At the shop, Tesla steering issues have a recognizable signature. 492 documented complaints across 13 year-model entries from 2013 to 2025 is consistent with what we see come in. 2023 Tesla Model 3 tops the list, but the pattern repeats across years. Multiple generations are affected. 9 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Tesla vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Across the 70 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 34,243 miles. Average shop fix runs about $700 — not catastrophic, but it adds up over time. Steering does not have a graceful failure mode. Take any "unintended movement" complaints seriously and check for open recalls on the EPS module.
ProblemsByVin TESLA / STEERING
13 model-year entries · 2013–2025
Tesla steering problems
492 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Tesla vehicles for steering issues. 13 active recall campaigns. See steering across all makes →
Complaints
492
Recalls
13
Year-models
13
Avg fix
$700
83crashes
5fires
43injuries
9fatalities
Worst-affected Tesla model-years for steering Top 13 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
2023 Tesla Model 3
87 complaints · 2 recalls · ~$700 severe
2018 Tesla Model 3
79 complaints · 1 recall · ~$700 severe
2019 Tesla Model 3
52 complaints · 1 recall · ~$700 critical
2020 Tesla Model 3
45 complaints · 1 recall · ~$700 critical
2024 Tesla Model 3
36 complaints · ~$700 severe
2022 Tesla Model 3
36 complaints · 1 recall · ~$700 severe
2021 Tesla Model S
29 complaints · 3 recalls · ~$700 critical
2013 Tesla Model S
29 complaints · 1 recall · ~$700 critical
2014 Tesla Model S
27 complaints · 1 recall · ~$700 critical
2020 Tesla Model Y
26 complaints · 1 recall · ~$700 severe
2021 Tesla Model 3
25 complaints · 1 recall · ~$700 critical
2024 Tesla Cybertruck
13 complaints · ~$700 severe
2025 Tesla Model Y
8 complaints · ~$700 severe
Active recalls — Tesla steering 7 on file
Tesla, Inc
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-004.
Tesla, Inc
An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-005.
Tesla, Inc
A loose fastener may allow the steering wheel to disconnect from the steering column, which can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the fastener as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were be mailed July 28, 2023. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-32-001.
Tesla, Inc
FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
Tesla, Inc
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014.
Tesla, Inc
Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts with coated steel bolts, and add a
corrosion-preventative sealer to the steering gear motor housing and motor connection bolts. If the mounting bolts are found to be broken or break during removal and cannot be removed, a new steering gear will also be installed. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 15, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Tesla, Inc
Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add a corrosion-preventative sealer, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-32-002.
Common questions
How many Tesla steering complaints are on file with NHTSA?
492 complaints across 13 model-year entries from 2013 to 2025. 13 active recall campaigns cover steering issues across the Tesla lineup.
Which Tesla model has the most steering complaints?
The 2023 Tesla Model 3 leads with 87 complaints in this category. Next: 2018 Model 3 (79) and 2019 Model 3 (52).
What does it cost to fix Tesla steering problems?
Independent shops average $700 for steering repairs across the Tesla lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Tesla steering recalls?
Yes — 7 active recall campaigns cover steering on Tesla vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Tesla.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.