Table 1 shows one common steering related problems of the 2024 Tesla Model 3.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Steering problems |
I am leasing a 2024 Tesla Model 3. The vehicle has a steering column defect that was previously acknowledged and temporarily repaired by Tesla service. Within days, the issue returned. Tesla has now informed me that the steering column has a known design flaw, that replacement parts are still in development, and that any repair attempted now would fail. Despite this, I am being asked to continue driving the vehicle until at least January. This defect affects the steering system, a critical safety component, and raises serious concerns regarding vehicle control and driver safety. Tesla has not offered a loaner vehicle or alternative transportation while awaiting a permanent fix. I believe this vehicle is unsafe to operate and am reporting this as a safety-related defect in the steering system.
I purchased this used Tesla Model 3 (VIN: [xxx] ) from a licensed dealer on July 15th, 2025. The vehicle is still under the original manufacturer warranty. Since ownership, I have experienced a persistent metal-impact noise coming from the suspension and steering area, especially when going over speed bumps, uneven road surfaces, or low-speed turns. The noise sounds like loose metal parts making contact. Tesla service has attempted repairs multiple times, including a recent visit that lasted several weeks. Although some minor issues were addressed, the abnormal metal impact noise continues and has never been fully resolved. The repeated unresolved noise raises concerns about structural integrity and potential failure within components related to steering, wheels, or suspension. While the vehicle remains operable, the issue affects driving confidence, comfort, and concentration. Over time, the repeated metal noise has caused stress and anxiety because I am unsure whether a part will loosen or fail while driving. Since the problem remains after multiple attempts to repair, I am reporting this as a potential safety-related defect. Thank you. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
On October 17, 2025, while full self-driving (supervised) was engaged, the vehicle made an abrupt, uncommanded steering input to the right, causing a collision with a tunnel wall. This crash appears to be the result of a critical vehicle hardware failure. In the 24 hours prior to the crash, the vehicle logged multiple critical steering errors, including epas3p_a086_dasmia, which indicates the electric power assisted steering system was "missing in action" and not communicating. Furthermore, the vehicle has logged daily, recurring hardware faults for the steering column control module (sccm_a016_hardwareerror) since it was purchased. The uncommanded steering action created an extremely dangerous safety condition resulting in a collision. All stability and traction control faults appeared at the exact moment of impact, not before, indicating the steering system failure was the root cause. The problem has been confirmed by the vehicle's own internal diagnostic logs. The vehicle is available for inspection.
Tesla has removed the turn signal stalks on some of their vehicles in favor of buttons on the steering wheel. While Tesla may argue that these buttons work fine, they are unsafe and they do not work in all driving situations (roads with multiple tight turns, roundabouts, etc). The buttons are also prone to sticking, which renders them inoperable. I have been pulled over due to failure to signal on a tight roadway in san francisco, the officer did not write a ticket when he saw the design defect and advised that I remedy the issue with Tesla. I have also almost gotten into an accident several times in roundabouts because of failure to signal -- it was impossible to signal via the button on the steering wheel while in the roundabout. Tesla has acknowledged that this design is a safety issue and has brought back turn signal stalks on newly manufactured vehicles. Due to the immediate safety issue and Tesla having no retrofit available, I have purchased a 3rd party accessory that fixes the issue. The accessory is from a company called enhance auto and it is called "s3xy stalks". It is a bluetooth enabled turn signal that connects to a device that is attached to the obd sensor. This device works perfectly and it solves the safety issue. Tesla has refused to reimburse me in the amount of $522. 50 for this turn signal device.
The contact owned a 2024 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 65 mph, and was driving on the exit ramp, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact's daughter stated that the brake pedal felt hard. The contact's daughter used the emergency brake but failed to function as intended. In addition, the steering wheel locked. The contact's daughter, to avoid hitting the vehicle in front, was able to pull over to the side of the road using excessive force on the steering wheel, and hit a tree, where it came to a stop. The driver-side air bags and side curtain air bags deployed. Three of the contact’s daughters were taken to the hospital by ambulance. The contact's daughter suffered three fractures in her left eye, three fingers on her left hand were fractured, and the seat belt left a burn on her neck. The contact's three other daughters were passengers inside the vehicle. The daughter who sat in the front passenger seat suffered hematomas on the abdomen and had bruises on her face, legs, and arms. The daughter who sat behind the driver in the back suffered injuries, scratches on the legs, the glass debris from the window caused cuts on the head, and had bruises on her chest and back. The daughter who sat in the front passenger seat was not seriously injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the towing yard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company was notified. The contact filed a claim, and it was denied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance. The failure mileage was 13,816.
