Steering Problems of Tesla Model X - part 1

I experienced a total steering lockup and loss of vehicle control immediately following a steering column and suspension repair at a certified Tesla service center at [xxx] . Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2017 Tesla Model X 🔎.

I don't think Tesla ever did the steering bolt recall per sb-20-32-002 on my vehicle. I had all the bolts fail, with obvious corrosion, and the motor separated from the rack causing a loss of power steering while moving. You can see where the bolt physically failed and the corrosion both on the remainder of the bolt and the entire mating surface of the motor to the steering rack. Going back through my service records, it is only listed once on 9 June 2021 with notes of "parts not available" hidden in the comments. Tesla is telling me this was done, with comments about a January 2021 visit, but I never took it to them in January (I did in February) and the February visit has no mention of the recall. Regardless, one of two things happened: either Tesla didn't do the recall and I fell victim to the issue or the recall was done and the new, updated bolts still failed due to corrosion and exposure to a corrosive, winter environment. I still suspect the former for the reason that no visible evidence of the protective wax coating required by the TSB could be seen on the motor or steering rack. Perhaps they swapped the bolts but didn't apply the wax, which allowed for continued corrosion? I won't know for sure until they continue with the repair, but I'm worried they are going to toss the parts and sweep this under the rug and foot me with the full bill. Regardless, I want this documented that I had a failure despite the recall so that any other owner with a similar problem can see this record.

See all problems of the 2016 Tesla Model X 🔎.

The electric power assist steering system on my 2022 Tesla Model X began displaying a "steering assist reduced / steering may require increased effort" warning intermittently beginning in approximately may 2024, shortly after I purchased the vehicle. This warning appeared more times than I can count over the following months. In most instances the warning appeared but the steering continued to function normally. On approximately March 2, 2026, the warning appeared and for the first time the steering became extremely difficult to turn, requiring significantly increased physical effort to control the vehicle. The first physical failure occurred while parking at low speed in reverse. The steering failure also occurred subsequently while driving at highway speeds. In both instances I stopped the vehicle, exited, waited briefly, and upon re-entering the vehicle the warning cleared and steering returned to normal. This same sequence repeated the following day. The vehicle was brought to a Tesla authorized service center on March 13, 2026. Tesla's technician confirmed the steering assist reduction as reported and determined the steering gear required full replacement. The failed part, steering gear left hand drive part number 1070801-00-f, was replaced. Only full hardware replacement resolved the issue permanently. Prior power cycling provided only temporary relief. My safety was directly at risk. I am a full-time rideshare driver operating at highway speeds. The failed component has been replaced and is in Tesla's possession. Tesla is charging the full repair cost out of pocket despite this matching a documented pattern of identical failures reported to NHTSA by multiple Tesla owners.

See all problems of the 2022 Tesla Model X 🔎.

While driving my 2022 Tesla Model X at highway speed, I experienced a sudden loss of steering assist shortly after supercharging. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn, and I had to use significant force to maintain control. The vehicle displayed a ‘steering assist reduced’ alert, fsd became unavailable, and the suspension behaved unexpectedly. After the incident, the vehicle was taken to Tesla service. At this time, I have not received a clear explanation of the root cause of the steering?assist loss. Because this event occurred at highway speed and created a safety concern, I am submitting this report so the incident can be documented and reviewed.

On January 31, 2026, at 10:30 pm, I was driving from fort lauderdale to my home in boca raton, florida. I was using fsd supervised mode. Close to my home, a big red image suddenly appeared, the car started accelerating fast, and I had no control over the car or its steering wheel. The car hit several electrical posts and only stopped after the airbags engaged. My wife was in the passenger seat. The front of the car was totally damaged, and I will have to total it.

I am writing to formally document a life-threatening mechanical failure involving my 2022 Model X on January 30, 2026. While my wife was operating the vehicle, it suffered a simultaneous and catastrophic collapse of all primary safety systems. During operation, the vehicle experienced a total loss of steering and braking control. This was accompanied by a rapid cascade of critical system alerts on the primary display, including “abs malfunction,” “stability control disabled,” and “steering assist reduced/disabled. ” most critically, the vehicle exhibited sudden unintended acceleration (sua), increasing speed in direct opposition to the driver’s physical application of the brake pedal. This resulted in a near-miss where the driver narrowly avoided a construction crew.

