Steering Problems of Tesla Model Y - part 1

Tesla Model Y owners have reported 401 problems related to steering (under the steering category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Tesla Model Y based on all problems reported for the Model Y.

1 Steering problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 07/03/2026

Power steering is giving difficulty while driving on the highway, stiffens up and hardens and makes it difficult to steer to the left or the right. Took it to the dealer, they confirmed needed a new steering rack, checked online quite some people with the same issue especially with their cars coming from the same year. No warning lamps doesn’t show up on the screen, took to Tesla dealership and they ran a diagnostics and then confirmed.

See all problems of the 2023 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

2 Steering problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 06/25/2026

Unintended violent steering intervention at highway speeds causing an immediate safety hazard. Almost caused a fatality pulling the car off the highway nearly hitting light posts and highway sign.

3 Steering problem of the 2026 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 06/17/2026

While driving my 2026 Tesla Model Y in June 2026, the vehicle suddenly applied steering input on its own and began swerving left and right even though there were no obstacles in the road. I was driving on a straight section of roadway, centered in my lane, when the steering wheel started moving by itself as if the lane keeping system and steering were confused. I had to fight the wheel in both directions to keep the car from veering toward the curb and toward the adjacent lane. It felt like struggling against another person at the wheel. Fortunately there were no vehicles directly beside me at that moment, so I was able to avoid a collision, but this behavior could easily cause an accident for a typical driver. This incident is part of an ongoing pattern of safety issues with this vehicle. Since late 2025, I have experienced multiple events where the car fails to respond to the accelerator after shifting into drive and behaves as if it is in neutral until I shift back to park and then into drive again including a complete loss of propulsion while driving in moderate traffic. Tesla has already performed recall repairs on the battery/battery contactors and multiple diagnostic visits for intermittent loss of propulsion and steering concerns, but the problems continue. I am filing this complaint because I believe there is a serious defect involving the steering, propulsion system, and lane keeping driver assist systems that could cause loss of control and a crash.

4 Steering problem of the 2026 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 06/15/2026

Steering wheel vibration occurs at highway speeds between 70 and 75 mph on a 2026 Model Y with under 1,000 miles at time of complaint. The vibration was reported to the dealer, who performed a tire balance and alignment check and confirmed both were within specification. The vehicle was tested by the dealer during a service ride-along and no vibration was detected by the technician. However, vibration was independently confirmed by the owner in a same-model loaner vehicle on the same road, suggesting the issue may not be isolated to a single vehicle or tire set. Similar vibration issues have been reported by other owners of the same Model Year in online owner forums, with no documented fix currently available. Safety concern: reduced steering feedback at highway speeds. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request.

5 Steering problem of the 2021 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 06/12/2026

The steering is not functioning properly. This is sealed system and no where else I can get it. This a safety issue and I haven't seen any car steering failing like this. Even cars as old as 20 year has no such issues. This is huge slap on of $3k+ on consumer. The cars is hardly 5 year old.

See all problems of the 2021 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

6 Steering problem of the 2026 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 06/06/2026

The assisted steering function has on multiple occasions failed to activate when vehicle is turned on. It will reset if vehicle is left off, then will randomly fail to activate again. Dash warns you that it has not activated and the car becomes extremely difficult to steer. Manufacturer stated steering rack likely needs replaced but wait time to get an appointment to inspect was over 2 weeks. Car has less than 500 miles on it.

7 Steering problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 06/05/2026

I was driving down a city street near my home and put my Tesla Model Y in full self driving and looked down for 1-2 seconds to retrieve something from my center console and the warning notifications started going off and before I had any time to react, the car drove into a parked car at approximately 39 mph. I have records showing the car was in full self driving for 5 seconds before impact.

8 Steering problem of the 2022 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 06/05/2026

"I have a Tesla Model Y that experienced what looks like a steering malfunction, with documented data and repair records already in hand. "while driving our 2024 Tesla Model Y when the steering wheel suddenly turned itself, hard left, and driver couldn't regain control. The car went up a hillside, between a utility/ electricity pole and an electrical box, coming to a stop just inches from the pole. No injury, but real vehicle damage. " "I pulled Tesla's own vehicle data log for that exact moment. It shows the steering angle went from +362° to -358° — basically two full wheel rotations — in about 1. 5 seconds, while the torque sensor barely registered any force. Then the wheel stayed pinned at full-left lock for about 8 seconds while the car was actively accelerating in drive. " there was a fault code 14 mention in the data file right before the incident. "Tesla told us their review of the data showed 'no malfunction. ' but afterward, Tesla's own repair records show they replaced the steering gear assembly and the drive unit — after we complained the steering felt stiff once we got the car back from the first repair. ".

See all problems of the 2022 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

9 Steering problem of the 2022 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 06/03/2026

Bolts for front lower lateral links in suspension backed themselves out over time, eventually causing the suspension to suffer a total collapse and trigger a complete loss of steering authority.

10 Steering problem of the 2026 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 06/01/2026

I purchased a new 2026 Tesla Model Y standard and took delivery on approximately 30 may 2026. Within the first week of ownership, the vehicle displayed multiple safety-related warnings, including: * steering assist reduced * power braking assist reduced * automatic emergency braking unavailable * lane departure avoidance features unavailable * automatic vehicle hold disabled the warnings have occurred more than once. They initially disappeared and then returned on a later drive. Both incidents occurred while the vehicle was operating with full self-driving (fsd) engaged. During the most recent occurrence, while parking at less than 3 mph, the vehicle’s braking assistance appeared reduced and the brake pedal required significantly more effort than normal. As a result, I nearly struck a curb because the vehicle did not slow as expected. The warnings indicated that increased steering and braking effort may be required. Because the vehicle is brand new and these warnings involve steering, braking, and collision-avoidance systems, I believe this creates a significant safety risk. I no longer feel the vehicle is safe to drive until it is inspected and repaired. Tesla has been notified and a service request has been initiated.

11 Steering problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 05/31/2026

On 05/31/2026, while Tesla full self-driving (fsd) was actively engaged, the vehicle was taking the la brea avenue entrance ramp onto the I-10 freeway in los angeles, CA. Fsd suddenly accelerated aggressively and the vehicle drifted hard to the left without any driver steering input. The driver was forced to hit the brakes and manually override steering to prevent a serious accident. The behavior felt like a system glitch. Both driver-side wheels sustained severe impact damage and are confirmed cracked. Tesla service center confirmed the damage in writing on 06/08/2026 and quoted $2,325. 74 in repairs. This dangerous fsd behavior matches the pattern currently under active NHTSA engineering analysis.

12 Steering problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 05/30/2026

On xxx at approximately 12:30–1:00 pm, I was backing my Tesla Model Y out of my garage. While reversing, I felt unusual vibrations coming from the vehicle. After backing out, I shifted the car into drive and attempted to make a left turn. At that point, the vehicle would not turn, and it began producing significant noise and vibration. I exited the vehicle to inspect it for any obvious issues, such as an object lodged underneath the car or a flat tire. I found no visible obstructions, and all four tires appeared to be in good condition. I then drove the vehicle forward toward my driveway and garage area and inspected it again. During this inspection, I found a finger-sized screw or bolt underneath the vehicle. I attempted to reverse the car once more, but the same problem occurred: excessive vibration and an inability to steer either left or right. There were no warning lights, alerts, or notifications displayed on the Tesla screen at any point during this incident. I subsequently contacted Tesla roadside assistance and requested that the vehicle be towed to a Tesla service center. Tesla remotely accessed the vehicle data but informed me that they could not detect any issues based on the vehicle diagnostics. They suggested that I drive the vehicle to the service center. I explained that the vehicle was unable to turn left or right and that I did not believe it was safe to operate under those conditions. At the time of the incident, I was accompanied by my [xxx] father-in-law, and we were preparing to travel to an urgent care facility. The vehicle had been operating normally the previous day. The vehicle currently has approximately 32,077 miles and is approximately 2 years and 5 months old from the date of manufacture. The vehicle has no history of repair work or tire service performed outside of Tesla-authorized service. My primary concern is the significant safety risk presented by this failure on public space. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

