On some Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, the steering wheel cover material may separate from the steering wheel at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position (Figures 1 and 2). NOTE: The material separation of the steering wheel cover is cosmetic only and does not affect the performance or function of the steering wheel.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Tesla Model 3 steering problems
critical 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
9crashes
1fire
3injuries
1fatality
What stands out
Of the 7 model years of Tesla Model 3 we track for steering problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (24).
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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 and Model Y vehicles, the steering wheel cover material may separate from the steering wheel at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position (Figures 1 and 2). NOTE: The material separation of the steering wheel cover is cosmetic only and does not affect the performance or function of the steering wheel.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe multiple distinct steering and brake control malfunctions, many occurring without warning. Several report sudden, forceful steering inputs that push the wheel into oncoming traffic or roadside barriers, with the vehicle ignoring driver steering corrections. Others experience complete steering lock-up or unresponsiveness during low-speed maneuvers like parking and U-turns, leaving them unable to steer despite turning the wheel.
Unintended acceleration during gear selection shows up repeatedly—owners shifting from reverse to drive (or vice versa) find the vehicle accelerating in the wrong direction, persisting even when toggling gears multiple times. Hold mode does not prevent this. In separate incidents, regenerative and hydraulic braking systems fail mid-stop, forcing drivers to rely on manual brake application to avoid collision. One owner reports the braking system becoming completely unresponsive in snowy conditions, with locked wheels and steering that will not respond.
Low-speed steering issues include a case where a suspension bolt came completely loose, causing steering looseness and abnormal tire angles. Service response has been inconsistent: some failures recur after repair attempts, some are not physically inspected, and a few owners report technicians claiming rolling caused by gravity despite hold mode being active. One owner reported that these issues began immediately after a high-voltage battery replacement, accompanied by multiple electrical failures.
Same Tesla Model 3 steering reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended Acceleration with Gear Misalignment
Vehicle accelerates in the opposite direction of selected gear (reverse when drive selected, or vice versa) despite driver input. Hold mode engaged does not prevent the malfunction. Occurs intermittently during low-speed maneuvering (parking, backing up). Shifting between gears multiple times does not reliably correct the behavior.
When: Low-speed parking/backing maneuvers; intermittent; reported on separate dates in one owner's case
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden forward/reverse acceleration without driver input; Gear selection does not match vehicle direction; Behavior persists despite multiple gear toggles; Occurs with hold mode activated; No warning lights reported
Repairs/costs cited: Tesla service refused to service vehicle after first incident; claimed rolling due to gravity despite hold mode; no repair completed
Sudden Steering Angle Changes During Normal Driving
Steering wheel physically turns on its own with force, causing vehicle to swerve into oncoming lanes or toward roadside without driver input or prior warning. Occurs during normal driving conditions without autopilot engaged. Vehicle does not issue warning until several minutes after incident. Reported after high-voltage battery replacement in one case, but also reported independently in other cases.
When: During normal highway and neighborhood driving; one owner reported onset immediately after May 2024 high-voltage battery replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Violent steering input without driver action; Vehicle swerves into oncoming traffic or roadside; Full Self-Driving not engaged; Delayed or absent warning message ('Take Control Immediately' appears minutes after event); Loss of driver steering control
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported multiple electronic anomalies post-battery replacement including navigation failures, window operation malfunctions, shift warnings, camera malfunctions; no specific steering repair noted
Steering Wheel Lock-Up During Maneuvering
Steering wheel becomes immobilized or severely stiffened, preventing directional control. Occurs during low-speed maneuvers such as parking, U-turns, or pulling out of parking spaces. Vehicle displays 'Front Motor Disabled. Continue Driving' message or similar warnings. Functionality may be restored after minutes or hours, or requires service.
