| Subject: | Steering wheel detachment |
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| Investigations Summary: | The office of defects investigation (odi) is aware of two reports of complete detachment of the steering wheel from the steering column while driving in 2023 model year tesla model y vehicles. Both vehicles were delivered to the owners missing the retaining bolt (p/n1036655-00-a) which attaches the steering wheel to the steering column. Both vehicles received an end of line repair requiring removal and re-installation of the steering wheel. A friction fit maintained the connection between the steering wheel and the column splines during operation until separation. Sudden separation occurred when the force exerted on the steering wheel overcame the resistance of the friction fit while the vehicles were in motion. Both known incidents occurred at low vehicle mileage. A pe has been opened to assess the scope, frequency, and manufacturing processes associated with this condition. The odi report cited above can be viewed at http://www. NHTSA. Gov under the odi identification number 11504846. |
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