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severe 84 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Of the 7 model years of Tesla Model 3 we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 84.
Steering accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 ↗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 2023 Model 3 steering complaints cluster around several distinct failure patterns. Most common: power-steering loss or assist reduction, where the steering wheel suddenly becomes stiff or unresponsive, often accompanied by warning messages like "Steering Assist Reduced" or "Steering may require increased effort." These incidents occur across all mileage ranges but cluster heavily in the first 4,000 miles. Owners report losing power steering while driving, backing, or stopped—sometimes briefly and resolved by restart, sometimes persistently requiring steering rack replacement.
Second: persistent pulling to one side (usually right) despite multiple wheel alignments that meet factory spec. Owners report taking vehicles in for 3–5 alignment attempts with no resolution, eventually requiring steering rack replacement. This problem is often present from delivery.
Third: steering wheel stiffness, vibration, or jerky movements, especially at low speeds. One owner reports 12 service visits with new wheels, tires, and brake rotor—all while Tesla claims the vibration is "normal."
Fourth and most serious: sudden unintended steering actions, particularly involving FSD or Autopilot overriding driver input, causing lane departures, collisions, and crashes. Several owners describe the steering wheel forcibly turning opposite their input or the vehicle becoming completely uncontrollable—locked steering combined with brake failure.
Owners consistently report Tesla service denying warranty coverage, claiming impact damage (without evidence), or dismissing issues as "within spec" or "normal." Repair costs escalate rapidly (one quoted $275, then $2,167 within minutes). Multiple owners had vehicles declared total losses and struggled to obtain refunds or returns. NHTSA investigation PE23014 is referenced by at least one owner.
Same Tesla Model 3 steering reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2024
Steering wheel becomes stiff, unresponsive, or loses power assist entirely, sometimes with 'Steering Assist Reduced' or 'Steering may require increased effort' warning. Drivers report sudden inability to turn the wheel or extreme difficulty, particularly at speed or when stopped. Intermittent or persistent.
When: Typically reported within first 2,000 miles; some cases at 480, 834, 1,859, 3,000, 3,387, 3,700, 4,369 miles; one at 40,000 miles; one at 66,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel stiff or locked, requiring excessive force; Power steering warning messages on screen or app; Loss of power steering while driving or stopped; Intermittent failures (recurring after restart); Steering wheel becomes responsive again after vehicle restart or power-off
Codes mentioned: UI_a020, STEERING SYSTEM ERRR DETECTED
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement (multiple owners report this as the standard repair); steering harness replacement in one case; wheel alignment in some cases. Costs where stated: $275–$2,167 (owner reported escalating quotes); one owner's repair covered under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla service center diagnoses steering rack failure and replaces under warranty in some cases (if reported immediately) or denies warranty (in others, claiming impact). No official recall announced; NHTSA investigation PE23014 (Steering) mentioned by one owner. Tesla remote service team indicates 'known firmware issue' that resolves after vehicle restart in one case.
Vehicle pulls persistently to one side (typically right), despite multiple alignments or adjustments meeting spec. Present from delivery or after extended parking. Requires constant manual correction to keep car centered in lane.
When: From delivery (reported immediately after pickup); one case after 4-month storage (12,000 miles on resumption); one at ~12 miles on odometer; one after leaving parking lot; one at 3,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Car pulls hard to the right (or left) despite hands-off wheel; Constant manual steering correction needed; Issue worsens at high speeds or during acceleration/braking; No warning messages in most cases; Persists after multiple alignments (3–5 visits in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple wheel alignments (3–4 attempts in some cases); manual realignment and bolt tightening; one owner reports steering rack replacement finally resolved the issue after 4 service visits. Costs where reported: alignments (no charge under warranty initially); steering rack replacement noted in warranty in one case but denied as non-warranty in another.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla service centers perform alignments but claim issue is 'normal,' 'due to road crown,' or 'within spec' even after technicians confirm pulling during test drives. One owner reports engineers remotely inspected system and claimed behavior is 'normal.' No recall; some owners eventually given steering rack replacement.
Steering wheel exhibits stiffness, jerky movements, vibrations, or clicking sensations when turning, particularly at low speeds. May include erratic small movements while driving straight.
When: Early ownership; one reported at 2,300 miles; vibration issues reported from delivery day onward (with 12 service visits by owner's account and still unresolved)
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking or jerking sensation when turning steering wheel; Vibration in steering wheel; Stuttering or erratic small movements left/right; Stiffness when parking or low-speed maneuvering; Concerns car might veer into oncoming traffic or off-road
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement (one owner); software reset attempted but did not resolve vibration; wheel and tire replacement (12 service visits, still unresolved); brake rotor replacement. One owner reports 12 service visits with no resolution and Tesla claims vibration is 'normal.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla service replaced steering rack in one documented case. Most cases: Tesla claims vibration is 'normal' and 'within spec' or attributes it to wheels/tires; no fix offered despite multiple visits.
