- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
Steering
2012 Tesla Model S Steering problems
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2012 Tesla Model S's steering with NHTSA - 2% of all its complaints, most recently on July 18, 2016. Loss of power steering, stiff or loose steering, wandering, column and rack problems.
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Steering recalls for the 2012 Tesla Model S
Steering complaints
Noticed this problem after I was backing up and turning my wheels and would hear a loud metal on metal "clunk" or "grinding" sound. It was coming from the front-left suspension and would occur causing my wheel and steering to feel like it was skipping. I noticed and my steering felt "loose" over bumps and would pull to the left. Again the vehicle is in motion and this was felt the most when turning full motion and/or backing up and turning. When looking at one of the control-arm joints after I noticed a...
Read the full complaint
very loud clunk and comparing it to the other side of of the suspension, it looks like either a bolt fell out or the ball-joint to the control arm was just grinding freely. I've since brought my car to tesla and they have confirmed that I have a defective ball-joint to my control arm thats also damaged my steering knuckle. If I didnt catch this or it was broke at greater speeds whats the likely hood of me loosing control? I've asked if they will replace all the other parts if they have updated parts but they said only the items that are defective in this case will be warrantied. I simply do not feel safe anymore driving this vehicle.
Tesla Model S steering complaints by year
Model S steering problems, every yearSource: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data