My 2023 Tesla Model X suffers from severe, intermittent safety system failures. Specifically, the automatic emergency braking and steering assist randomly become unavailable while driving. Tesla service refuses to repair this, claiming they are "unable to replicate" the intermittent alerts. However, the vehicle's history proves severe safety flaws: Tesla previously had to replace the entire steering wheel assembly and the driver's seat belt lap pretensioner due to failures, and had to recalibrate the forward adas camera because it went out of spec causing autopilot failures. These unresolved, randomly occurring defects pose a severe crash hazard that Tesla is ignoring.

See all problems of the 2023 Tesla Model X 🔎.

Making a loud squeaky noise and knocking while I turn. The noise is coming from the steering and front suspension arms I believe.

See all problems of the 2020 Tesla Model X 🔎.

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while driving during a rainstorm, the power steering assist feature suddenly failed, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The driver was able to forcefully turn the steering wheel and drive the vehicle a short distance to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to the local Tesla service center who diagnosed that the steering rack circuit board had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 20v062000 (steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 80,000.

The electronic power steering (eps) is struggling, requiring increased driver effort to steer. This seems to be dangerous when driving. The full self driving (fsd) capability also stops abruptly when the steering locks up. Again, this is very risky and can cause serious accidents. I see that several owners have posted on social media about this same issue. Note, that there were recalls issued related to corroded steering bolts for Tesla Model X built up till November 2016. My car is built in 2017.

Vehicle: 2018 Tesla Model X recall reference: Tesla emmc recall – NHTSA campaign number 21v-035 (recall 21v035000) defect description: in March 2021, Tesla notified me by email of a recall involving failure of the emmc memory chip in the media control unit (mcu). This defect is known to cause loss of vehicle system functionality and safety-related features. Despite this notification, Tesla has refused to honor the recall and replace the emmc when I brought my vehicle in for service. Current vehicle condition: my vehicle exhibits severe and worsening symptoms consistent with emmc failure, including: system freezing and frequent unresponsiveness gps extremely slow or nonfunctional turn signal indicators intermittently fail horn fails to operate approximately 95% of the time vehicle reset/reboot does not work touchscreen and vehicle controls are very slow or nonresponsive these issues occur regularly and without warning. Safety risk: this defect creates a significant safety hazard. The failure of turn signals, horn, and system responsiveness increases the risk of accidents. The inability to reset or restore the system while driving further endangers occupants and other road users. Due to these failures, the vehicle is unsafe to operate. Manufacturer response: although Tesla issued a recall notice in March 2021, they have declined to perform the recall repair on my vehicle. No effective remedy has been provided, and the vehicle’s condition continues to deteriorate. Request for NHTSA action: I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Tesla’s failure to honor recall 21v-035 and require Tesla to provide the mandated repair. This unresolved defect affects safety-critical systems and presents an ongoing risk. When I went there last Dec 4 to get this repaired, they wanted me to upgrade and pay almost $2000. I am willing to pay half of the cost but not the entire amount.

See all problems of the 2018 Tesla Model X 🔎.

My 2020 Tesla Model X experiences severe vibration, shaking, and rattling during acceleration, especially between about 20–45 mph and at higher suspension settings. The vibration is strong enough to affect steering stability and safe control of the vehicle during acceleration and lane changes. Tesla has already replaced the front half-shafts twice under warranty for this same problem, but the issue has returned again. This is a known defect documented by Tesla in service bulletin sb-21-39-001, which describes excessive front drive unit half-shaft vibration during acceleration and defines the repair with updated components. The latest revision of this bulletin (r3, dated January 19, 2024) explicitly adds “customer pay billing” instructions. Despite this, my local Tesla service center in tempe, az (supervisor: lewis holguin) refused to apply the sb-21-39-001 customer pay billing and instead charged full retail for the repair. On 11/28/2025, I was billed $1,694. 86 out of pocket to replace both front half-shafts again (invoice shows approx. $1,046 in parts and $564 in labor). I have documentation showing that other Tesla customers with the same defect were billed only $350 under sb-21-39-001, which demonstrates that Tesla does apply a discounted bulletin rate in some cases. In my case, they refused to honor it even though this is a repeat failure of the same known defect and the prior warranty repairs did not permanently fix the problem. This is a repeat driveline/suspension defect that affects drivability and safety under acceleration. The shaking and vibration make it difficult to maintain stable vehicle control, especially during highway merging or lane changes. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate recurring front half-shaft failures and vibration/shudder issues on Tesla Model X vehicles and Tesla’s inconsistent handling of this known defect and service bulletin.