Vehicle steering wheel moves autonomously or FSD/Autopilot overrides driver input during manual steering correction or navigation errors. Steering system conflicts with driver input, particularly when driver attempts to disengage FSD or during lane-keeping scenarios.
When: Reported during FSD and Autopilot operation; one incident on Lawrence Expressway (time 19:28); one on I-5 heading south; one in parking lot; one in parking garage
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly turns opposite direction from driver input; Steering wheel becomes unresponsive to driver input for brief period; FSD directs vehicle to wrong lane or misidentifies road position; Sudden sharp turns by vehicle without driver input; Sudden unintended acceleration and loss of steering control in parking lot
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's vehicle sent to auto-body shop with $35k repair estimate and deemed total loss by Tesla insurance. No repair information provided for other cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla Service Center refused inspection unless car was fixed (one case). One owner attempted to report to fsdbeta@tesla.com with no response. One owner reports receiving no response from Tesla regarding return or refund after steering/braking incidents.
Steering wheel becomes completely unresponsive or locked, rendering the vehicle uncontrollable. Brake pedal may also be unresponsive. Occurs with or without warning messages.
When: One at 66 miles (parking garage); one during highway driving; one while parking; one while exiting parking lot; one at undisclosed speed
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel does not respond to driver input; Both steering and braking unresponsive; Vehicle continues in original direction despite steering input; No warning lights or messages in most cases; Vehicle may swerve, hit curbs, or crash into other vehicles or structures
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles crashed and either totaled or towed for inspection; specific repairs not detailed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No information on manufacturer response; some vehicles towed, none reported as repaired or recalled.
After vehicle was returned from collision center repair, steering exhibits dangerous swaying, bouncing, veering, or unstable behavior at highway speeds, particularly when hitting dips or bumps. Issue persists despite wheel alignment and suspected steering column problem.
When: Manifested after collision repair and return to owner (Feb–Mar, May–June 2025); issue ongoing as of June 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Dangerous swaying and bouncing when hitting road dips; Veering to one side at highway speeds; Vehicle instability and unsafe high-speed handling; Suspension or steering column suspected malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel alignment performed but issue persisted. No definitive diagnosis or repair completed. Loaner vehicle provided (but had flat tire). Steering column suspected but not diagnosed or replaced as of June 2025.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla North Phoenix Collision Center performed alignment and attempted inspection but offered no diagnosis or resolution. Tesla Glendale Service Center advisor noted collision center often offloads unresolved issues. Tesla Support advised filing NHTSA complaint. Issue unresolved after multiple returns.
Loss of braking system combined with loss of steering control, often during or immediately after FSD/Autopilot disengagement or malfunction. Both systems fail simultaneously or in sequence.
When: During FSD operation; at undisclosed speeds; parking and highway scenarios
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes become inoperative ('braking hold disabled'); Steering becomes inoperable at same time; Brake hold, autopilot, brake charge, wheel alignment disabled (multiple systems listed); Vehicle unable to stop or steer
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports estimated repair costs escalating from $275 to $2,167 within minutes; parts replaced included alignment-related components. One vehicle slipped backward at stop and hit parked car.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner advised that alignment adjustment every 6,000 miles or 6 months is 'recommended' (not mandatory), contradicting assumption of maintenance-free operation. Cost estimates increased repeatedly; Tesla stated prior estimates were 'mistakes.'
Steering wheel becomes locked, seized, or extremely difficult to turn, requiring excessive force. May occur while stopped or while driving. Can be temporary (resolves after restart) or persistent.
When: Within first 2 weeks of ownership (one case); while turning (various scenarios); at low speeds (parking); at highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locked or seized in straight position; Extreme difficulty turning wheel in any direction; Steering may temporarily resolve after vehicle restart; Jerky or stuttering feeling when attempting to turn; Steering may re-lock shortly after restart
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement (multiple cases); one owner reports replacement resolved issue with no recurrence (now at 3,700 miles).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla service diagnostic reports steering rack failure as cause. One owner told Tesla would pick up car since it could not be driven to service center; owner discovered charging to 100% resolved the issue (related to 'charging error' message). NHTSA investigation PE23014 referenced.
Synthesized from 84 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
There's a problem with the airbags, and the steering wheel is hard to turn.
So thanks to YOUR interference my Autopilot on my Tesla is broken... You guys THINK you are making our cars safer by getting your controlling poorly educated stupid hands into Tesla systems that are DESIGNED TO BE MORE SAFE. On paper Tesla Autopilot is factually proven to be more safe than a human driver, these reports are publicly available perhaps your team was too lazy to read them. My car…
It's a meaningful issue. 84 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
Based on the 84 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 19,769 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.
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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.