I have continuous issues with my steering wheel with the turn signals failing to work. Because the buttons aren't physical buttons, more times than not, they are failing for me to be able to use the turn signal. This causes a major safety concern. I have mentioned it with a service ticket with Tesla, but they state there is no fix for this as of today.
When driving vehicle over the past month, vehicle turn signals on the steering wheel fail to respond to commands and feel almost as if the controls are locked out by a steering wheel software fault. Upon further inspection, checking service mode, found the sccm service alert to correlate with the exact moment of turn signal unpressability directly. No debris or liquid has ever entered the area, and this issue has gotten so bad that it happens 3-4 times over a 45min drive I cannot activate the turn signals at all when the failure occurs. There is no alternative way to activate them. The steering wheel is the only way to activate the turn signals and the fault does not permit me to use either turn signal when attempting to change lanes on the highway. Tesla reports that it's a normal software bug and to "deal with it" because there's nothing they can do to fix it. This is directly indicative of a known defective part, and this is a safety-critical defect where a recall must be issued to resolve. Numerous units are impacted through research of same failures. I cant use my turn signals when attempting to change lanes, and Tesla does not want to fix/refuses to address this issue. Even through a phone call from paul from the service center in orchard lake, mi, reported that the condition is a "known defect with interal documents" that confirm it, but he cannot share the doc with me, and "that the idea the issue of getting pulled over for not being able to use your turn signal is an imaginative concern. " this, is inaccurate, as the inability to actuate turn signals is a safety-critical failure. The service center replaced my steering when and sccm module, however the issue persisted after the visit, and the service manager of the west bloomfield, mi service center called me 12 hours before my appointment to deter me from dropping the vehicle off, and then told me this would be a customer pay diagnostic for a warrantable safety failure.
Complaint: I took delivery of my new Tesla Model 3 on [xxx], and noticed it pulls hard to the right from day one. The steering shakes constantly, feels unstable, and loses traction—sliding sideways and lurching above 40 mph. It’s dangerous on highways; I’ve nearly lost control multiple times. Service wait times delayed my first visit over a month. Service history: Tesla service, dedham, MA, three visits: [xxx]: techs confirmed pulling, performed alignment—issue unchanged. [xxx]: pulling replicated, alignment redone—no fix. [xxx]: supervisor test-drove, claimed no issues, said “normal operation,” and refused further action. Third-party input: on [xxx], electrified garage (amesbury, MA), a Tesla/ev specialist, replicated the pulling, shaking, and instability. They suspect a suspension or steering defect (e. G. , rack/control arm) and urged Tesla review, citing warranty coverage and parts limits. They called it a safety risk. Current state: the car’s unusable—shaking intensifies above 40 mph, slides unpredictably, and steering resists. I’ve stopped highway driving after near-misses. Tesla’s “normal” ignores this danger. Available for inspection on request. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
Vehicle was functioning normally prior to this event. Around 17:30 on 02/10/25 I arrived at airport terminal to pick someone up. I exited vehicle, opened trunk then went back inside vehicle. Upon putting the vehicle in drive I noticed problem with power steering. I had to use excessive force to turn the wheel. I drove forward 100 feet, then pulled over and called Tesla support. After describing the issue to the agent, she instructed me to put vehicle in park and press and hold both scroll wheels on steering wheel to perform system reset. After 2 attempts the issue persisted. I then exited the vehicle, locked it manually from the app. After 5 seconds I opened the vehicle, put it in drive and steering worked properly. Dry conditions - outside temperature about 30f I noticed that NHTSA is already investigating this issue for certain Tesla Model 3 and model y where power steering stopped working. While my issue happened while vehicle was stopped, I am concerned about it happening again while driving on highway.
Turn signal capacitive buttons are incredibly hazardous for safe driving. They are failing to register inputs for me regularly as resting your finger on one as is natural in a normal driving position, locks the signal out for a period of time. I had to look down trying to work out why the signal button was not registering my intent to change lanes on a freeway causing significant distraction at a critical time. Manufacturer refuses to do anything as they say it is just normal for the vehicle.
