311 of the 4,228 complaints about the Tesla Model 3 (7.4%) concern Steering, making it the model's #6 problem area. That share is 1.1× the Steering share across all tracked vehicles.
311Complaints · Steering
7.4%Share of complaints
1.13×vs. all vehicles
49Last 12 months
13.2%Share involving a crash or fire
2Related recalls
Analysis
By model year, Steering complaints peak with the 2023 model (73, 18% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2021 model (17). 49 Steering complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 50 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
Owners most often describe: “steering”, “wheel”, “assist reduced”, “turn” and “suspension”. 45 of these reports (13.2%) describe a crash or fire, with 21 injuries and 3 deaths mentioned.
2 recall campaigns relate to this area, most recently campaign 25V092000 (2025-02-14, model years 2023).
On July 18, 2026, at approximately 10:00 AM EST, my son was manually driving a 2024 Tesla Model 3 at approximately 26 MPH when the steering suddenly became extremely stiff and difficult to turn.
Steering · 2026-08-07 · ODI 11755390 · Crash
U.S. registered Tesla operating in [XXX]. Full Self-Driving engaged. Dark, nighttime conditions. Vehicle was traveling toward low traffic zones near the edge of [XXX] when the system made a severe mistake. The car went off the main road.
Steering · 2026-07-31 · ODI 11754099 · Crash
This is a follow-up to a previously submitted complaint regarding the same issue. I am submitting this update to reference NHTSA's recently opened investigation into 2018-2019 Tesla Model 3 suspension failures. Previous complaint ID is 11732882.
Steering · 2026-08-31 · ODI 11761140
My 2022 Tesla Model 3 has experienced recurring intermittent loss/reduction of power steering assistance. The vehicle displays “Steering assist reduced – Steering may require increased effort.” The problem has occurred multiple times over a period of months…
Steering · 2026-08-20 · ODI 11758289
I am the owner of a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The front control arms on this vehicle are defective as manufactured. From the factory, these components have demonstrated premature failure, abnormal noise, loosening, and/or separation risk that is not consistent with…
Steering · 2026-08-13 · ODI 11756842
Tesla recently introduced auto parking as part of its FSD technology (Software 2026.20.6.11). Whenever we set the car destination to “home”, the auto parking has been able to gradually maneuver the car and self park in our garage.
Steering · 2026-08-12 · ODI 11756615
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM Campaign 25V092000 · 2025-02-14 · Model years: 2023
Summary: 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.
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.
Summary: 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.
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.
How common are Steering problems on the Tesla Model 3?
311 of the 4,228 complaints about the Tesla Model 3 (7.4%) concern Steering, making it the model's #6 problem area. That share is 1.1× the Steering share across all tracked vehicles.
Which Tesla Model 3 model years have the most Steering complaints?
By model year, Steering complaints peak with the 2023 model (73, 18% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2021 model (17).
Is there a recall for Tesla Model 3 Steering problems?
2 recall campaigns relate to this area, most recently campaign 25V092000 (2025-02-14, model years 2023).