VehicleVerdict

2023 Tesla Model 3 steering problems

The 2023 Tesla Model 3 has 84 steering complaints filed with NHTSA — 12% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

84

Steering complaints

12%

Share of year

15

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Steering complaints by year

Model 3 steering complaints by model year84 complaints2017: 1 complaints2018: 76 complaints2019: 51 complaints2020: 43 complaints2021: 25 complaints2022: 32 complaints2023: 84 complaints2024: 35 complaints2025: 22 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Model 3 steering complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

25V092000SteeringFebruary 14, 2025 · 376,241 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

23V085000SteeringFebruary 15, 2023 · 362,758 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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 report

I was involved in an accident due to what I believe was a malfunction in my Tesla’s steering system. While driving, the car unexpectedly turned the wheel to the left on its own and collided with a parked car. Despite my efforts to regain control by turning the wheel to the right and applying the…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 26, 2025 · crash

Common questions

How many steering complaints does the 2023 Tesla Model 3 have?

NHTSA has 84 complaints about the 2023 Tesla Model 3 steering — 12% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2023 Tesla Model 3 steering?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the steering: 23V085000, 25V092000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.