Vehicle information: 2024 Tesla Model 3 description of the problem: we purchased a brand-new 2024 Tesla Model 3 just seven days ago, and we’ve already encountered a serious safety issue: the turn signal frequently fails to function. This problem compromises our ability to signal lane changes or turns, putting our safety and the safety of others at risk, particularly in high-traffic or highway conditions. Inspection and reproduction: we took the car to Tesla service, and the service advisor confirmed that this is a known issue with the vehicle. The malfunction has been reproduced and verified by Tesla service. Safety risks: the inability to use the turn signal effectively creates a significant safety hazard, as other drivers cannot anticipate our intended movements. This increases the likelihood of accidents, especially during lane changes or turns. Inspection by authorities: the vehicle has been inspected by Tesla service, but no inspection has been conducted by any other authorities, such as insurance representatives or law enforcement. Warning signs: there were no prior warning lights or error messages. The issue became apparent when the turn signal intermittently failed to activate. Request for action: we are requesting an immediate resolution to this issue, including a repair or replacement of the faulty system, as well as updates on Tesla’s efforts to address this known defect. If no fix is currently available, we request clear communication regarding the timeline for a resolution and any interim safety measures that can mitigate this risk.
The right and left turn indicator buttons freeze up, and will not operate for indefinite periods. The problem is intermittent, however, the buttons may be frozen for several minutes before the problem clears. I believe the manufacturer is already aware of this problem affecting numerous 2024 Model 3 vehicles. I believe this appears as a definite manufacturer design flaw, and does not appear as reasonable user error, or other isolated random defect. The problem is presently becoming well known to 2024 Model 3 owners in all markets, and there are now many online posts by other owners of this vehicle model for this identical problem. I encourage NHTSA to conduct a quick online search of user reported incidents, as an easy starting point. This problem creates a serious safety risk to other drivers, since other drivers cannot be made aware of affected vehicle's driving intentions. There is no reliable means for affected vehicle drivers to predict or reliably control this problem, that I am aware of. The problem also creates a significant distraction for the driver of the affected vehicle, and particularly in situations that require rapid signal intentions, such as multiple immediate left and right turns in quick succession, or, emergency lane change to avoid stalled vehicles, or, intended driver direction following a four-way stop, etc. This problem may also create a potentially unavoidable legal jeopardy for any affected driver, who may face reasonable driving penalties enforceable by police, or, may be held at fault for accident, despite affected driver's best intentions to use or rely on the faulty equipment. I truly believe this is a serious problem worthy of immediate manufacturer recall and permanent remedy by the manufacturer. It is only a matter of time before a serious accident occurs, resulting in possible injury or death to anyone who either drives, or encounters, an affected vehicle. I hope NHTSA will promptly investigate. Thank you.
The turn signals are on the steering wheel. Sometimes these buttons are not pressable so I have to turn w/o signaling. That is after taking a risk of an accident. I have run into this multiple times and the stress level of operating the vehicle when that happens is very high. There have been a couple of occasions that I had to signal when the steering wheel is partially turned and I have to look down and do guess work to locate the right button. This is again an energy drain when driving. Traditional stalk is a no brainer and it takes all the thinking and stress away from driving. I consider this vehicle not safe for driving.
The turn signal often fails to operate. It features haptic feedback instead of a physical button. This design is impractical, potentially dangerous, and unwise for use in vehicles.
Since delivery of my new Tesla Model 3, the haptic turn signal buttons intermittently fail to register inputs despite repeated presses. This issue began immediately and occurs without any warning lamps or error messages. I am requesting the NHTSA to investigate this matter promptly due to the significant safety risks posed by the malfunctioning turn signal system in the Tesla Model 3. The inability to reliably signal turns and lane changes endangers not only us but also other road users. **safety risk:** • at highway speeds, I was unable to signal lane changes, leading to dangerous situations where other drivers were unaware of my intentions. • in one critical incident, I needed to make an emergency lane change to avoid road obstacles but could not activate the turn signal, nearly resulting in a collision due to surrounding drivers not being alerted. • driving in high-traffic areas like austin increases the hazard, as the lack of signaling can lead to rear-end collisions or sideswipes from drivers unaware of merging or turning maneuvers. **reproduction and inspection:** first service attempt: reported the issue to Tesla; they replaced the steering wheel after months of waiting. The malfunction persisted, with turn signals failing again on the drive home. Second service attempt: Tesla service center acknowledged the problem but stated there is no mechanical failure they can address. They informed me it's a design flaw with the haptic buttons not consistently recognizing presses and that no fix is available. The problem has been reproduced and observed by Tesla technicians but remains unresolved. * alternative signaling method:** Tesla's design eliminates traditional turn signal stalks, relying solely on these haptic buttons. When they fail, there's no alternative method to signal, exacerbating the safety risk. Numerous reports from other Tesla owners indicate the same problem, suggesting a widespread safety defect that warrants immediate attention.
