The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·18V204000·Announced 2018-03-29

Tesla Recalls Model S Vehicles Due to Steering Bolt Corrosion Risk

Tesla is recalling 2012-2016 Model S vehicles because aluminum steering bolts may corrode and fracture, potentially causing a loss of power steering assist.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect in the steering system that may cause a loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for structural vehicle defects.

Plain-English summary

Tesla, Inc. is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks. The recall involves 70,421 vehicles where the aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture.

This defect may cause a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist. Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

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 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
TESLA MODEL S
Brand
TESLA
Manufacturer
Tesla, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Steering System
Hazard
Affected units
70,421

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • MODEL S

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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