Steering Problems of Tesla Model X - part 2

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Tesla Model X 🔎.

While driving the car the dash board lit up with several failures related to auto pilot and auto steering. The car would not engage auto pilot or cruise control and the dashboard showed messages that the car driver assist has failed, lane departure warning, blind spot warning and required immidiate service. Per Tesla, the problem was with the steering rack and had to be replaced and was not covered by any warranty.

See all problems of the 2021 Tesla Model X 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2018 Tesla Model X 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2023 Tesla Model X 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2022 Tesla Model X 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2017 Tesla Model X 🔎.

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).

See all problems of the 2020 Tesla Model X 🔎.

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.

The power steering failed sporadically and it could return to normal state after power off/reset or the errors could be latch on for days. When the power steering reduced errors message occur, the steering wheel is too heavy for any turn, we lost steering and went over to the opposite lanes (fortunately there was no on coming traffic). The car needed a tow to the service centre.

In March of 2025, my steering of the Model X became really stiff. As time went on, the problem became worse and no longer able to turn left or right without major force. I made an appointment with Tesla and took it in for servicing. At this time they changed the steering bolts and steering shaft April 23, 2025. This cost $489. 70 (I will attach invoice). As soon as I picked up the vehicle my steering wheel was about 30% stuck to the right. I immediately sent a picture to Tesla for them to conduct an alignment and fix the issue. They fixed the issue but around may 15th, I had a nail in my tire so I took my car in to fix it. At that time I find out that the tires on my car were exposed to the wire (I will add the picture of the tires). I replaced these tires on March 1st 2025 which is only 2 1/2 months since I replaced it. It was an indication that something is wrong so I make another appointment with Tesla to check it and get another alignment I dropped off car on June 3rd. Tesla tried to perform another alignment to find that they are not able to because the steering gear assembly needs to be replaced. I asked for clarification because I just fixed the steering components in April and they are now wanting $4900 for the steering gear assembly. As I was researching, I find that my Model X was produced on may 2016 and there is a recall for Model X produced before oct 2016 for the steering bolt and steering components if they are damaged. When I tell Tesla that there is a recall they say that my VIN is not associated with the recall. I am filing a complaint because my car is with in the period of vehicles produces in the recall. There is a huge safety issue if the steering bolt and steering gear assembly is malfunctioning. There were no warning lamps or messages to indicate this. This has put my family and other vehicles at risk and Tesla is aware of this problem but won't honor the recall or admit that the steering issue are all related.

The horn is a button on the top right of the yoke steering. With a turning wheel the position is not stationary and in situations where it is warranted to warn other vehicle or person you keep looking for it and get distracted. I have had this vehicle for about three weeks and I find this as a serious safety issue. Today I contacted Tesla and it seems they have a new steering that come with manual horn in the middle but they would not replace it without charging $2000 for it or there is some defect like peeling on it. There are numerous online chats where people have got it replaced citing safety reason. In my view this should be under the recall especially when there is an option.

Hi, my steering wheel turning very hard even though NHTSA issued the the recall last month but your website says your vehicle is not on recall. Also my rear camara is working still Tesla said needs to be replace again even though Tesla replace in 2023 which is I paid. My autonomy is not working even though I paid $8000 plus $500 tax when I purchase my Model X in 2016 for full self driving/ Tesla doesn't want to honor this to us. Hopefully NHTSA put my vehicle in recall list. Thanks for you help. Best regards.

The steering wheel is hard to turn while driving. Also, heard a clanking/ squeaking sound while driving.

Vehicle is hard to turn.

The horn doesn’t get activated when the center of the steering wheel is pressed. The horn button is on the right hand side on the wheel. It’s a safety hazard trying to find the button while driving especially in round abouts. In the place I live, there are couple of roundabouts; one car almost hit me since they didn’t yield to me when I was on the roundabout. I couldn’t find the horn button and had to hard brake.

The horn on the steering wheel stopped working recently. Horns are important safety features on any vehicle, and electric vehicles are especially quiet so the horn is essential. The other buttons and scrollers on the steering wheel also stopped working. It's unclear if the airbag still functions.

There was a recall on these cars (22v-818) and manufacture said a software update would solve the issue. But the actual issue is the I-shaft, which is not sealed on those cars. Now the manufacture is replacing the I- shaft, with the same issues which they said that was corrected with a software update, by charging customers thousands of dollars with sealed ones. All those cars having the issue which I am facing now. I have escaped a crash narrowly and it is dangerous.