Steering wheel has buttons for turn signals (they removed stalks in 2024 Model 3). I’ve had several dangerous incidents where the turn signal buttons have failed to activate. This caused me to panic and nearly get into an accident on several occasions. I brought in for service and they said this is a known problem with 2024 Model 3. What a joke! they told me to bring it back in once I can replicate it 3 times again. Apparently we are lab rats.
The turn signals buttons for the refreshed Tesla Model 3 (highland) get stuck, preventing drivers from activating either the left or right signal. This malfunction poses a significant safety hazard as it compromises communication with other drivers on the road. There is no indication or symptom prior to the issue appearing.
Turn signal buttons on steering wheel are getting stuck and causes them to be inoperable.
The turn signal buttons on the wheel frequently fail to turn on the turn signals when pressed. It always seems like when I most need to use them, they fail. I already had the wheel replaced by Tesla and was told "this is just how they are" to be clear, when I press the turn signal button on my steering wheel, it will feel like the button will not depress, the turn signal will not turn on, and attempting to lift my finger and place it in other locations to try to press the button will not enable the turn signal. Pushing extremely hard does not work either. It seems like I need to press the opposite direction turn signal button or randomly wait sometimes for it to resolve itself and for the turn signal buttons to work again.
Twice, could not disengage adaptive cruise control using right scroll wheel. Multiple times, haptic turn signals malfunctioning.
The right turn signal button has become stuck for a few seconds at random times and on multiple occasions. While driving on the freeway, I pushed the button to turn the turn signal on, but the button won't push down. I keep trying to push the button, but it is stuck for a few seconds. I either have to change lanes without a signal or wait until the button works again. It is unsafe because I look down at the steering wheel to see why it isn't working. There is no warning for it.
On July/30/2024 at around 6:15pm est I got inside my vehicle to drive it and the steering wheel was extremely hard and difficult to move. A message popped on my screen saying "steering assist reduced" error ui_a020. This made it completely impossible to drive my vehicle and ended up having to call a tow truck to take it to the dealership. If this incident had occured while I was driving I consider it lethal to my safety since I was unable to steer the vehicle. Called Tesla on the phone, they tried to reset the error but unfortunately they couldn't and suggested calling a tow truck instead. On July/31/2024 Tesla reached out to me saying the car had been fixed and it was a firmware bug resulting in the issue (fin report attached).
Tesla removed the physical stalks for turn signals and replaced with buttons on the steering wheel that get stuck when pressed preventing you from indicating at all. Further, putting turn signals on a steering wheel means that the orientation can change when trying to indicate in any situation other than driving on a straight away. This is incredibly dangerous for the driver and other surrounding vehicles. There are numerous blog posts out there with similar driver experiences. Most people who report this issue also report that after Tesla replaces their wheel, the same problem happens again.
The steering wheel buttons on the left include left/right signal indicators buttons that get stuck. This is a problem that is discussed by multiple drivers on online forums. Others are indicating that there isn’t a fix when reported to Tesla. The left/right indicator design is distracting at best and dangerous when not working properly. The approval of the design should be revoked.
Occasionally the turn signal button cannot be pressed down to make a turn signal. This event has happened quite a few times during some urgent moments when I need to exit the highway and gives us a big concern. I heard from many other owners that Tesla just replace your steering wheel, but it dose not fix the problem. It is not because of pressing on the wrong area of the button. This should be a systematic issue.
2024 Model 3 highland lr, right and left blinker buttons stuck occasionally.
The left and right turn signals are not functioning at times. My car is very new. I did not get into any accidents that would compromise the car's hardware. It is dangerous when I need to switch lanes or make a turn because I am unable to apply the indicator button on the steering wheel. The button gets stuck and I am unable to use it at the time of need. Sometimes when I try to press the button, instead of the turn signal, radio starts. It is both stressful and such a headache. It is illegal to switch lanes without turn signals. It is frustrating to drivers on other cars, sometimes dangerous even. In high traffic areas like the bay area, California(where I drive) it is bound to cause some accidents if this is left unresolved. I am sometimes afraid I would cause harm to others because of this system failure and also get cited by the cops. Also, I spent a hefty money on this car. I think it is ridiculous that they did not get this basic part right that cars that were manufactured before the 1900s also manage to have a proper left/right indicator.
