2017 Tesla Model S steering problems

Related recalls

• Recall 23V085000Feb 15, 2023362,758 vehicles
  STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING

  Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation.  The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.

  Risk: 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.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 22V818000Nov 1, 202240,168 vehicles
  STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

  Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.

  Risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 22V037000Jan 27, 202253,822 vehicles
  STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING

  Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.

  Risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 18, 2026VADriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering

   Backing out of driveway, the steering wheel was very hard to turn. The dash indicated the steering assist feature wasn't working. After restarting the software and the problem persisting, I investigated the assist motor/pump and found that the ground to the chassis was very corroded. I attempted to remove the nut to clean contacts and it sheared off. The grounding post had corroded through (white galvanic corrosion). I attached the assist motor ground to another point on the…

   NHTSA complaint #11757600 · source
2. Filed Jun 14, 2026OHDriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering

   This happens about 30%to 40% of the time when using Full Self Driving Supervised on HW3, FSD version 12.6.4, software version 2026.14.6. When changing marked lanes to the right, either initiated by FSD or the driver asking FSD to move to the right by engaging the right turn signals, it will do one of 2 things: 1. Change lanes properly about 70% of the time 2. Start and abort the lane. Hange swerving back and forth between the 2 lanes, ot 3. Does nothing and drives straight…

   NHTSA complaint #11744026 · source
3. Filed Nov 23, 2025FLOther / UnknownSteeringSuspension

   I am reporting multiple safety-related defects on my 2017 Tesla Model S (VIN [XXX] ) that were present at the time of purchase but not disclosed by the selling dealer (Starling Ford, Titusville, FL). A certified independent EV repair facility (The Electrified Garage) inspected the vehicle on 11/17/2025 and documented the following safety defects: • failing/worn suspension components (control arms, thrust arms, cracked bushings) • torn sway-bar link boots • inoperative…

   NHTSA complaint #11701035 · source
4. Filed Nov 22, 2025FLSteeringSuspension

   Upon purchasing the vehicle, I discovered multiple critical safety defects that were not disclosed at the time of sale and were confirmed by an independent EV specialist (Electrified Garage). These defects include worn and failing front and rear suspension components (control arms, thrust arms, and cracked/damaged bushings), a failing sway bar link boot, and a malfunctioning window that makes contact with the internal wiring harness. The suspension defects create instability…

   NHTSA complaint #11701014 · source
5. Filed Jun 10, 2025MODriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering

   While merging onto the highway an error message showed up on the dash stating "Steering Assist May be Reduced" upon immediately after the steering froze and could only be moved slightly using significant force. Approx. 75lbs. I am athletic and work out and had trouble moving the car to the side. If my wife or daughter had driven the car they would not have been able to steer and this could have caused a significant accident, injury or death. Upon pulling over, I rebooted…

   NHTSA complaint #11665990 · source
6. Filed Jun 6, 2025IDSteering

   The intermediate steering shaft is binding, causing difficulty turning the wheel and inconsistent steering wheel feel. It often will cause the full self driving to disengage during turns Tesla has revised the part that now includes a protective rubber bootyet has not issued a recall as the part accumulates debris and rust out and binding the universal joint

   NHTSA complaint #11665336 · source
7. Filed May 8, 2025MOSteering

   As I was driving down my driveway to the street the power steering failed. It was extremely difficult to then steer. My wife would have been unable to. I was able to re-enter the driveway, with GREAT difficulty from which the car was towed on a flatbed to the local Tesla service center. Had I been on busy city streets of highway I fear what would have happened. The service center cited the failure of a fuse ( fuse part # FUSE,BF180A,32V; #1071379-80-A) Though the car is a…

   NHTSA complaint #11659716 · source
8. Filed May 4, 2025OHDriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering

   Using software version 2025.14.1 with FSD (Full Self Driving) version 12.6.4. About 50% of the time the vehicle attempts and fails to change lanes when using FSD. It will: 1. Turn on signal and not change lanes, confusing cars around me. Or more often 2. Swerve between lanes indefinitely. See example at [XXX] It drives like a drunk driver. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint #11658804 · source
9. Filed Feb 28, 2025WVSteering

   The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that prior to the failure experienced, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact attempted to start the vehicle, and upon starting the vehicle, the message "Service Power Steering" was displayed, and the EPS warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11645624 · source
10. Filed Dec 11, 2024MASteering

    I was driving and my power steering assist went out making the steering almost impossible. Fortunately I was driving in my neighborhood and was close to home

    NHTSA complaint #11630116 · source
11. Filed Nov 27, 2024MASteering

    The car was on park for charging. When charging was at 75%, when it was complete, the car was put on drive. Auto-steering disengaged message came up. The steering was stuck and could not be turned. After multiple tries, called Tesla road side assistance which resulted in car getting towed to service station. The steering rack had to be removed and replaced. I cannot imagine if this happened when the car was on a higher speed road.

    NHTSA complaint #11627696 · source
12. Filed Nov 26, 2024NJSteering

    The power steering motor prevents proper movement of the steering wheel by forcing it back to the center if moved in either direction, making turning impossible. The wheel allows only about 5 degrees of movement before violently snapping back to center. When I attempted to replicate the issue at startup, the steering initially operated normally, and I was able to turn the wheel approximately 90 degrees. However, it suddenly and forcefully snapped back to center, striking my…

    NHTSA complaint #11627555 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology