344 of the
5,283 complaints filed about the Tesla Model S
are about the steering —
7% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2016.
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.
While driving my vehicle straight approaching an intersection, I lost complete steering capability and feedback from the steering wheel. The lower intermediate shaft on the steering column complete separated from the splines on the rack and pinion. If I wasn't already preparing to stop at the stop sign this could have happened while driving on a curve in the road or at high speeds on a highway. The car was taken to a Tesla service center for repair (towed at my expense). I was told by the service representative that this is issue was not a safety issue nor product fault of Tesla's and the repair would need to be out of pocket ($8,500). There were no indicator lights nor warnings of a steering problem prior to the incident. Tesla has a known safety service bulletin for this model which states the u-joint on the intermediate shaft may become corroded and seize due to exposure to wintery conditions forcing binding in the steering wheel, and this issue is not considered a safety risk. It does not state the shaft may come off while driving the car.
NHTSA complaint #11752027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving my vehicle straight approaching an intersection, I lost complete steering capability and feedback from the steering wheel. The lower intermediate shaft on the steering column complete separated from the splines on the rack and pinion. If I wasn't already preparing to stop at the stop sign this could have happened while driving on a curve in the road or at high speeds on a highway. The car was taken to a Tesla service center for repair (towed at my expense). I was told by the service representative that this is issue was not a safety issue nor product fault of Tesla's and the repair would need to be out of pocket ($8,500). There were no indicator lights nor warnings of a steering problem prior to the incident. Tesla has a known safety service bulletin for this model which states the u-joint on the intermediate shaft may become corroded and seize due to exposure to wintery conditions forcing binding in the steering wheel, and this issue is not considered a safety risk. It does not state the shaft may come off while driving the car.
NHTSA complaint #11752028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle has suffered a catastrophic, intermittent low-voltage network crash caused by a failing Body Control Module (BCM), resulting in multiple dangerous safety-critical failure modes. On a previous occasion, the vehicle woke up with severe network faults and automatically forced itself into Neutral. When the driver stepped out to get the child and shut the door, the system crashed entirely and the exterior electronic door handles failed to present, trapping an infant child inside the running vehicle. Most recently, while driving in a rainstorm, the vehicle suffered a complete failure of the windshield wipers, a total loss of the high-beam headlights, a total loss of the horn, and a total loss of electronic communication to the electronic parking brake system. Most critically, the vehicle experienced an uncommanded propulsion hazard where it hard-locked itself in the 'Drive' gear and absolutely refused to shift into 'Park' or 'Neutral,' forcing the driver to physically maintain heavy hydraulic brake pressure to keep the vehicle from creeping forward. Because the horn failed and the parking brake was disabled, the driver was trapped in the driver's seat holding the brakes and was forced to call 911 for emergency first responders to come and physically block the wheels so the driver and infant could safely exit. Tesla Service has diagnosed the issue as a failed central Body Control Module (Part #1010906-00-D), but the cascading network failure modes present an extreme, life-threatening hazard regarding vehicle control and child entrapment.
NHTSA complaint #11746345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving straight down a road at 10 mph approaching a stop sign. When I lost complete control of steering, the steering wheel was completely free. Moving with no response to the wheels. There was zero warning lights or check engine notifications. The intermediate shaft in the steering column completely disconnected from the rack and pinion with both the upper and lower bolts still attached to the intermediate shaft. I was able to stop the vehicle but it remained in the middle of the traveling lane of the road due to zero steering capability. I called AAA to have the vehicle moved out of the public street and towed to my residence. Tesla has a service bulletin for this part stating it needs to be replaced with a new upgraded part but it is not a voluntary recall as they stat it is not a safety or life threatening risk.
NHTSA complaint #11745790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Tesla just sold me a car with defective front half shafts axles. The car makes a reproducible and very concerning accelerator pedal shudder that makes the entire vehicle front vibrate, including the steering wheel and brake pedals while the car is accelerating between 30-60mph. This interferes with safety features like, lane departure assistance and blind spot steering wheel feedback, Confusing the driver and creating a distracting scenario where an accident can happen. Upon bringing this to the attention of the service center in Fort Myers Florida, the service center manager took a drive test with me, and was able to replicate the issue, but immediately started dismissing it as "normal" and within Tesla specs. This is becoming a regular practice at that service center, where they deem warrantable issues as normal and within (their tolerance). I insisted that this issue is not to be taken likely by Tesla, because it is something that involves a safety hazard. Upon further research, I was able to find that this issue is happening to many Teslas model S and X, where the front axles bend due to the weight and high torque of the vehicles. The issue falls completely under warranty and the half shafts should be replaced, but apparently Tesla has instructed their service centers to dismiss and disregard the symptoms, and just tell the customers that no warranty replacement will occur, because it is not necessary, we just have to drive the cars like this, until the car completely fails, or an accident happens because one of the bent axle shafts breaks on a highway during normal drive. I recording this report as evidence that the issue has been reported to the highest vehicle safety authorities, and I expect a corrective action so Tesla can fix my car under the existing unexpired warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11737380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2014 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on the highway, the vehicle exited into a tunnel. The contact stated that his hands were on the steering wheel and that the steering wheel did not move; however, the vehicle inadvertently made a sharp left turn, and the passenger-side headlight struck the tunnel wall. The vehicle spun rapidly, and the contact's head snapped to the right. The air bags did not deploy. The contact received medical attention for whiplash. Police were made aware of the crash but did not arrive on the scene. There was no police report filed. The contact pulled over on the shoulder of the road and then restarted the vehicle. The vehicle had driven for a mile when the tire pressure dropped to zero. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to a tow yard, where it was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11717659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Steering the vehicle is extremely difficult leading to major safety concerns. When making turns, right or left, where the steering wheel travels greater than 90 degrees, the steering wheel becomes hard to push past that 90 degree mark (I am 6' 200lb man). Once past 90 degrees, the wheel will stay at that turning angles without correcting to straight. A few times I have had to "muscle" the steering wheel quickly back the opposite direction to keep from running into parked cars on the right side on a right turn. I appears the lower steering column U-joint has rusted and is binding every 90 degrees making steering unpredictable, dangerous and difficult altogether.
NHTSA complaint #11717138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The turning signal button on the steering wheel doesn't respond intermittently. It's a safety hazard to not engage a turning signal when making a turn.
NHTSA complaint #11713304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
-Airbag warning light on -Horn not working -Steering wheel scroll buttons not working -Clicking noise when turning wheel This failure occurred during normal driving. Airbags will not deploy and horn is inoperable, creating a safety risk myself and my family. I have never been into any accidents and have only driven normal. These safety systems should not fail. This is a manufacturing issue.
NHTSA complaint #11709701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2018 Tesla Model S has a recurring safety-critical defect involving the steering system and the Chassis CAN communication network. On October 20, 2025, the vehicle had to be towed to a Tesla Service Center because it would not power on and displayed multiple safety alerts (traction control disabled, stability control disabled, ABS disabled, and reduced steering assist). Tesla documented that the steering rack was “bringing down the Chassis CAN” and stated the issue might require a new steering rack and coolant pump if it returned. The warnings have now returned, and the vehicle is again showing active alerts for disabled traction control, disabled stability control, and previously reduced steering assist. This is a repeat of the same unsafe condition that Tesla attempted to repair. The car is unsafe to drive and could cause loss of steering control. This is a recurring steering/Chassis CAN failure with major safety system disablement. I am reporting this because the defect affects vehicle control and increases the risk of a crash.
NHTSA complaint #11704380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
On October 17, 2025, while using Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode on my 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid, the car failed to stop at two red lights within a three-hour period. In each case, the car attempted to drive through the intersection even though the signal was solid red. I intervened manually and applied the brakes to prevent a potential collision. There were no prior warnings or alerts, and I have not modified the vehicle. This behavior endangers my safety and the safety of others. I am willing to provide the vehicle and any available data logs for inspection if requested.
NHTSA complaint #11694506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 9/27/2025 while driving my Tesla Model S, I received the error EPAS_w001 – “Steering assist reduced”. Immediately afterward, the steering became extremely heavy and nearly impossible to control, even at low speeds.
NHTSA complaint #11690149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sometimes while making ordinary and safe traffic maneuvers the Lane Departure Warning system sometimes emits a very loud, distracting, and startling emergency chime. In particular it does this while turning into parking garages or driveways, which are already high-workload moments with high likelihood of nearby pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
NHTSA complaint #11687621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The steering wheels on these Tesla Model S vehicles have a horn button instead of depressing the center of the wheel. This button is difficult to find when turning the wheel or when an incident is happening.
NHTSA complaint #11684245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The wrap on the steering yoke is peeling, already had a steering yoke replacement 18 months ago under warranty, and this replacement steering yoke exibiting same peeling issue. Could be a safety grip issue as the yoke portion is more slippery at the peeled section. Tesla refuses to replace this faulty yoke as a covered safety item.
NHTSA complaint #11680563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.