2017 Tesla Model S steering problems

STEERING

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 chassis and the power steering worked again.

NHTSA complaint #11757600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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 without changing lanes, all the while with the turn signals on. #2 is particularly dangerous.

NHTSA complaint #11744026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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 right-rear window regulator • driver window contacting internal wiring harness • moisture in the rear inner tail lamp • previous A/C drain blockage causing interior water intrusion These issues pose risks related to steering stability, electrical safety, visibility, and structural integrity. All of these conditions existed prior to the sale and were not disclosed. I am requesting NHTSA to log this complaint for federal safety review as these defects involve suspension, electrical moisture intrusion, and visibility issues that may impact the safe operation of the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11701035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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 over bumps and uneven roads, producing clunks, shifting, and vibration that affect steering control and overall stability. These issues present a risk of suspension failure while driving, which could cause loss of control. The window/wiring contact also poses a potential electrical hazard if the harness becomes damaged. The independent inspection documented that these defects existed before I took possession of the vehicle. The dealer did not disclose any of these issues, and the defects were not visible during a standard test drive. I am reporting this because the suspension defects directly affect vehicle handling, safety, and crash-avoidance capability. I want NHTSA to be aware in case similar defects appear in other vehicles of the same model/year.

NHTSA complaint #11701014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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 both computers on the Tesla Model S 75 D and the problem went away. I immediately drove to the Tesla dealer in Chesterfield, MO. There they seemed unconcerned, and advised me it was likely just a firmware issue and wouldn't be able to look at the car until the next week. I was shocked. Since the systems seemed to work I drove home and parked the car. On the driveway, the same error showed up and steering seemed again to lock up. After rebooting problem went away. Looking at the Tesla forums this seems to have happened before and poses a serious danger to the driver, occupants and fellow drivers on the road. I no longer feel safe driving the car.

NHTSA complaint #11665990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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 2017 model the odometer shows 42,302 miles. I don’t know if this a systematic issue but I view it as a safety issue and so am reporting it.

NHTSA complaint #11659716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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 failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11645624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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 failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11645624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The vehicle at low speed unexpectedly lost power steering making it impossible to steer. The resistance was greater than on a vehicle without power steering as if the steering mechanism was working to prevent steering. This is the second incident for me -- the first occurring in September, but immediately resolving itself.

NHTSA complaint #11627408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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 hand. This occurred while the car was stationary. The malfunction in the power steering motor or its control system makes the car undrivable, as the steering wheel actively resists turning. The first incident occurred while driving in a parking lot, but thankfully at low speed. The car had to be towed. This presents a significant safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11627555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

As I was driving. Multiple warning sensors came on the vehicles screen. Everything was shutting down. I made it to my driveway to reverse in and the car completely shut off. I got out of the car, closed the door and got back in the car and it worked again. I drove the car into Teslas service center and they said it was a steering rack that needed to be replaced, but they never actually looked at the part that needed to be replaced. They just hooked up a pico scope and received a signal. I asked if they would look at it and they said they can only replace it. IVE SEEN MULTIPLE STORIES SIMILAR TO MINE ONLINE WHERE PEOPLE HAVE HAD TO CHECK THE VEHICLE ON THERE OWN ONLY TO FIND A LOOSE GROUND WIRE OR A LOOSE CONNECTION THAT CONNECTS TO THE STEERING RACK. Once they connect the wires the car works fine. There is a faulty design on the Tesla model S and probably other models as well that should be looked at. Tesla is charging over $5000 to replace the entire rack as opposed to checking the connections. Please look into this. This is not safe at all. Great car, bad design

NHTSA complaint #11620286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Steering UJoint exposed to elements, eventually causing it to bind during normal use/wear.

NHTSA complaint #11605767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Power steering problem which is not safe

NHTSA complaint #11592320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

My car has 55k miles on it and the power steering has failed. Last October, I brought it in to the service center and they wanted $4000 to replace my steering rack. At the time, the car only had about 50k miles on it. It seems like these parts are failing much faster on the Teslas then previous cars that I've owned.

NHTSA complaint #11581848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

1x while driving, the steering wheel locked up. Luckily this was only for about 1 second, and I was only traveling on a 25 mph road. If this was on a highway, it could have been deadly. 2x the car steering wheel would not move when shifting out of park. It required a tremendous amount of force to turn the wheel even slightly. The car needed to be reset multiple times in order to free up the wheel. This last time, I cannot get the wheel unstuck.

