Rear steering.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2024 Tesla Cybertruck steering problems
severe 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
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.
Rear steering.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗On certain Cybertruck vehicles, in rare circumstances, the steering performance
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Steering defects across 2024 Cybertrucks cluster into three dangerous categories. First, mechanical: the overhead gear selector detaches and causes unintended shifts to Neutral or Park mid-drive, stalling the truck. One owner reports seven failed repair attempts at Tesla.
Second, electrical and control system failures. Owners describe sudden complete power loss while driving—steering, braking, and drivetrain all go dead. Others report the vehicle unable to shift out of Park with alerts stating it may lose electrical power and steering without warning. One owner got a "Critical Steering Issue Detected" warning with loud beeping on day one of ownership.
Third, Autopilot and drive-by-wire malfunction. Owners report FSD disengaging without notification, then the truck swerves violently. Several describe Autopilot veering suddenly off-road and colliding with trees or medians. One truck made a complete 360-degree spin at 60 mph on the freeway with no driver input. Another owner states the steering felt "unresponsive" when attempting override during supervised autonomy. Two owners report steering performance degradation under thermal load, with critical alerts following.
At highway speeds (65-75 mph), one owner reports extreme vibration and steering difficulty. Service responses have been slow or incomplete across multiple dealers.
Failure modes owners describe
Overhead Console Detachment and Gear Selector Failure
The Front Overhead Console Assembly (containing the manual P-R-N-D gear selector and hazard light switch) detaches, rattles, and fails to remain secured to the headliner. The defect can cause unintended gear shifts (to Neutral or Park) while driving, immobilizing the vehicle. Tesla attempted repairs at least 4-7 times without permanent resolution.
When: Present since delivery (Aug 2024 at 208 miles); confirmed again Oct 22, 2025 at 11,936 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Physical rattling and looseness of overhead console; Console detaches when windshield visor is removed; Unintended gear shifts to Neutral or Park while driving; Vehicle comes to a halt unexpectedly
Repairs/costs cited: Tesla Service Centers attempted adjustment and repair multiple times; described as 'temporary fix' only
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Defect confirmed by Tesla Service Centers; multiple repair attempts made; permanent fix promised on upcoming visit
Complete Power Loss and Steering Failure
The vehicle experiences total electrical failure while in motion, causing simultaneous loss of steering, braking, and drivetrain control. The vehicle coasts to a stop with no ability to operate hazard lights or unlock doors; emergency exit required. Service diagnosis cited 'PCS' (Power Control System) ancillary component as the cause.
When: Mid-drive incident; vehicle towed to Tesla service for weeks of diagnosis
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of all electrical power; Steering wheel completely unresponsive; Brake failure; Drivetrain failure while vehicle still in motion; Vehicle shut off completely after coasting to stop; Unable to activate hazard lights or unlock doors
Repairs/costs cited: Tesla service stated 'PCS ancillary auxiliary part needed to be replaced'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: PCS component replacement recommended; owner reports similar failures affecting multiple Cybertrucks
Full Self-Driving Disengagement Without Alert and Lane Control Loss
FSD Autopilot disengages and reverts to cruise control without driver notification or setting change, causing uncontrolled swerving. Vehicle cuts across lane lines and fails to maintain lane position on highways. No driver override initiated the mode switch.
When: During and after highway trip with FSD engaged
Symptoms owners cite: FSD Autopilot automatically switched to cruise control without warning; Severe swerving side-to-side (25-30 mph in residential area); Nearly struck curb and parked vehicles; Vehicle cuts over road lines and fails lane-keeping on highway; No alert or notification of mode disengagement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla provided automatic AI response stating FSD or Cruise Control must be manually selected for each trip (contradicts owner's prior experience)
Unintended Reverse Motion and Drive-by-Wire Steering Failure
Vehicle unexpectedly begins moving backward at a T-intersection while in Drive mode, without driver input. Steering (drive-by-wire system) becomes unresponsive during the event. Dashboard displays indicate disabled traction control, adaptive ride control, stability control, and emergency braking.
When: At T-intersection during normal drive operation
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle moves backward without driver throttle input; Drive-by-wire steering does not respond; Traction Control Disabled; Adaptive Ride Control Degraded; Stability Control Disabled; Emergency Braking Not Available
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle transported to Tesla facility in Tampa for service
Autopilot Unintended Lane Departure and Loss of Steering Response
Vehicle with Autopilot engaged suddenly veers off roadway without warning and collides with tree. Driver steering input does not achieve appropriate vehicle response, indicating unresponsive steering or system override failure during supervised autonomous operation.
