U.S. highway safety regulators, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), have opened an investigation into seat belt issues in Tesla Model X SUVs from the 2022 and 2023 model years, impacting an estimated 50,000 vehicles. The investigation was prompted by two complaints from Tesla owners claiming that the front seat belts were not adequately connected at the factory.
According to documents released by the NHTSA, the belt linkage and pretensioners, which secure the belts before a crash, are anchored to the seat frames. Both complaints allege that the linkage and pretensioner separated from the frames while the vehicles were in motion and force was exerted, although no crash occurred in either incident.
The NHTSA is conducting the investigation to examine Tesla’s manufacturing processes, the frequency of the issue, and its extent. Such investigations can potentially lead to recalls. Tesla has not yet commented on the matter.
The NHTSA is also investigating other complaints involving Teslas dating back to 2020, including issues with partially automated driving systems, sudden steering wheel disconnections, and suspension part failures.
Source: thehindu.com
