CHRISTIAN SPIRIT: “The steering shaft junction is in constant motion and is a wearing part,” writes Tesla in a letter to the consumer authorities. The car manufacturer refused to cover the repair when a man from Kristiansand complained.
“I had problems with the car not wanting to straighten up after I turned. The car was hard on the steering wheel. It became downright dangerous to drive, because there was a lot of resistance in the steering wheel when turning,” the man writes in a letter in connection with the complaint.
Broken steering shaft junction
This is what Motor magazine writes in an article published on Thursday.
The car owner has not been named, but he is from Kristiansand. He had bought a new Tesla Model S, and after four and a half years had problems turning the steering wheel. The steering shaft junction was defective.
Tesla may be extra exposed on Norwegian roads, the car manufacturer believes.
Photo: Tor Mjaaland
Salty and winding roads
Tesla replied that this was not covered by the right of complaint. The reason is that the part sits far down and at the front of the car. It is exposed to wear and tear and external influences, and in this case would have been attacked by rust. With 117,000 kilometers driven, Tesla believed that the new car warranty had expired.
They also believe that Norwegian roads are extra demanding with salt and high humidity, and that this is extra bad on gravel roads or by the coast.
The Consumer Complaints Committee did not agree, and fully agreed with the car owner. Thus, Tesla had to cover the 4,400 kroner the repair cost.
Fædrelandsvennen has been in contact with the complainant on Thursday. He says he is finished with the case and that he has no further comment.
