According to reports, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the United States announced today that it had launched an investigation into the front seat belt malfunction issue of 50,000 Tesla Model X electric vehicles after receiving two complaints.
The NHTSA stated that this preliminary investigation covers the Model X vehicles produced by Tesla from 2022 to 2023. The reason is that some car owners reported that while driving the Model Y, the seatbelt connector of the front seat belt detached and failed to remain connected with the belt fixture.
The NHTSA also stated that in both reported accidents, there was no collision between the passenger wearing the seatbelt and the vehicle.
Tesla has not yet commented on this matter.
One of the two complaints received by the NHTSA occurred in Larkspur, California. A Tesla Model X was driving at approximately 10 to 15 mph when a large truck parked on the side of the road suddenly opened its door. The automatic braking system of the Model X was activated.
The car owner stated in the complaint: “Due to the sudden deceleration, my upper body tilted forward, and the impact of my body caused the anchor of the seat belt on the lower seat to completely detach.”
After conducting a preliminary evaluation, the NHTSA will decide whether to upgrade the investigation to an engineering analysis before requiring Tesla to recall the products.
Earlier this month, the NHTSA also launched an investigation into the steering wheel detachment issue of 120,000 Model Y electric vehicles.
The NHTSA stated at the time that it had received two accident complaints, and that the steering wheel of the car had come off the steering column while the car owner was driving the 2023 Model Y SUV electric vehicle.