See all problems of the 2019 Tesla Model X 🔎.

2023 Model X is not equiped with a center steering wheel horn, instead a small button on the right of steering wheel which is nowhere to be found when you need in an emergency, I almost got in to 3 accidents for lack of horn. Tesla must replace these for traditional horn button.

On xxx at approximately 465 miles, multiple critical safety systems simultaneously failed on my 2024 Tesla Model X (VIN: [xxx]). Dashboard warnings indicated that abs, stability control, traction control, steering assist, and automatic emergency braking were all simultaneously disabled. The vehicle was taken to Tesla service immediately. Tesla diagnosed the issue as a faulty wheel speed sensor and performed a replacement (ro# xxx). This simultaneous disabling of five critical safety systems on a vehicle with only 465 miles is a serious safety defect. Additionally, on xxx at approximately 21,180 miles, a passenger airbag warning light illuminated requiring service. This was resolved and addressed by slight moisture on son's shorts triggering the alert but unsure why this would cause such sensitivity. The vehicle has required 12 service visits since delivery in November 2024 for various recurring safety and mechanical issues. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2024 Tesla Model X 🔎.

I took an exit form the highway on i405 towards bothell. As soon as I did and ended up coasting towards the first red light, all the warning signs came on on the car and my steering wheel locked up. And my braking also got reduced. Only thing that worked was the acceleration pedal. I struggled to get the car towards any safety. There was a message on the dashboard saying that assisted steering is reduced will require more power. However it was locked. I tried with all my might to steer the car in any direction but it would not budge. I was super scared I was going to be in an accident. With the limited braking as well I had to find a curb in the road to be able to safely park the car or a slope where the car could slow to a halt. Luckily I was able to do that and slowed down. On a curb like area and then I was able to turn on the parking brake. On contacting support they told me to reset the car and in doing so it should bring back functions. However, it did not. This was extremely dangerous and I was very lucky to get out of this alive without harming anyone else as well. Had this happened on the highway I was a sure goner. They had to finally get the car towed from there.

My Tesla stopped in the middle of a 4 way intersection without notice. As I was turning left, the car started to shake for about 2 seconds and then stopped. No warning or anything. The notification stated "electrical system unable to support functions. " my safety was put at risk and others. I was traveling with my 11 month old and other cars could have hit my car if they were not paying attention when coming through the intersection. The car was towed to the Tesla dealership. No warnings prior to the failure. Warnings appeared after the car stopped.

The horn button on the steering wheel is extremely dangerous. It is too hard to find it with my thumb in time, and has almost caused me to get into multiple accidents. When others cannot see me while yielding to traffic, I tried to honk and because there was no center haptic horn, I had to slam on the breaks. The horn should be in the center of the steering wheel. It is extremely unsafe as a tiny button because you cannot find it in time during an urgent traffic incident.

Steering assist reduced. It has been faulty for the past six months and auto pilot doesn’t work. Not repaired as the cost of repair is 5k.

Steering stuck: it happened several times that the steering wheel completely locked up while driving on the road. Today it happened again. It does not move, cannot turn left or right. I was in the middle of the road, the only thing I could do was to back up. I had to stop in the middle of the road and reboot the car. Luckily the cars behind me were able to stop before crashing into me. In may 2024, I addressed the same issues, but it happened again. I think it is their defect which I have serious concerns for my safety. I heard other people also experienced the same as mine. I believe this is the defect which will cause the danger of drivers. Suspension and tires: I went to several tires shops every year and they all told me that my tires have been worn quickly because alignment was not properly installed. I went to Tesla, but they said there were no issues. The fact is that my tires have been worn quickly than normal and we can hear the squeaky noise from the suspensions when turning. My friend has the same issues with his Tesla. This is also a defect that Tesla needs to repair it. Wifi: my Tesla cannot connect to wifi for all of those years for updates. I have asked Tesla to help but they cannot connect to it either. This is a defect that they cannot fix which cause my car not being able to update it automatically.

The horn button on the steering wheel is not mechanical and is located outside of the center steering wheel location. This poses a serious risk to driving as the horn button is very difficult to reach when turning the steering wheel.