13 Steering problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 05/26/2026

I was driving my Tesla in self drive mode, and ibecause it started raining. I reduce the speed to standard. I had a notification on the screen, an alert in red. That the Tesla reached the maximum speed in that mode “standard”. I was surprised and decided ti canceled the fsd feature and took control of the vehicle. Then when I was driving in the expressway very close to my exit on the right lane, the car accelerated by itself and turn to the left unexpectedly. I tried to returned the car to my lane and I never had control again of the car. Not the steering wheel, not the breaks responded. I was spinning on the expressway until I hit the concrete barrier with the rear bumper. Hopefully I did not hit any car nor they didn’t hit me. The car shutdown after the impact. Tesla sent me the footage of the impact, ignoring the moment that caused that incident that was some seconds before. The brakes were automatically turned onz and the wheels did not move. I know something wrong happened. Specially because the incident some minutes before when I was driving in standard mode and accelerated with no reasons. I have safety concerns. Also I noticed that after the last upgrades the car was havung navigation issues that I reported immediately when the autopilot was removed and we have to select the options.

14 Steering problem of the 2021 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 05/21/2026

A 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced steering/suspension warnings followed shortly by a steering-assist reduction event. On or around may 21, 2026, the vehicle displayed: “steering alignment service recommended — ok to drive, schedule service soon. ” the vehicle was brought to Tesla because the owner was concerned the car had detected a steering, alignment, suspension, or safety-related condition. The Tesla invoice from that visit appears inconsistent. It states that “a wheel alignment check was completed,” but also states “no labor performed — customer did not authorize repairs or inspection,” with 0. 00 labor hours and no charge. A documented steering/suspension diagnostic inspection, alignment report, alert-log review, or safety assessment was not performed by Tesla or inspected. The owner was advised to replace tires and return later. Approximately 90 miles later, during a low-speed three-point turn, the vehicle made a loud pop/clunk from the front area and displayed: “steering assist reduced — steering may require increased effort. ” a related alert also stated lane departure avoidance features were unavailable. This created a safety concern because steering effort may unexpectedly increase during low-speed turns or parking maneuvers. Tesla later inspected the vehicle and documented torn front lower lateral/compliance link bushings and vehicle log data showing steering gear alerts. Tesla replaced the front lower lateral links and front lower compliance links and performed alignment work. After those repairs, Tesla stated a steering gear alert was still present and recommended steering gear/steering rack replacement with additional alignment work. The concern is that a steering/alignment warning occurred shortly before the physical front-end failure and reduced steering-assist event, but the earlier Tesla visit does not clearly document that the warning was meaningfully inspected or safety-assessed. Vehicle is currently unsafe to drive and is in Teslas possession.

15 Steering problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 05/21/2026

While driving, a critical heavy-duty front lower control arm / lateral link bolt completely detached from my vehicle and was found intact on the ground with factory green threadlocker still visible on the threads. The undercarriage and chassis show absolutely zero signs of external impact, scrape, or road hazard damage. This structural failure caused an immediate, severe safety hazard, rendering the vehicle completely unsafe to drive due to a catastrophic risk of wheel separation and total loss of steering control. This exact component failure is identical to Tesla's historical safety recalls, specifically NHTSA recall campaign number 21v835000 and its expansions, which explicitly state: "the front suspension lateral link bolts may not have been secured to the correct specifications. . . Causing the fasteners to loosen over time and separate from the sub-frame. " because the bolt loosened and fell out over time due to insufficient factory torque, the loose component put uneven mechanical stress on the lower control arm, resulting in the complete failure and damage of the control arm assembly. Tesla service center has refused to honor this as a latent manufacturing defect, hiding behind warranty expiration. They have unconscionably misclassified a known, life-threatening production defect as standard "wear and tear," forcing me to pay a $265 diagnostic fee and the full cost of a complete control arm replacement under protest. I am filing this report because Tesla is actively endangering consumers by failing to expand their suspension fastener recall to cover vehicles experiencing the exact same catastrophic manufacturing defect outside the arbitrary warranty period. Nhtsa odi complaint records show multiple substantially similar failures outside Tesla’s recall VIN population, including odi nos. 11630487, 11554803, 11494976, 11493354, 11486040, 11689987, 11675200, and 11632785 for Model Y vehicles, and odi nos. 11720800, 11705487, 11675676, 11664858, 11637813, etc.

