US opens investigation into Tesla seat belts coming free

DETROIT — U.S. freeway security regulators have opened but another investigation into problems with Teslas, this time tied to complaints that the seat belts might not maintain individuals in a crash.

The investigation by the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration covers an estimated 50,000 Mannequin X SUVs from the 2022 and 2023 mannequin years.

The company says it has two complaints from Tesla house owners that the entrance belts weren’t sufficiently related on the manufacturing unit.

Paperwork posted by the company Tuesday say the belt linkage and pretensioners, which tighten the belts earlier than a crash, are anchored to the seat frames.

Each complaints allege that the linkage and pretensioner separated from the frames when the automobiles have been driving and drive was exerted. Neither incident concerned a crash.

The company says it’s opening the probe to look into Tesla’s manufacturing processes, how typically the issue occurs and the way widespread it’s. Investigations can result in remembers.

A message was left early Tuesday in search of remark from Tesla.

NHTSA is also investigating complaints about issues with Teslas that date to 2020. The probes embody Teslas with partially automated driving programs that may brake for no reason or can run into emergency vehicles parked on highways.

There are also investigations into complaints that some steering wheels can abruptly disconnect and that suspension components can fail.