On certain Model 3, Model Y, and Model X vehicles, there may be a water ingress path to both front upper control arm ball joints that, over time, could possibly lead to surface corrosion of these ball joints. This may result in a creaking sound coming from the front suspension when steering at low speeds and under high loads. This is exclusively an NVH condition only and does not result in premature failure of the ball joints.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Tesla Model 3 steering problems
severe 76 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
76
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
6crashes
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 76 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 7 model years of Tesla Model 3 in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
On some Model 3 vehicles, the steering column control module connector retaining clip may have been reused following repairs. This clip is one-time-use.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe two broad failure patterns: mechanical fastener and suspension component failures, plus electronic steering and Autopilot system malfunctions.
The most common mechanical issue is lower lateral link bolts backing out or falling off the subframe, often at low speeds but with catastrophic potential at highway speeds. Bolt inspection revealed no wear or threadlock compound, suggesting a design or assembly defect. Many owners report this exact failure appears in Tesla recall 23V-235, yet their VINs were excluded from the campaign. Upper control arms fail with squeaking, creaking, or clunking, particularly those lacking lubrication fittings; multiple owners paid $2,100+ for replacement of both left and right arms. Alignment drifts persistently despite repeated service visits.
Electronic failures include sudden loss of power steering assist with no prior warning—steering becomes too stiff to turn or locks completely. Owners report UI warnings like "Steering assist reduced" only *after* the failure. Costs for steering rack replacement run $4,200–$5,000. A few owners also report Autopilot veering into oncoming traffic after FSD hardware upgrades or steering override issues post-firmware updates. One owner documented camera failures appearing shortly after having the trunk wiring harness replaced under recall.
Tesla's responses have been inconsistent: some repairs covered under goodwill warranty extension, others denied despite identical failure modes to recall campaigns. Out-of-warranty vehicles are routinely rejected unless the owner pre-authorizes expensive diagnostics or repairs.
Same Tesla Model 3 steering reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Lower lateral link bolt detachment
Fasteners on the lower lateral links (lower control arms) backing out or falling out completely, causing the link to separate from the subframe. Several cases involved the exact failure described in recall 23V-235, yet many VINs were excluded from that recall population.
When: Varied; low speed to highway speeds; some cases at 5k-55k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud metallic clanging or grinding sound from front end; Sudden loss of steering control or extreme steering difficulty; Front wheel shifting or folding backward into wheel well; Vehicle pulling sharply to one side; Misalignment indicators or steering alignment service warnings
Repairs/costs cited: Complete bolt replacement and lateral link reinstallation required; some owners paid $2,500–$3,700 out of pocket. Tesla service indicated bolts showed no wear or thread damage and lacked threadlock compound.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V-235 (SB-23-31-001) issued March 2023 for select 2018–2019 Model 3 vehicles, but many owners report their VINs excluded despite identical failure mode. Some Tesla service centers denied coverage, claiming the defect was not included in recall population.
Upper control arm failure and noise
Front upper control arms producing loud squeaking, creaking, clunking, or groaning sounds, particularly when turning or hitting bumps. Control arms with ball joints lack integrated lubrication (Zerk fitting), leading to corrosion and wear.
When: Around 42k–106k miles; recurring in some vehicles even after replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Loud squeaking or groaning from front wheel area during turns; Creaking or clunking under braking or on uneven pavement; Front fender vibration at speeds under 50 mph; Vehicle pulling or steering instability after occurrence
Repairs/costs cited: Both left and right upper control arms typically replaced; costs quoted around $200–$2,100+ depending on accompanying suspension work. Some owners report multiple failures on the same vehicle requiring repeated replacements.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin SB-20-31-006 exists for resealing front upper control arm ball joints, but does not cover all affected VINs. Tesla has not issued a full recall; some repairs covered under warranty (if in-warranty), others denied.
Steering rack stiffness and loss of power steering assist
Electronic power steering assist failing suddenly or gradually, causing steering to become extremely difficult to turn or locking up completely. Some cases involve internal faults within the steering rack; others involve corrosion of the universal power steering shaft.
When: Varied mileage; some cases early (20k–40k miles), others later (55k+ miles); often sudden onset
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly becomes very hard to turn; Power steering assist completely lost; Steering wheel locks or binds mid-turn; UI warning: 'Steering assist reduced' or 'Steering may require increased effort'; No prior warning lights or error messages in most cases
Codes mentioned: UI_a020 Steering assist reduced
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement typical; costs quoted $4,200–$5,000+. Some cases required simultaneous replacement of front upper control arms, lower lateral links, and subframe. Corrosion of power steering shaft noted in at least one case despite minimal snow exposure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for steering assist loss. Tesla denies coverage when vehicle is out of warranty. Some owners charged full repair cost; others required to authorize repairs before diagnosis.
Front suspension geometry instability and alignment drift
Progressive loss of steering responsiveness, vehicle pulling, unsteady lane centering, and excessive bump steer over time. Alignment continues drifting out (especially toe angle on left side) despite multiple realignments. Described as 'hunting' steering inputs and floaty handling.