Occasionally, the turn signals decide to not work for a 5 second period. This is a car that is "stalkless" (meaning there isn't a physical turn signal stalk to press), but rather it's touchpad buttons on the steering wheel. While these usually work fine, occasionally when I depress one, I can feel that it does not press down at all, and the turn signal does not turn on. I view this as a safety issue in that a turn signal indicates intent to other drivers, and it's unsafe to not be able to use it. Tesla has replaced my steering wheel once (after 2+ months of waiting for "diagnostics") but the new wheel has the same issue. This has been occurring ever since I got this car, and that was many months ago. And I've heard other Model 3 and model s customers have similar complaints. There is something fundamental going on, and Tesla does not seem to want to solve it on their own. They need to have NHTSA add some priority to this.
Left and right turn signal buttons located on the steering wheel intermittently does not work when pressed. I have taken my car to a Tesla service appointment on 10/11/24. There diagnostic system did not show an error and Tesla choose not to offer a repair or help of any kind. I feel unsafe driving my vehicle. Upon a google search, it appears I am not the only 2024 Model 3 customer with this issue. I am unable to upload a video, but I have one that I can submit if provided further instructions.
Steering wheel buttons fail to activate turn signals no matter how hard they are pressed intermittently. Occurrences happens around 15% of the times when changing lanes or requiring signaling leading to increased danger due to failure of turn signals. Manifacturer has replaced steering wheel and problem still exists with no resolution. When presented to service center subsequently, I am instead recommended to correct fixing hand location and posture, which does not rectify the issue.
Turn signal buttons are sticking regularly, preventing turn singal lights from flashing to make safe lane changes.
Incident description: one week after purchasing our new Tesla Model 3 2024 , we encountered several error messages upon returning to our car after a brief stop: "app_w264 - lane departure avoidance feature unavailable," "gtw_w075 - steering assist reduced," and "ui_a020 - steering assist reduced. " with no cell signal available, we had to drive back slowly with hazard lights on. The steering was extremely tight, making it very difficult to maneuver. Tesla roadside assistance suggested towing the car and using an uber coupon, which was impractical due to our location in the outskirts of vancouver, canada, with no uber services, and our home in seattle, USA. We drove over 100 miles to the nearest service centre in vancouver, posing a significant safety risk on curvy freeway roads. The service centre confirmed that the wire supplying power to the steering was cut due to contact with the fan, and they repaired the issue. Conclusion: the steering failure of our Tesla Model 3 was a major safety concern. Driving with impaired steering could have led to a severe accident. The issue was due to a design flaw, with the wire contacting the fan. We request a thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences and consideration for the inconvenience and risk we faced. Component/system failure: the wire supplying power to the steering mechanism was severed due to contact with the vehicle's fan. Safety risk: the steering became extremely tight, making large turns nearly impossible and small turns very difficult. This posed a significant safety risk, especially while driving on curvy freeway roads. Inspection & problem confirmation: the problem was confirmed by the Tesla service centre in vancouver. They verified that the wire was cut due to contact with the fan. Errors: "app_w264 - lane departure avoidance feature unavailable" "gtw_w075 - steering assist reduced" "ui_a020 - steering assist reduced".
Today is June 25,2024 I took delivery of my 2024 Tesla Model 3 long range on may 26,2024. At time of delivery I visually observed crease in metal of rear right door and damage to paint after Tesla over polished the vehicle with electric equipment. Tesla representatives created a due bill for this repair but decided to do smaller repair by buffing & polishing door panel (and not address the physical crease damage observed on right rear door). Over past 28 days the left and right turn signal buttons located on steering wheel have frequently been inoperable while I drive vehicle. Unfortunately turn signals have failed to activate on multiple occasions while I was driving on highway and trying to change out of far left fast lane. Tesla burbank service center was notified prior to my 1st scheduled service appointment on June 5,2024 that I experienced times while driving where left and right turn signal buttons didn’t activate after being pushed. Tesla elected not to do anything to resolve customer stated problem during the June 5,2024 service appointment. From June 5,2024-June 25,2024 I have sent 6 messages to Tesla burbank service center with date and time stamp when turn signal buttons on steering wheel didn’t activate. Tesla burbank service center feels that this car continues to be safe to drive. As vehicle owner it is my opinion that turn signals not operating properly creates condition that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven; defective turn signal buttons are in vehicle owner opinion a significant impairment of the motor vehicle Tesla should proceed to immediately recall 2024 Tesla Model 3 vehicles to correct the operation of turn signal buttons.