16 Steering problem of the 2025 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 05/19/2026

Am reporting a serious safety concern involving a 2025 Tesla Model Y, VIN [xxx] . On [xxx], the vehicle was being driven on [xxx] in columbus, ohio while the driver was traveling to columbus preparatory academy. During the trip, the steering reportedly stopped responding properly, and the driver struggled to control the vehicle. Witnesses at the scene reported that the driver appeared to be fighting with the steering and trying to stop the vehicle or prevent it from drifting. The vehicle then lost control, accelerated or continued moving uncontrollably, flipped/rolled over, and sustained major damage. A police report was created by the columbus police department under report number [xxx]. The vehicle involved is a 2025 Tesla Model Y. This was a serious crash involving a possible steering malfunction, loss of control, and rollover. The vehicle is currently located at pro-cars, 400 stimmel rd, columbus, OH 43223. Tesla was contacted after the incident, and the representative advised that the vehicle should be taken to a collision center. I am filing this complaint because the incident appears to involve a potential safety defect affecting steering control and vehicle control. I request that NHTSA review this matter as a possible vehicle safety defect. The vehicle has not yet been repaired, and I am attempting to preserve it for inspection. I have supporting materials including the police report, photos/videos, witness information if needed, towing/storage documentation, and communications regarding the vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2025 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

17 Steering problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 05/19/2026

While making a normal right turn at low speed in a residential neighborhood, I heard knocking sounds from inside the vehicle and immediately lost steering control. I had to physically force the wheel back into position to regain control of the car. After the initial incident, every right turn and brake application produced a loud rubber grinding sound accompanied by significant loss of steering control. The vehicle was completely unsafe to drive. Tesla previously issued recall sb-22-31-002 for 2023 Model Y vehicles for improperly torqued front lower lateral link fasteners at the factory which are the exact same components that failed on my vehicle. Tesla confirmed my VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle has been driven normally with no accidents or abuse. Mileage at time of failure was approximately 58,000 miles.

18 Steering problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 05/16/2026

Bolt fell out of the lateral control arm on the front left wheel. Car was inoperable.

19 Steering problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 05/16/2026

On Saturday 16th oct 2026 around 10 am est, while driving down the ramp from parking floor 2 to parking floor 1 in the jfk terminal 4 short term parking garage (john f. Kennedy International airport, new york), the Tesla vehicle suddenly accelerated forward very fast on its own without any input on the accelerator pedal. Either I was not pressing the gas pedal at the time, or I was slowing pressing as the car was going down on ramp. The car surged ahead with significant force and struck a fence at the bottom/end of the ramp area. There were two passengers in the vehicle. No other vehicles were involved. The impact caused: my Tesla Model Y to sustain severe front-end damage and appear to be a total loss. Injuries to both passengers. Minor scratches on my hands. Sequence of events: I was driving the vehicle at low speed down the ramp from parking level 2 to level 1 in jfk terminal 4 short term parking. Without pressing the accelerator, the car unexpectedly accelerated. Braking did not prevent the impact. The vehicle came to a stop only after hitting the fence. Today, I have reported this as a sudden/unintended acceleration event to Tesla and requested a full vehicle data log review. I would like Tesla to investigate following. 1. Why the car suddenly accelerated on very speed? 2. Why the steering got locked when it happened? 3. Since it is the closed parking lot, why Tesla did not stop automatically before hitting fence? I have been driving for more than 27 years, I never had any accident, and I never got any tickets in last 27 years.