NHTSA complaint #11580713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed steering rack. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11571684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

2017 Tesla Model S steering veered me off the road while driving at a normal rate without auto pilot enabled. I had just installed the 2022.8.10.11 software update Friday morning before the almost wreck. The car then from Friday to Wednesday appeared to work fine and then Wednesday failed again with the steering assist being almost impossible to turn the wheel and fighting back against the driver. This is a major concern that it fights back constantly trying to adjust itself. If a power steering rack fails it should not fight back against the driver. I see there was a previous recall on 2017 for this exact issue but tesla said it doesn't apply to my vehicle and quoted $4300 to replace the steering system. https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-recalls-defects/tesla-model-s-model-x-recall-power-steering-problem-a4893117329/

NHTSA complaint #11506198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Sudden loss of power steering is the issue. I was driving the car home and it was about a 5 mile trip. About half way home I tried to turn left and it took all of my strength to turn the wheel. I made it around that corner and the car did the same thing when I made a right turn. It continued for two more turns and something in the steering seemed to break loose when I arrived home and steering was normal as I backed the car into the driveway. The date was 02/01/2023 at around 7:30 PM. The roads were in good condition. We had driven over some very bumpy dirt roads the weekend before. The car was giving me warnings as the steering stopped working indicating that the EPAS wasn't working and it may be harder to steer the car. I felt that it was a very dangerous situation and my safety and the safety of other drivers was at risk. No damage occurred. There were no prior warnings or messages leading up to the steering failure. The car had been in for unrelated service the month before. I do not feel it's safe to drive the car until I have am certain there is a proven fix for the issue. The software version is: 2022.8.10.8 I have scheduled service for the car on 02/7/23.

NHTSA complaint #11505141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Car started making a popping sound when accelerating and when letting off the accelerator. I checked and found that the front tire seemed to be loose. After checking further, I found a loose bolt that holds the control arm on. The car was just in Tesla’s service center for several issues to include checking the alignment.

NHTSA complaint #11493838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

This is aTesla Model S electric car. The battery was 80% charged at the time of the incident. Under normal driving at a speed of around 40 MPH in a city road road, suddenly the car lost power. The steering wheel locked and I had no control over the car. Display screen in the instrument panel and the large central tocuh screen display blacked out. A few seconds later, the car control returned and I was able to safely drive the car. But, the momentary loss of control is dangerous and scary.

NHTSA complaint #11489769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The left fore link broke while backing out of a parking spot. It's not available for inspection. If it had broken at a higher speed it could cause a loss of control. This is a known issue. The broken fore link has been replaced by a non-Tesla repair shop. There was no warning this would happen.

NHTSA complaint #11485325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Reversing from my driveway it appears links or bolts on the steering and wheel suspension system failed. The wheels came into contact with the wheel cavity liner causing the steering to lock, the frame to protrude through the wheel cavity casing and the car to shut off or lock. The car is no longer safe to drive. The car is in my driveway, is available for inspection before I bring it back into Tesla for repair. Having just completed a highway drive, I dread to think what could have happened had this failure occurred on that journey at higher speeds. My car only has 40,000 miles and this issue or critical part failure appears to be premature. I have taken Video of the wheel moving independently to the car chassis structure. There was no warning in advance of the failure. I welcome an NHTSA or secondary inspection prior to repair by Tesla. I intend to deliver the car back to Tesla on 1/5/22.

NHTSA complaint #11444491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

While driving in heavy traffic on highway 92, the left hand fore link assembly (Tesla part no 1041570-00-B) finally cracked. A loud crunch and a dark smoke plume was let out as the front left tire made contact with the wheel well. I stopped to check for a blown tire, but found none. The vehicle was still operable and maneuverable, though for any braking or more than mild turning, the tire again made contact with the wheel well and gave off loud crunching sounds. No warning lamps or messages prior to the failure, but some weeks prior, the left fore wheel's tire thread depth had started wearing down significantly – down to 1mm, vs the others being 4, 6, and 4 – this part had probably been slowly degrading until it finally cracked and failed permanently on the road. This problem is apparently widely experienced, reported, and published (see https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/cracked-forelink.95637 for others experiencing it at least back through 2017). I towed the vehicle to my nearest Tesla service center, and though it apparently is common and seems like a production defect, I had to pay for the whole repair of both fore link assemblies myself.

NHTSA complaint #11437430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Backing up into a parking space I heard a loud pop, soon after driving back home I noticed something felt loose on the LH side , come to find out my left fore link had snapped , my vehicle has low miles not even 25k and it snapped ! What if this would have happens at higher speeds! Supper scary! There needs to be a remedy to this!! RECALL!!

NHTSA complaint #11435483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.