2015 Tesla Model S steering problems

The 2015 Tesla Model S has 51 steering complaints filed with NHTSA — 5% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

Steering complaints

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Steering complaints by year

Model S steering complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

18V204000SteeringMarch 29, 2018 · 70,421 units

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.

Consequence

Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add a corrosion-preventative sealer, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-32-002.

What owners report

“HERE IS A TESLA MODEL S IN THE WRECKING YARD. THE FRONT TIRE IS WRENCHED OFF THE RIM AND THIS APPEARS TO HAVE HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR WAS STILL ROLLING FORWARD. EVEN THOUGH THERE HAS BEEN A MAJOR COLLISION THE AIR-BAGS HAVE NOT DEPLOYED. I HAVE PUT TOGETHER A COLLECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS OF STEERING…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 20, 2016 · crash

Common questions

How many steering complaints does the 2015 Tesla Model S have?

NHTSA has 51 complaints about the 2015 Tesla Model S steering — 5% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2015 Tesla Model S steering?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the steering: 18V204000.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.