20 Steering problem of the 2026 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 05/15/2026

2025/2026 Tesla Model Y juniper experiences noticeable vibration starting at approximately 75 mph on smooth highways. The vibration is felt throughout the entire vehicle: steering wheel, doors, seats, and pedals/floor. It is not limited to the steering wheel. Tire balancing, alignment, and foam checks have all been performed with no resolution. Tesla service states the issue is ‘normal/within spec. ’ video of the vibration with speedometer visible is attached. This matches a widespread pattern reported by other juniper owners. Video: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

21 Steering problem of the 2021 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 04/12/2026

My 2021 Model Y has about 24,500 miles began squeaking when turning the steering wheel or hitting bumps. I read online that many Tesla owners had the same issue. The design on these weren't great allowing water to penetrate these parts and cause them to ware down faster. I already paid for the replacement of the upper and lower control arms.

22 Steering problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 04/09/2026

On the evening of April 8th 2026, my wife was driving our 2023 Tesla Model Y home in san francisco, CA when she noticed unusual noise coming from the front left wheel area. The vehicle was otherwise functioning normally aside from the noise. The following morning, I inspected the vehicle and found a large hex bolt (class 10. 9 grade) on the ground directly beneath the car. The front left wheel was binding and the vehicle was completely undrivable — the wheel felt stuck and made grinding/scraping noises when attempting to move. Based on the bolt size, grade, and location, this appears to be a front suspension lateral link fastener that detached from the subframe. This is the same defect described in NHTSA recalls 21v-835, 22v-895, and 23v-235, involving under-torqued or improperly secured front suspension fasteners on Tesla Model Y vehicles. The vehicle had 28,482 miles at the time of the incident. There was no prior collision, impact, or road hazard event. No warning or alert appeared on the Tesla touchscreen at any point. The vehicle displayed no diagnostic message despite having a compromised suspension component.

23 Steering problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 04/06/2026

While performing a low-speed reverse turn into a driveway, a loud clunk was heard and the driver side front wheel completely separated from alignment. The vehicle became immediately undrivable. Upon inspection, the ball joint retaining nut was found to be absent from the front driver side suspension assembly. No torque verification mark was present on the fastener. The vehicle is currently at an authorized Tesla service center for repair and is available for inspection. Safety risk: complete loss of wheel alignment and directional control. Failure occurred at low speed in a private driveway. Had this occurred at highway speed the consequences could have been catastrophic. Confirmed by dealer: an authorized Tesla service advisor confirmed that a technical service bulletin exists in Tesla’s system for this exact condition. No owner notification was issued prior to failure. The advisor confirmed the retaining nut is installed by an automated robot assembly process with no human torque verification step and no verification mark applied. Prior warning symptoms: none. No warning lamps, no messages, no audible symptoms prior to catastrophic failure. The absence of a retaining nut on a safety-critical suspension fastener with no quality verification process represents a systemic assembly defect potentially affecting all vehicles produced under the same assembly process.

24 Steering problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 04/06/2026

The bolts attaching the front passenger wheel's lower lateral link to the body fell out. Luckily this occurred while pulling into a parking lot. Once both bolts had fallen out the vehicle was not steerable. There have been many instances of this reported online, but usually they occur with far fewer miles and I was not experiencing the symptoms. The day prior there was an alert stating that an alignment was needed but it was still okay to drive. I could tell there was a slight alignment issue while driving. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla service center and is currently being repaired.

25 Steering problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 03/31/2026

I was parking my vehicle in my driveway, turning left to park in front of my garage and heard a loud pop. I got out, looked underneath the car and didnt see anything unusual. I later investigated by moving the vehicle and noticed my steering wheel was turning without any driver input, and heard the tires scrubbing more than normal. I got out of the vehicle and noticed my tires were not aligned, having one tire pointing to the left, and the other tire pointing straight. Then I noticed a large bolt on the ground. I called Tesla and they told me my car was 2000 miles out of warranty and would have to pay for towing and the repair. I feel the steering should still be covered under warranty.

