2023 Tesla Model Y steering problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
213 owners have reported steering problems with the 2023 Tesla Model Y, 18% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 10,500 mi.
- Steering complaints
- 213
- Crashes
- 29
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 21
- Related recalls
- 3
- Median mileage
- 10,500 mi
Specific components reported
Steering covers: Power steering, steering column and wheel, loss of steering assist.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Steering | 212 |
| Steering:electric power assist system | 1 |
Steering complaints across Tesla Model Y years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
- STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating software prior to 2023.38.4. The printed circuit board for the electronic power steering assist may experience an overstress condition, causing a loss of power steering assist when the vehicle reaches a stop and then accelerates again.
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, 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.
- STEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS · STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Model Y vehicles. The steering wheel fastener may be loose.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
- 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.
What owners say
- Filed Oct 3, 2026CASteeringSuspensionWheels & Tires
I began hearing a squeaking noise coming from the front of my 2023 Tesla Model Y. While pulling out of a parking lot at a low speed, the front left control arm failed and the bolts came out. When the failure occurred, the vehicle suddenly steered to the left. Fortunately, I was traveling at a very low speed when this happened. I am concerned that if the same failure had occurred while traveling at freeway speeds, I could have lost control of the vehicle and potentially been…
NHTSA complaint #11768685 · source - Filed Sep 23, 20269,149 miNJTowedElectrical SystemSteering
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was determined that the front lateral link assembly and full body suspension needed to be replaced. While a USB cord was connected to the USB port, the USB cord overheated and almost burned out due to a battery surcharge, and the air was leaking into the front…
NHTSA complaint #11766380 · source - Filed Sep 23, 2026GASteeringSuspension
While driving and making a left turn the wheels pulled hard to the left and a major grinding noise started and at the same time the steering wheel locked up. I was just shy of crashing into a curb area and sitting in oncoming traffic lane. I pulled on the steering wheel and it broke free but still had a grinding noise and this happens a handful of times. I took to Tesla service and they said the lower steering link was completely hanging free. No advance notice just major…
NHTSA complaint #11766338 · source - Filed Sep 20, 2026MASteering
On September 18, 2026, at approximately 7:30 PM, I was driving a 2023 Tesla Model Y with approximately 31,187 miles. While traveling at low speed and making a slow right-hand turn on a winding, heavily trafficked, single-lane section of roadway, the steering suddenly became functionally unusable and I could no longer safely steer the vehicle. At the same time, multiple active warning messages appeared on the vehicle display. They included: GTW_w075 – “Steering assist reduced…
NHTSA complaint #11765617 · source - Filed Sep 9, 2026NYBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering
I own a 2023 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX]) equipped with Full Self-Driving and Hardware 3 (HW3) computer. Over the last couple of years, while using Autopilot/FSD, my vehicle has repeatedly exhibited phantom braking, including sometimes coming to a complete stop for no reason. My vehicle has also swerved into the lane of oncoming traffic on many occasions. On one occasion, this happened three separate times in one day, and the following day the vehicle swerved off the side of…
NHTSA complaint #11762976 · source - Filed Sep 8, 2026CASteeringWheels & Tires
While driving, I heard a loud noise every time I turned the wheel. When I called the service center, it took weeks to get an appointment, so the vehicle had to be towed in. Once inspected, Tesla found the front lower lateral link had detached because a bolt securing it was not fully tightened at the factory during assembly; over time it worked loose and fell off, which was the noise I'd heard. The left front wheel was visibly angled out and severely misaligned (alignment…
NHTSA complaint #11762801 · source - Filed Sep 2, 2026CODriver Assistance & Safety TechSteeringSuspension
My 2023 Tesla Model Y suffered a critical factory safety defect: under-torqued front suspension lateral link bolts, causing dangerous clunking noises under Autopilot. The official Tesla Invoice verified the defect and noted it was re-torqued to spec. Crucially, a close friend owning an identical 2023 Model Y in [XXX] experienced the exact same suspension noise. Upon inspecting his car, the Littleton facility attempted to exploit his lack of information by issuing a deceptive…
NHTSA complaint #11761700 · source - Filed Aug 27, 2026NYDriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering
On August 26, 2026, the vehicle’s Full Self-Driving system was involved in three separate incidents. Between approximately 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, while exiting a parking lot onto a main major street with Full Self-Driving engaged, the vehicle struck the curb. At approximately 6:20 PM, while driving approximately 40 mph on a local road, one street before turning onto the highway, the vehicle began drifting out of its lane without warning for no apparent reason — it is unknown…
NHTSA complaint #11760152 · source - Filed Aug 17, 2026NCCrashElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSteering
FAILED COMPONENT & AVAILABILITY: 2023 Tesla Model Y front suspension (suspected lower lateral link detachment), steering system, and airbag system (failed to deploy). Preserved intact, but will be at Hendrick Collision ([XXX]; POC: Dendi [XXX]) under Allstate Claim #XXX. Available for immediate NHTSA inspection. SAFETY RISK: At highway speed on Aviation Parkway, the car suffered an unprompted, violent directional loss, zig-zagging uncontrollably in the lane and risking a…
NHTSA complaint #11757531 · source - Filed Aug 17, 202610,500 miPASteering
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in Self-Driving Mode and driving approximately 5-8 MPH, the vehicle suddenly turned towards the left into oncoming traffic. The contact immediately manually started steering the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal popping and snapping sound coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle eventually came to a stop, and the contact became aware that the steering wheel was bent…
NHTSA complaint #11757416 · source - Filed Aug 14, 202642,335 miTXSteering
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver and independently veered into the other lane. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,335.
NHTSA complaint #11757053 · source - Filed Aug 11, 2026FLSteering
Yes. Here’s a tighter version designed to stay **under 1,800 characters including spaces** while retaining the key safety facts. I am reporting a serious front suspension failure on my 2023 Tesla Model Y. A bolt fell out near the front control arm/lower suspension bushing area. Tesla’s service invoice confirms the vehicle required pickup from my driveway “due to a bolt falling out near the front control arm bushing area.” The vehicle is available for inspection, although I…
NHTSA complaint #11756136 · source
Other 2023 Tesla Model Y problem areas
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (539)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (167)
- Other / Unknown (157)
- Brakes (154)
- Suspension (131)
- Electrical System (121)
- Visibility & Wipers (63)
- Wheels & Tires (60)
- Seats & Seat Belts (45)
- Airbags (39)
- Body & Structure (33)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (29)
- Lighting (21)
- Engine (20)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (9)
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