When: Low-speed maneuvers (parking, U-turns, pulling out of spaces); mileage ~17,000 in one reported case
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel physically seized or locked; Inability to steer vehicle; Message: 'Front Motor Disabled. Continue Driving'; Power steering loss; Recurrent failures at similar low-speed maneuvers
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid over $3,000 for steering rack replacement by Tesla service; circuit board replaced in another case after failure could not be duplicated; unknown software update mentioned as needed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Remote assistance provided in one case; circuit board replacement; software update referenced but not completed
Steering Unresponsiveness / Loss of Steering Control
Vehicle does not respond to steering wheel input. Wheels do not turn despite driver effort; vehicle continues straight despite turning wheel. Occurs during braking, turning, or emergency maneuvers. No warning lights precede failure.
When: During turning, braking, low-speed reversing, and emergency situations; mileage ~12,297 in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel input has no effect; Vehicle continues straight despite steering effort; Occurs while reversing or turning; No warning lights or messages; Instrument cluster screen goes blank in one case after crash
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer for service but not diagnosed or repaired at time of complaint
Regenerative Braking Failure / Loss of Regenerative Braking Function
Regenerative braking system suddenly ceases operation during braking, forcing driver to apply hydraulic brakes to avoid collision. Occurs without warning. Feature availability was also removed in 2021 model refresh, despite owner's manual recommending low-setting regenerative braking for winter safety.
When: During normal braking operations; capability removed starting October 2020 for 2021 model refresh
Symptoms owners cite: Regenerative braking immediately stops working mid-braking; Loss of braking effect during braking attempt; No warning before failure; Feature to adjust regenerative braking removed from 2021 refresh despite manual recommendation; Risk of rapid deceleration-induced skidding on slippery roads
ABS and Traction Control Failure During Braking
ABS, automatic emergency braking, traction control, and stability control systems fail simultaneously during braking in winter conditions. Vehicle does not respond to steering or brake inputs; wheels lock. No warning before failure.
When: During braking on snowy road (1-2 inches snow) at ~20 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal feels frozen or unresponsive; ABS pulsing sounds but system non-functional; No steering response despite wheel turning; Vehicle appears to lock one axle; 'Take Control' message appears after incident; No warning lights before failure
Front Suspension Lateral Link Bolt Failure
Bolt completely missing from front suspension lateral link; second bolt nearly failed (halfway out). Discovered during backing and turning maneuver when creaking sound and loose steering feel prompted inspection. Vehicle shows no warning lights.
When: Issue developed over weeks; discovered during parking maneuver at low speed
Symptoms owners cite: Creaking sound while backing up and turning; Loose steering feel; Front passenger tire locked and turned abnormally far left; Tire appeared to be 'leaning'; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Bolt completely missing; second bolt 1/2 way out
Steering Wheel Degradation / Peeling
Steering wheel surface peeling or degrading, affecting grip and control difficulty.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel peeling/degrading; Difficulties with steering and control
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
When I test drove the Tesla model 3, there was an option to turn regenerative braking to low. This allowed the car to have more of a coasting effect when one lifts the foot off of the accelerator. When I received delivery of the car, the ability to reduce the regenerative braking effect was not available. The removal of this feature is being discussed at length in online forums. The latest…
On certain sections of highway unsuccessfully attempted to activate auto-steer (two down clicks) multiple times in a row. Did this multiple times in a row but was unsuccessful to activate auto-steer. Instead a supposed "easter egg" (which activates with 4 down clicks) very loudly plays loud jarring music (called "rainbow road")...this is NOT FUCKING FUNNY--I nearly ran my car off the road and…
After Tesla replaced my high voltage battery in May of 2024 all of the following started to happen. Prior to the replacement none of these issues were present. While driving under normal conditions, my 2021 Tesla suddenly and violently steered into an oncoming lane or toward the roadside without any driver input. The steering wheel physically turned on its own with force. Full Self-Driving was…
Had steering trouble with your 2021 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 2021 Tesla Model 3?
It's a serious issue. 24 complaints have been filed, including 9 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 24 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 24,569 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2021/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.