26 Steering problem of the 2022 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 03/25/2026

Following a 25-day repair at a certified collision center due to an earlier accident, the vehicle's full self-driving (fsd) and active safety systems began failing. The vehicle repeatedly failed to keep speed and failed to stay centered in the lane. On March 25, 2026, while traveling at low speed on a public roadway with fsd actively engaged, the system failed to maintain a stable path and incorrectly steered the vehicle into a curb, causing property damage to the wheel. This failure put my safety and the safety of surrounding traffic at risk by executing an unpredictable steering maneuver that the active safety systems failed to prevent. The vehicle was taken to the manufacturer's service center twice with this specific complaint prior to the curb strike. The service center investigated and officially concluded that this was not a software issue, stating that they could do nothing else. They deferred the resolution back to the collision shop, citing likely camera/sensor physical misalignment from the 25-day body repair. The collision shop is now refusing to review the vehicle or inspect the hardware, claiming lack of visible exterior damage despite the internal service team stating this is a latent hardware alignment defect. The vehicle is currently in the same failing condition and available for inspection upon request. No warning lamps or error messages appeared on the screen prior to the failure or the curb strike. The symptom of unpredictable lane tracking first appeared immediately upon receiving the vehicle back from the collision repair earlier this year. Note: I have a formal data privacy request pending with Tesla to pull the exact chat logs showing their refusal to service this hardware defect. I will provide these to the investigator upon follow-up.

27 Steering problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 03/20/2026

Catastrophic axle failure, I was driving out from my driveway when this happened. Just the day before my wife was driving on the highway, and I was driving with my two boys. I have video of the complete failure of the left driver's side axle. The vehicle was towed by the dealer and is at the dealer as we speak. There has been no inspection by the police or insurance representative. We had reported it to Tesla at our last appointment but they said they could not recreate the noise.

28 Steering problem of the 2021 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 03/19/2026

I was entering the on-ramp to [xxx] , from [xxx] , to merge onto the freeway east bound towards [xxx] , when my Tesla suddenly lost all power, the brakes did not work and the power steering completely failed making it feel like it was locked up. I was traveling approximately 40-50 mph at the time nearing the gore point to merge onto the freeway. Fortunately I was in the inside lane and I rolled to a stop away from other vehicles. I could not steer at all. Had I been completely on the freeway, I could have been rear ended badly. I had my two young boys in the vehicle with me, both [xxx] and [xxx] . We were completely trapped in the vehicle with no power. My [xxx] old remembered to use the manual latch to get out. I opened my door manually and it broke my driver side glass window. Vehicles were passing us rapidly to enter the freeway. I called my husband who is a police officer and he came and picked us up. We called Tesla who said they could not get a read on our battery whatsoever. We called a tow company and had this vehicle towed to Tesla repair center in [xxx] , after reporting our traumatic event. They claim our warranty is expired, but our vehicle only has 37,638 miles and should be covered under the 8 year, 120,000 mile warranty that covers a major malfunction like this. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

29 Steering problem of the 2025 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 03/15/2026

Using Tesla fsd (full self-driving supervised) I drove home, approximately 120 miles, from a family visit. From previous experience with Tesla fsd, I knew that the navigation system would navigate into the incorrect of 2 driveways (left, instead of the correct driveway, right) leading to my parking space. Therefore, upon arriving at the building address I endeavored to take over full control by tapping break and manually turning to the right driveway, whereupon the steering wheel locked up completely and the car lurched forward crashing through the security gate and into a parked car directly in line with how the locked steering directed it. To the best of my knowledge, the car was removed to a salvage location where it was considered a total loss.

30 Steering problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 03/13/2026

While driving under normal conditions, without any prior impact, collision, or road hazard, the control arm on my vehicle suddenly detached. This occurred during active driving and caused an immediate loss of vehicle stability and control. The failure happened without warning and posed a serious safety risk. At the time of the incident, my children were in the vehicle, which significantly increased the danger. The vehicle had not been involved in any accident or misuse. This appears to be a potential manufacturing or assembly defect involving a critical suspension component. Tesla towed the vehicle and repaired it at no cost. However, a suspension/control arm failure during normal driving is a serious safety concern that could lead to loss of steering control and possible crash. I am reporting this incident for safety investigation purposes, as this type of failure may pose a broader risk to other drivers.

