NHTSA opened Preliminary Evaluation PE26006 covering an estimated 1,198,300 model-year 2018 through 2020 Tesla Model 3 and 2021 through 2023 Model Y vehicles. The agency is examining allegations that a front lower lateral link can detach from the steering knuckle and cause a loss of directional control, often without warning.
The Office of Defects Investigation cited 156 consumer complaints when it opened the evaluation on July 29. NHTSA reported no crashes, injuries or fatalities associated with the alleged condition.
What NHTSA is examining
A preliminary evaluation allows the agency to assess the scope, frequency and safety consequence of an alleged defect. It can close without further action, expand into a deeper engineering analysis or ultimately contribute to a recall decision, but opening the evaluation does not establish that a safety defect exists.
NHTSA's resume says the reported failures involved detachment of the front lower lateral link from the steering knuckle. The agency will evaluate the alleged defect and the vehicles' failure mode before deciding what action, if any, follows.
How dealerships should handle the signal
Used-vehicle buyers, appraisers and service teams should distinguish this investigation from a recall. There is no campaign remedy, stop-sale or owner repair instruction attached to PE26006. Customer communication should describe the agency action accurately without implying that every covered vehicle has the condition.
Stores handling affected-era Teslas should document customer-reported steering or suspension symptoms, check for any separately applicable recalls or service information and monitor the ODI record for a status change. Appraisal policy should be based on current verified facts rather than an invented repair path.
NHTSA has opened a preliminary evaluation; it has not determined that a safety defect exists and has not issued a recall, stop-sale, stop-drive notice or repair instruction for PE26006.
Cited references
- NHTSA ODI opening resume PE26006 — Official federal investigation record
- Reuters report, July 31, 2026 — Independent reporting