The investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration covers an estimated 50,000 Model X SUVs from the 2022 and 2023 model years.
The agency says it has two complaints from Tesla owners that the front belts weren’t sufficiently connected at the factory.
Documents posted by the agency Tuesday say the belt linkage and pretensioners, which tighten the belts before a crash, are anchored to the seat frames.
Both complaints allege that the linkage and pretensioner separated from the frames when the vehicles were driving and force was exerted. Neither incident involved a crash.
The agency says it’s opening the probe to look into Tesla’s manufacturing processes, how often the problem happens and how widespread it is. Investigations can lead to recalls.
A message was left early Tuesday seeking comment from Tesla.
NHTSA also is investigating complaints about problems with Teslas that date to 2020. The probes include Teslas with partially automated driving systems that can brake for no reason or can run into emergency vehicles parked on highways.
There also are investigations into complaints that some steering wheels can suddenly disconnect and that suspension parts can fail.
Fintech pioneer Tom Sosnoff discusses the evolution of retail investing, the rise of AI, and his new platform Lossdog aimed at the next generation of trading.
The FAA prepares to select cities for its eVTOL pilot program, marking a major step toward electric air taxis and the future of urban air mobility in the U.S.
Rising oil prices tied to the Iran conflict are driving up gas and airfare costs, creating new challenges for travelers heading into the spring break season.
The Supreme Court strikes down Trump-era tariffs, limiting presidential trade powers and raising questions about refunds, global trade, and business impact.
New research from GoDaddy and UCLA shows small businesses signal shifts in GDP, jobs, and digital growth earlier than traditional data or Wall Street trends.
GoFundMe launches Back in Business Fund with Paris Hilton to provide targeted grants helping women entrepreneurs recover and rebuild after natural disasters.
