2017-2021 Tesla Model S and Model X power steering assist loss
Tesla is recalling 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles due to power steering assist failure on rough roads or after hitting potholes, which increases crash risk.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a critical vehicle steering system defect with potential to increase crash risk, but no injuries, deaths, or property damage have been reported. This qualifies as a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported, placing it in the High severity category.
Plain-English summary
Tesla is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles due to an issue with the electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system.
The EPAS system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole. A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
This recall affects 40,168 vehicles. Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system at no charge. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). More information is available at www.nhtsa.gov.
The recalled product
- Product
- TESLA MODEL S, MODEL X
- Brand
- TESLA
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Category
- Vehicle — Steering System
- Affected units
- 40,168
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 (2)
- MODEL S
- MODEL X
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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