When: Dec 23, 2025 at approximately 9:45 AM under normal driving conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt veering off roadway without warning; Off-road travel and tree collision; Vehicle unresponsive to driver steering input; Loss of control despite clear road conditions and visibility
Critical Steering System Alerts and Loss of Redundancy
Vehicle displays 'Critical Steering Issue Detected' warning at delivery with loud beeping and loss of steering control. Secondary alert warns 'Loss of System Redundancy Detected' and prevents shift out of Park, stating vehicle may suddenly lose electrical power, steering, and propulsion. Owner unable to drive vehicle safely.
When: First day after delivery on May 11, 2024
Symptoms owners cite: Critical Steering Issue Detected warning with loud beeping; Steering unresponsive or lost; Loss of System Redundancy Detected alert; Unable to shift out of Park; Multiple critical alerts on screen
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tesla emergency roadside support kept owner on hold; service appointment scheduling via App suggested
Slow Turn Signal Response and Unintended Swerve
Left turn signal blinker is slow to respond when activated. Vehicle swerves to the right without warning while driving on a narrow street. No warning lights illuminate during swerve event.
When: At approximately 5,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Left turn signal slow to respond; Windshield wipers turned off unexpectedly; Vehicle swerves right without warning; No warning lights illuminated during swerve
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle referred to independent mechanic, then dealer (not diagnosed or repaired by Las Vegas dealer)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall letter received (NHTSA Campaign 25V170000 - Structure); manufacturer unresponsive for two hours when called
Full Self-Driving Loss of Control and Failure to Respond to Driver Override
Vehicle with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) engaged departs intended trajectory. Driver attempts manual override and system disengagement using normal control inputs; system does not yield control timely. Vehicle continues unsafe path, leaves roadway, and collides with fence and tree.
When: During highway operation with FSD (Supervised) engaged
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected departure from intended roadway trajectory; System fails to disengage when driver attempts override; System does not relinquish control to driver; Vehicle leaves roadway and collides with fence and tree; Delayed or ineffective driver control restoration
Sudden Sharp Steering Input and 360-Degree Spin
Vehicle suddenly steers sharply to the left without any driver input while traveling on freeway at 60 mph. Vehicle completes full 360-degree spin, strikes concrete median, and comes to stop. Owner reports sudden mechanical or software failure.
When: On Freeway 57 southbound between 9:06-9:10 AM at 60 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden sharp steering left without driver input; 360-degree vehicle spin; Collision with concrete median; Vehicle heavily damaged and not drivable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner requested full diagnostic review of vehicle logs from Tesla
Steering Performance Reduction and Thermal Throttling
Vehicle displays 'Power Reduced, Steering Performance Reduced Due to Overheating' warning followed by 'Critical Steering Issue Detected' alert and 'Loss of System Redundancy Detected' warning. Incident has occurred twice within one week, requiring two towing events.
When: Twice within one week
Symptoms owners cite: Power reduction prompt on screen; Steering performance reduced due to overheating; Critical steering issue alert; Loss of system redundancy detected
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to Tesla twice for service
Highway Speed Vibration and Steering Difficulty
Vehicle experiences severe, persistent vibration at highway speeds of 65-75 mph throughout the vehicle structure. Vibration makes steering difficult and lane maintenance challenging, with reported sensation that tires are coming off.
When: At highway speeds of 65-75 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Tremendous vibration throughout vehicle at 65-75 mph; Sensation that tires are coming off; Difficulty steering and maintaining lanes; Loss of vehicle control challenging
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
On Saturday, [XXX], vehicle was at a T-intersection, in normal drive mode (not FSD) waiting for traffic to pass to enter roadway from side road. Vehicle suddenly started to go backwards. Had to press on the brake to stop. Rebooted the car and the error happened again. Tried to reverse from the intersection to be able to stop the vehicle in a safe location, but steering (drive by wire) was not…
Component/System Failed: The primary component failing is the Front Overhead Console Assembly (P-R-N-D manual gear selector/shifter and hazard light switch). The assembly detaches, rattles, and fails to remain securely affixed to the headliner. The defect has been present since delivery (Aug 2024, 208 miles). Safety Risk: The overhead console contains the crucial backup gear selector and the…
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2024 Tesla Cybertruck?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 13 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 5,000 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.