31 Steering problem of the 2026 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 03/13/2026

I am reporting a suspected defect involving the front suspension or steering system of my Tesla Model Y. The vehicle produces loud popping, knocking, and rattling noises from the front end when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, particularly as the steering approaches full lock in either direction. The noise appears to originate from the front suspension or steering components and occurs consistently during normal operation. This issue raises concerns about potential premature wear, component failure, or loss of steering control, which could pose a safety risk.

32 Steering problem of the 2026 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 03/12/2026

On [xxx] 1512pm. Drive on [xxx] with auto pilot driving. Seen on construction and hit some object driver side by front bumper , fender, side mirror,door and wheel. Couldn't avoid crash by control handle. There is none of airbag action. All deployed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

33 Steering problem of the 2023 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 03/07/2026

Incident date?March 07, 2026] current mileage, 31625 miles ? I am reporting a catastrophic structural failure of a safety-critical suspension component on my Tesla Model Y. ?upon inspection, I discovered that one of the bolts securing the driver-side lower control arm has completely detached and fallen off. A second bolt is approximately 50% loose. This has caused a significant safety hazard, as the control arm is no longer properly secured to the subframe, leading to a high risk of total steering loss and wheel detachment while driving. ?furthermore, when I contacted Tesla service, they demonstrated extreme negligence by instructing me to drive the vehicle in this lethal condition to their service center. They also initially refused to cover the towing and repair costs, claiming it was not a factory defect despite the clear evidence of fastener failure (improper torque or thread locker application during manufacturing). ?this is a clear manufacturing defect that poses an immediate threat to the driver, passengers, and other road users. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate this batch of Model Y vehicles for suspension fastener integrity issues to prevent potential fatal accidents.

34 Steering problem of the 2026 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 03/04/2026

I am reporting a suspected defect involving the front suspension or steering system of my 2026 Tesla Model Y awd. The vehicle produces loud popping, knocking, and rattling noises from the front end when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, particularly when the steering approaches full lock in either direction. The issue is most noticeable when entering or exiting uneven surfaces such as sloped driveways or parking lot entrances where the suspension is under load. During these conditions, the front suspension produces distinct mechanical popping or knocking sounds that appear to originate from the front wheel or suspension area. The noise does not occur while driving straight. It becomes significantly more noticeable when turning left or right at low speeds and worsens as the steering approaches full lock. In addition to the noise, a noticeable mechanical jolt or feedback can be felt through the steering wheel when the popping or knocking occurs. This issue began suddenly without any warning signs. One moment the vehicle was operating normally, and the next the popping and knocking noises began. Since that time the issue has continued consistently during turning maneuvers. The vehicle has not been involved in any collision and has been driven under normal conditions. Numerous other 2026 Tesla Model Y owners have reported similar front suspension symptoms, suggesting this may represent a broader pattern of potential suspension or steering component issues. Because the noise and feedback occur through the steering system while the suspension is under load, this raises concern that a suspension or steering component may be shifting, binding, or prematurely wearing. This condition raises safety concerns because abnormal movement or failure of steering or suspension components could affect vehicle control during turning or emergency maneuvers. I request that this issue be investigated for a possible defect trend affecting Tesla Model Y vehicles.

35 Steering problem of the 2026 Tesla Model Y

Failure Date: 03/03/2026

On [xxx] I pick up my new Tesla y. On [xxx], while traveling at highway speeds on [xxx] with autopilot "fsd" engaged, my 2026 Tesla Model Y experienced a sudden vehicle shutdown and start giving multiple alerts without warning. The vehicle displayed multiple critical alerts: "vehicle shutdown", "pull over safely", "stability control disabled. " upon the failure, autopilot fsd disengaged, and the power steering immediately became extremely heavy ("hard"), making the vehicle difficult to steer. The car lost all propulsion. I had to manually maneuver the heavy, unpowered vehicle through active highway traffic to reach the shoulder, which created an immediate and severe safety risk. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla service center in fort lauderdale with only 130 miles on the odometer. Technicians confirmed a "major motor failure" of the rear drive unit requiring a full replacement. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).


Other Common Steering related problems of Tesla Model Y


Model Y Service Bulletins
Model Y Defect Investigations