Power steering assist stopped working while on the road. A couple days later, power steering stopped working completely.

There is a u joint problem that is reported in many Model X vehicles especially in the 2016 models. The steering stiffens and make is very difficulty to maneuver .

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding ongoing safety and service issues with my 2024 Tesla Model X. This is the third Tesla vehicle we’ve owned, and while our previous two vehicles performed excellently, this one has presented serious and recurring problems with the full self-driving (fsd) system. Since the second service visit, we have experienced four separate incidents in which the vehicle has either driven off the road or abruptly slammed on the brakes without warning. Despite two prior service appointments at the Tesla service center in sarasota, FL, these issues remain unresolved. We also scheduled a third appointment, which Tesla later cancelled.

See all problems of the 2024 Tesla Model X 🔎.

While driving, the steering suddenly failed — the wheel spun freely with no response from the front wheels. This occurred at a stoplight shortly after exiting the freeway; had it happened minutes earlier at highway speed, it could have caused a serious crash. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla service center, which confirmed an under-torqued and stripped bolt on the intermediate steering shaft connecting to the steering rack. The steering column module, shaft, and rack were replaced. This was the second major steering incident in six months. In April, the same part had seized, making the steering extremely stiff. Tesla replaced the intermediate shaft then, but immediately after pickup, the car veered sharply left and triggered a traction control alert. Only after I returned did they perform an alignment and test drive. That means the first repair was released to me without a post-repair safety check. The October failure involved the same component, suggesting negligent workmanship or a recurring defect in the steering connection. Total loss of steering control represents a critical safety hazard that could lead to loss of life. I strongly believe this issue warrants an investigation and possible recall.

Heavy steering warning. Steering gear left hand drive.

See all problems of the 2021 Tesla Model X 🔎.

Steering got stuck on the road while driving. I couldnt move or change lanes. It was really scary. Then I slowed down and then I had tp pull out of the road to the shoulder. Then I waited for 20-30 mins and restarted the car. Then it worked. I was able to go home. I contacted Tesla and they said they need to look into the issue. At the service center, now they are saying they need to replace entire steering system and the cost is 5000. This is not fair and unprofessional. And it is very scary experience.

The steering is stiff and hard to turn this is the second time this has happened. It happened last year around this same time. I took to Tesla service in new orleans for repair and they said they cleaned the bolts and reconnected the line. And now the car is experiencing the same issue.

Left indicator button is randomly unresponsive, sometime it doesn’t work for up to a minute. This happened to me with my previous Model X (bought back by Tesla in a lemon case for the same issue), happened to me also in a loaner car they gave me while trying to fix this issue and now again in a recently purchased Model X. In both cases Tesla replaced the steering yoke and that didn’t solved the issue this is a serious safety issue that left me frustrated and with no solution from Tesla. Every time I got a different response from Tesla like: - its a software issue - its a design flaw - I’m not pressing the button correctly - I’m resting my finger on the button and that makes the button unresponsive - we couldn’t replicate the issue I have a video of the left indicator not working for a whole minute while the right one is working.

See all problems of the 2025 Tesla Model X 🔎.

After completing a 17. 5-hour, ~1,000-mile non-stop road trip from florida to texas using autopilot with no interventions or issues, the following week this vehicle experienced a sudden and total steering failure while slowly turning through my residential neighborhood. The steering locked up without warning and caused the car to drift partially into the opposing lane. No power steering warning was shown prior to the failure. Tesla service diagnosed and replaced both the front body controller (part #1585663-00-c) and the steering gear assembly (part #1070801-00-f) under warranty. This is an extremely dangerous failure scenario — had it occurred at high speed, the outcome could have been catastrophic. I am reporting this to ensure it’s documented and investigated, as it appears consistent with similar steering failure complaints in 2021+ Model X vehicles.

