2017 Tesla Model X 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 May 15, 2026CTSteering

   My 2017 Tesla Model X (VIN: [XXX] ) is experiencing stiff and binding steering caused by corrosion at the lower steering column I-shaft universal joint. The steering intermittently binds and resists normal turning force, which has caused Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system to disengage due to abnormal steering resistance — a direct safety concern. Tesla’s own Service Bulletin SB-20-32-004 documents this exact condition — I-shaft U-joint corrosion causing stiff steering —…

   NHTSA complaint #11738097 · source
2. Filed Apr 16, 202655,340 miNYSteering

   The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to control and was pulling to one side, almost causing a crash with another vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer test drove the vehicle and the failure reoccurred, and the dealer deemed the…

   NHTSA complaint #11731679 · source
3. Filed Apr 13, 2026NCSteering

   Repeat catastrophic steering failure on 2017 Model X (VIN [XXX] ). Steering wheel spins freely with zero connection to the wheels (complete mechanical disconnect). This is the third steering-system repair in under 12 months. • April 8, 2025: Lower intermediate shaft replaced (still inside 12-month parts warranty). Invoice does NOT list ‘shielded’ or part 1027851-00-A. • Current failure now requires full steering rack (1070801-00-F) + module + severed cable. Current estimate…

   NHTSA complaint #11730732 · source
4. Filed Mar 24, 2026NYSteering

   I experienced a total steering lockup and loss of vehicle control immediately following a steering column and suspension repair at a certified Tesla service center at [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint #11726879 · source
5. Filed Jan 5, 2026CTSteering

   The electronic power steering (EPS) is struggling, requiring increased driver effort to steer. This seems to be dangerous when driving. The Full Self Driving (FSD) capability also stops abruptly when the steering locks up. Again, this is very risky and can cause serious accidents. I see that several owners have posted on social media about this same issue. Note, that there were recalls issued related to corroded steering bolts for Tesla Model X built up till November 2016.…

   NHTSA complaint #11708780 · source
6. Filed Jun 17, 2025CAOther / UnknownSteering

   The Monitor Screen in the middle of the car is not malfunction. It's not working. All the panels on the steering are also not work. the honk is not working. Nothing is working. It could be due to the internet connection.

   NHTSA complaint #11667439 · source
7. Filed May 10, 2025CABrakesElectrical SystemSteering

   I own a Tesla Model X, and for the past two summers I’ve experienced a repeating safety-critical issue during hot weather. After driving for a period in the heat, multiple systems begin to fail. The car displays numerous warnings including: •“Parking brake requires service” •“Traction control disabled” •“Stability control disabled” •“Steering assist reduced” •“Automatic Emergency Braking unavailable” •“Regenerative braking unavailable” •“Lane Departure Avoidance unavailable”…

   NHTSA complaint #11660199 · source
8. Filed Mar 24, 2025MTSteering

   The power steering failed sporadically and it could return to normal state after power off/reset or the errors could be latch on for days. When the power steering reduced errors message occur, the steering wheel is too heavy for any turn, we lost steering and went over to the opposite lanes (fortunately there was no on coming traffic). The car needed a tow to the service centre.

   NHTSA complaint #11650232 · source
9. Filed Aug 15, 2024NJSteering

   When I started my car this morning it was very hard to return the wheel to center after full turns. The wheel is sticking in turn position and requires a lot of muscle to turn. It is unsafe to drive and power steering didn’t return after reboot.

   NHTSA complaint #11608857 · source
10. Filed May 24, 2024CADriver Assistance & Safety TechOther / UnknownSteering

    Tesla has failed to update the software on the car as per the recall notice. Tesla is requesting me to pay 2500$ to upgrade the hardware so they can update the recall hardware. I had reached out to Tesla more than three different times and been waiting for more than 4 months for Tesla to provide the resolution for recall which Tesla has failed to provide as yet t no cost. This is a major safely concerns and due to this I am afraid to drive this car.

    NHTSA complaint #11590591 · source
11. Filed May 20, 2024FLSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

    This year Tesla has a known "acceleration shutter" due to the front CV joints' angle being too sharp causing premature wear. I have been dealing with this issue since the vehicle was new. Tesla has replaced my CV joints 5-7 times and during the repairs they have left bolts out of the vehicle, left bolts loose and damaged the front drive unit so much by bad repair jobs they have had to replace the front drive unit twice. In the most recent episode, the motor mount has cracked…

    NHTSA complaint #11589795 · source
12. Filed Apr 22, 2024VASteering

    The steering as getting harder and harder to turn. I checked the steering rack and it was clean but the U joint had completely rusted. I lubricated it and the steering improved. After around a year, it happened again and I repeated it. They have an upgraded replacement part but are not recalling the defective original. Can you help?

    NHTSA complaint #11584591 · 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