NHTSA Engineering Analysis: Loss of Steering Control in 2023 Tesla Model 3, 2023 Tesla Model Y (EA24-001)

EA24-001 at a glance

What is NHTSA investigating in the Tesla Model 3?

From NHTSA’s investigation summary:

On July 28, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23014) to investigate instances of loss of electronic power-assisted steering in MY 2023 Tesla Model 3 and MY 2023 Tesla Model Y vehicles manufactured by Tesla, Inc.

The complaints allege a sudden and unexpected inability to turn the steering wheel or an increase in effort required to turn the steering wheel.

These conditions were alleged to occur both during the drive cycle, at various speeds, and at vehicle start up.

Consumers reported receiving the warning message "Steering assist reduced" either before, during, or after the loss of steering control, and some consumers described their steering begin to feel "notchy" or "clicky" either prior to or just after the incident.

On February 1, 2024, PE23014 was upgraded to EA24001 to further investigate the alleged defect in the affected vehicles.

Tesla identified the cause of the increase in steering effort as an overvoltage breakdown (the voltage applied exceeds the maximum design limit), which can overstress motor drive components on the printed circuit board of the vehicle's steering Electronic Control Unit (ECU).

If the primary motor drive components experienced an overvoltage breakdown occurrence while the vehicle was traveling above 0 mph, electronic power-assisted steering would be diverted to secondary motor drive components.

The secondary, or backup, motor drive components would maintain electronic power-assisted steering until the vehicle reached 0 mph.

If the vehicle was operating on the secondary system and reached 0 mph, the driver would lose electronic power-assisted steering with manual steering remaining available.

Only manual steering would remain until the vehicle's steering ECU is replaced.

On February 19, 2025, Tesla filed safety recall 25V092 to address the loss of electronic power-assisted steering.

The recall filing documents state that a steering ECU software update, identified as 2023.38.4, was introduced into production vehicles and provided to affected fleet vehicles through an over-the-air (OTA) update beginning in October 2023.

The updated software was designed to prevent overvoltage breakdown and overstress of motor drive components on the printed circuit board.

ODI's analysis of related Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) and Tesla field data found that complaint traffic declined following the 2023.38.4 software release.

In view of the recall action taken by Tesla, ODI is closing this EA.

ODI will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the remedy as is consistent with the Agency's authority and practice.

NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.

To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What is an engineering analysis?

Engineering Analysis is the second, deeper stage of a federal defect investigation, opened when a preliminary evaluation finds enough evidence. NHTSA can test vehicles and demand detailed engineering data, and this stage often ends with a recall or a recall request.

Did this investigation lead to a recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists recall 25V092000 as the result of this investigation: 2023 Tesla Model 3 Steering Power Steering Recall (25V092).

Which vehicles are part of this investigation?

What are Tesla Model 3 owners reporting to NHTSA?

NHTSA’s public database lists 1,593 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this investigation (all components). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

What should owners do?

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any open recall on your vehicle.
2. If you have the problem NHTSA is investigating, take the vehicle to a dealer now and get a repair order, even if the dealer cannot find anything.
3. Keep a log of every time the problem happens: date, mileage and what happened. Photos and videos help.
4. File your own complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Owner complaints are what start and expand investigations.
5. If the problem keeps coming back, talk to a lemon law attorney.

Recalls on the same vehicles

• 2026 Tesla Model Y Front Suspension Recall (26V558)
• 2021-2023 Tesla Model 3 Headlight Recall (26V507)
• 2026 Tesla Model Y Knee Bolster Recall (26V445)
• 2025-2026 Tesla Model Y Label Recall (26V315)
• 2021-2023 Tesla Model 3 Backup Camera Software Recall (26V283)
• 2025 Tesla Model 3 Fuses Recall (25V690)
• 2026 Tesla Model Y Wiring Recall (25V658)
• 2026 Tesla Model Y Electrical Horn Recall (25V490)
• 2026 Tesla Model 3 Seat Fastener Recall (25V410)
• 2026 Tesla Model Y Windshield Wiper Recall (25V359)

Can a recall or defect investigation make my car a lemon in California?

Not by itself. What matters is whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps your vehicle at the dealer, and a federal investigation or recall is strong evidence that the problem is real.

Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer that cannot fix a warranty defect that substantially impairs a vehicle’s use, value or safety within a reasonable number of attempts may have to repurchase or replace it (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)). Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the law presumes a reasonable number of attempts after two repairs of a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four repairs of the same defect, or more than 30 days out of service (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)).

An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

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