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with the message “steering assist reduced” message displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

In many near hit collisions where I need to honk the horn, memory reflexes goes to press down the center of the steering wheel to alert but the horn button isn’t there on this vehicle. It’s put as a button on the right side but after 25,000 miles and at least 4 times, I could not locate it quick enough. This is a serious safety issue.

Peeling steering wheel, eventually will need to replaced due to not being able to grab wheel and lose grip when I turn. Many others complain of the same problem with Model X and Tesla wants $1800 to replace. I refuse to use my insurance to pay for this so they have not inspected it.

As I was attempting to merge onto interstate 75, I noticed that steering became unexpectedly difficult. Consequently, I decided not to enter the highway. I then crossed the highway and pulled into a parking lot, where I turned off the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the issue seemed to have resolved itself.

My car has 50,000 miles on it and is just over 4 years old. The steering column has failed causing it to not be able to steer. The service for this is a new steering column at a cost of over $5,000. 00. The y models and 3 models had a recall on this issue. Now it looks like the x models are having the issue as well. The consumer should not be responsible for this. It is dangerous. It is expensive to fix. A steering column should not fail at 50,000 miles. I am not the only person who has been faced with this issue. Tesla service even confirmed that they are seeing this on the x models. I think an investigation should be done. How many $5,000. 00 repairs for safety has the consumer been saddled with?.

The monitor screen in the middle of the car is not malfunction. It's not working. All the panels on the steering are also not work. The honk is not working. Nothing is working. It could be due to the internet connection.

This is a major safety issue --- we got an error that steering assistance was "reduced" for about 12 hours. Then on [xxx] at around [xxx], we were pulling out of a parked area (after being parked for 2 hours) -- and proceeded to increase speed on [xxx] in newark, the car steering wheel abruptly locked itself - you couldn't even move the steering wheel. It just locked and shut down completely. We proceeded to do a rest (hitting two scroll buttons) to reset the system over 5-6 times. Each time it takes about 10 mins to complete. It was pure horror - sitting on the road with cars just passing by and honking at me behind. I had the hazard lights on, but it was a dangerous situation. I was completely stuck and immobile. After some time, the steering wheel "magically" started working again. We've dropped the Tesla off at springfield and they are charging us over $6,000 in damages for this. This is a safety issue (we bought the car in March of 2024) and it's only been 15 months since we've had this used car. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Steering assist error code. Car has less than 25,000 miles and Tesla is reporting this is common and the steering rack needs to be replaced and the steering gear left hand drive. Tesla temecula also said there was a system malfunction that caused it but they do not dig into that they just do the service for $5100. Looking online this is common.

Last month we were driving our Tesla Model X on the highway and suddenly the steering started malfunctioning. It was all she could do to get the car home, wrestling with manual-only operation that was clearly messed up, with no steering assist. We saw the warning pop up on console saying this needed to be fixed immediately. Turns out this is a well-documented problem, and indeed the company knows this very well, as they initiated a recall. It’s a design flaw – the assembly is inadequately sealed allowing water to get in corrode various parts. We took it to Tesla watertown (MA) and they said our vehicle is not under recall and demanded $5000 to replace the assembly and if we didn't, that we should get the undrivable car off their lot because they're very busy. I made the case that this is an ongoing problem and should clearly be corrected at no cost to the beleaguered consumer (we’ve poured thousands into this car for various quirky malfunctions, which has been disappointing because the alleged advantage of the computer on wheels was that it had fewer parts that need maintenance or fewer things as with combustion engines to go wrong). Specifically, though, the steering fail keeps happening, recounted in horrifying detail on facebook groups and listservs, as drivers are motoring along and suddenly can’t control the steering of a three-ton vehicle. This sure seems like a consumer issue needing attention. I asked for some kind of appeal and they just shrugged; Tesla is 100% unreachable in terms of customer service, as you may know. They have walled off any hope with talking or messaging with a human being. There's simply no one to reach out to.

