla’s manufacturing processes, how often the problem happens, and how widespread it is. Investigations can lead to recalls.
This is not the first time that Tesla has come under scrutiny by the NHTSA. The agency is also investigating complaints about problems with Teslas dating back to 2020, including partially automated driving systems that can brake for no reason or run into emergency vehicles parked on highways, steering wheels that can suddenly disconnect, and suspension parts that can fail. [1]
Tesla has faced criticism for its approach to safety in the past. In 2018, a Tesla Model X crashed into a highway barrier in California, killing the driver. The NHTSA investigated the accident and found that the Autopilot system was engaged at the time of the crash, and the driver had received multiple visual and audible warnings to place his hands on the steering wheel. [2]
It is essential for Tesla to take prompt action and address any safety issues identified by the NHTSA. The safety of drivers and passengers should always be a top priority for automakers, and any potential defects or malfunctions must be addressed promptly to prevent accidents and injuries.
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