After an investigation by the NHTSA, Tesla is recalling 137 Model Ys for fear that their steering wheels might fall off. The automaker says that a single fastener is the issue but it’s far from the very first time that reports of similar issues have popped up.
Of the 137 Model Ys included in this recall, Tesla suspects that just 10 percent actually have this loose steering wheel. According to the official report filed with the NHTSA, a Tesla service tech found the issue. They escalated a concern after finding a loose steering wheel while fixing a separate problem.
That occurred on May 4th of this year and Tesla says that by May 22nd it had decided to file this voluntary recall. It confirmed too that it’s aware of at least four warranty claims and one field report that “are related to or may be related to this condition.” At the same time, it says it’s unaware of any crashes, injuries, or deaths related to the issue.
More: Tesla Model Y Under Investigation Over Steering Wheels That Fall Off While Driving
At the heart of the issue is a fastener, a single piece that’s responsible for holding the wheel to the steering column. Tesla says that in rare cases it’s possible that the fastener isn’t torqued to the proper degree and in those cases, it can become loose and ultimately fall off. If that happens, the wheel goes with it.
We’ve reported on at least three separate occasions of Tesla steering wheels falling off. Back in May 2020, a British man had his Model 3 wheel fall off just a month after it was delivered.
More: Tesla Doesn’t Consider A Steering Wheel That Falls Off A Defect
Then, in January we told you about a man who experienced a similar issue when the wheel in his Model Y fell off less than a week after delivery. Initially, Tesla even sent him a bill to fix the wheel. In March, the NHTSA said it was investigating two Model Y steering wheels that fell off and now, this recall comes out. We have yet to learn if that investigation is over or if this is a sign of things to come.