I own a Tesla Model X, and for the past two summers I’ve experienced a repeating safety-critical issue during hot weather. After driving for a period in the heat, multiple systems begin to fail. The car displays numerous warnings including: •“parking brake requires service” •“traction control disabled” •“stability control disabled” •“steering assist reduced” •“automatic emergency braking unavailable” •“regenerative braking unavailable” •“lane departure avoidance unavailable” when this happens, the steering wheel becomes very stiff and hard to turn, which severely affects my ability to drive and control the vehicle. I’ve brought the vehicle to Tesla service twice. The first time (when it was still under warranty), they said they couldn’t replicate the issue. The second time, I brought it in while the warnings were still active. Tesla only cleaned some sensors and returned the car, but the issue returned again recently with all the same symptoms. This only happens in hot weather. Once the car cools down, the errors disappear. This intermittent issue is difficult for the service center to replicate, but it presents a serious safety risk, especially because steering and braking functions are compromised. I believe this is a deeper electrical or software issue affecting multiple safety systems under thermal stress. The issue has not been resolved, and the vehicle remains dangerous to drive in high temperatures.

While driving my Model X 2022 I noticed the warning "steering assist reduced, steering may require increased effort". I was then at a red light and I started to make a left turn and I could barely turn the wheel it was like it was almost locked up. Luckily I had enough strength and I was driving into a parking lot where I needed to have my car towed. Tesla service just said there was moisture in the steering wheel connector and they just cleaned it up and connected it. They test drove it and said it's fine. 4 days later I was driving it on the highway and I got the message again and I had my daughter in the car and was terrified. Luckily the steering did not lock up and just drove it home. I have messaged Tesla to see next steps, but when I look at the forums this has been happening a lot! this is a huge safety concern and I don't feel Tesla is properly handling it based on all the reviews I have read. . .

To whom it may concern, I am writing to inform you of a recurring issue I am experiencing with the power steering in my 2022 Model X plaid. This problem began on [xxx] and has progressively worsened. Initially, the power steering would function normally for approximately 30 minutes of driving. It would work fine when starting in the morning or when the car was cool. However, after driving about 15 miles, the power steering would completely fail, and a warning message would appear indicating that extra effort was required. Recently, the power steering now fails every time I drive. Based on my research, this appears to be a common problem with Tesla vehicles, and I understand a recall has been issued for some model years, although not for the year of my vehicle. I intend to have this issue addressed and repaired through Tesla service. However, I wanted to make you aware of this problem as it seems to be a known issue that is now affecting my 2022 x plaid as well. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On my 2023 Tesla Model X, the horn button is a capacitive touch button among several other buttons and it is difficult to use on a daily basis and impossible to find in an emergency. Yesterday, another car was drifting into my lane on the highway traveling at 70 mph and I could not locate the horn in time to alert them. I had to drive evasively to avoid a serious accident. This has happened at least 7 separate times already. 2024 Tesla Model Xs now have the button in the center of the steering wheel where it is on every other car I have ever driven. Yesterday, I contacted Tesla service about this critical safety issue and demanded the replace my steering wheel with a center horn button because of the document safety issues. They refused. There needs to be a recall forcing Tesla to replace these defective steering wheels with the new and safe design before people get killed.

I had cruise set at 60mph on 2 lane highway. Their were rumble strips in center as well as edges of the road. I approached 2 slow moving vehicles (adaptive cruise was on) and then used turn signal, took over control myself disabling adaptive cruise. I pulled back in across the center mark after passing vehicles. When I crossed the 12" wide center rumble strip my car immediately threw up a message on the screen and I could barely turn the wheel to prevent the car from driving into the ditch on my projected path back into my lane. The car got straight finally but the wheel was nearly impossible to turn. A few miles later, I approached my ramp to take and slowed down to 15mph under the ramp limit and it took nearly everything to get the wheel to turn 15 degrees to make my turn. I pulled off very slowly into a graveyard right off the road and parked the car. I took pictures of the messages on the screen "epas_w002 steering may require increased effort" on the center screen and the similar message on the center screen "steering assist reduced steering may require increased effort". I did a computer reboot (hold 2 buttons on steering wheel), left the car with my key and locked it ad walked away for a minute. I reapproached the car, it unlocked, and I turned the car back on. Everything worked when I got on the highway with the exception of autosteer (beta). It would not set, so I disabled it on the center screen. I turned it back on this morning (next day) and it is fully functioning again. I do not know how I didn't end up in the ditch at highway speeds, but I feel this needs reported and a solution found before I or someone else loses steering. I'm not sure the center rumble strip had anything to do with it or if it was coincidental, but the car always does a shimmy when you cross rumble strips in the center of the road (switching lanes) regardless of speed.