When: Gradual onset over months to years of ownership; worsens with interstate speeds and suspension loading
Symptoms owners cite: Difficulty maintaining center lane position at highway speeds (60–75 mph); Excessive back-and-forth steering correction ('hunting'); Dramatic bump steer on road imperfections; Front-end feels loose and floaty, especially in curves; Alignment (especially toe) drifting out repeatedly after service visits
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple service visits (10–12 reported in one case) with repeated replacements of lower control arm bushings, upper control arms, wheel hubs, and alignments. One owner replaced tires and completed a dozen alignments without resolution. Parts installed with no apparent wear or damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla service centers have inspected vehicles and identified pulling but stopped short of full resolution. One owner reported Tesla reluctant to authorize steering rack replacement and instead continued serving alignment estimates. No recall or service bulletin addressing this specific condition.
Subframe and suspension structural damage
Front subframe structural failure or damage, sometimes detected only when vehicle is placed on a lift. One case involved subframe damage confirmed by independent EV repair shop after lateral link detachment; another involved corrosion requiring full subframe replacement.
When: Varied; some detected during unrelated service visits; one at ~55k miles
Symptoms owners cite: No warning messages or alerts prior to failure in most cases; Detected incidentally during suspension work or diagnostics; Corrosion visible on subframe components; Loose or damaged mounting points
Repairs/costs cited: Full subframe replacement quoted; one case involved $2,600+ comprehensive suspension replacement estimate. Some owners report Tesla wanting to charge for diagnostics before authorizing repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall addressing subframe corrosion or structural failure. Tesla out-of-warranty vehicles denied coverage in most cases.
Autopilot / ADAS steering override and unwanted lane changes
Vehicle steering into oncoming traffic or swerving unexpectedly during Autopilot/ADAS engagement, including unwanted or incomplete lane changes. Some cases began after FSD hardware upgrade; others linked to firmware updates or sensor calibration issues.
When: Varies; some immediately after FSD hardware retrofit; others triggered by NHTSA recall firmware updates or during normal Autopilot use
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle veers left into oncoming traffic when FSD engaged; Unexpected swerving or lane changes despite no driver input; Incomplete lane changes that abort mid-maneuver with sudden swerve back; Repeated false driver attention alerts; Steering unresponsive to manual correction in some cases; Wild left-to-right swerving without driver steering input (one case on freeway at 70 mph)
Repairs/costs cited: Camera recalibration from touchscreen attempted multiple times without resolution. One case required investigation into FSD hardware installation/alignment. Another involved firmware rollback investigation post-NHTSA recall update. No successful resolution reported in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla service advised camera recalibration repeatedly; in one case, stated 'everything looks fine remotely' despite persistent problem. One service center refused in-person diagnosis without pre-authorization. No recalls issued specific to this steering override issue, though NHTSA recall 23V-838 (Autopilot) and 23V-235 (suspension bolts) are referenced.
Complete loss of steering control while driving
Total electrical or mechanical loss of steering function while the vehicle is in motion, rendering it uncontrollable or requiring extreme effort to manage.
When: Without warning; occurred at various speeds including highway speeds and low-speed parking maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks completely or becomes immovable; Grinding noise from front end before lockup; Steering assist warnings or error messages (sometimes only after failure); Vehicle becomes unsteerable or extremely difficult to steer; No prior alerts in most cases
Codes mentioned: Steering assist reduced warning
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement typically required; one case also needed front-end controller component replacement ($4,200 quoted). Vehicle required towing in all cases where reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued. Tesla out-of-warranty denials common; one owner charged ~$3,000 for repair after Tesla refused responsibility.
Camera/wiring harness failures post-trunk harness recall
Multiple owners reported camera failures, driver assistance system failures, and wiring harness failures beginning after Tesla replaced trunk wiring harness for an unrelated recall (23V-235 or similar). Pattern suggests installation issue or interconnected wiring problem.
When: Post-harness replacement in 2024; one case involved 'Condition Detected with Controller' alert
Symptoms owners cite: Emergency braking alerts; Camera failure warnings; Driver assistance system alerts; Rear camera no longer functional; All driver assistance features disabled after initial camera failure during Autopilot
Codes mentioned: Camera failure, Failed wiring harness
Repairs/costs cited: Tesla quoted hundreds to thousands for harness and camera replacement. Some owners reported undertaking DIY aftermarket part replacement to avoid high costs. One owner quoted $4,200 for harness and steering rack replacement after initial controller alert.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued linking trunk harness replacement to downstream camera/ADAS failures. Tesla not acknowledging pattern or root cause.
Synthesized from 76 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2018 Tesla Model 3?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2018 Tesla Model 3?
It's a meaningful issue. 76 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 5,000 and 27,000 miles, with the median around 12,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,000; a quarter make it past 27,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Tesla/Model 3.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.