2023 Tesla Model 3: sudden loss of power

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · Steering · CA · crash · 2 injuries

While making a right turn from a near-stopped position, the steering wheel became stuck or extremely difficult to turn. The vehicle initially turned right normally, but when I attempted to steer back left/counterclockwise to complete the turn and straighten the vehicle, the steering wheel did not respond as expected. This caused the vehicle to continue in the wrong direction and resulted in a collision. I believe the electronic power steering assist system malfunctioned or failed. My concern is that the power steering assist experienced an overstress condition, causing a loss of power steering assist after the vehicle almost reached a stop and then accelerated again. This put my safety and the safety of others at risk because I was unable to steer the vehicle as intended during a low-speed turning maneuver.

Filed Mar 19, 2026 · Electrical · CA

Door cannot be opened during power loss / emergency. I am a Tesla Model 3 owner in California. I discovered that the rear doors do not have a mechanical emergency release. Tesla service confirmed that my vehicle does not include any manual rear emergency door release system. This raises a serious safety concern because, in the event of a crash, fire, or 12V power failure, rear passengers—especially children or elderly occupants—may be unable to exit the vehicle. I request the federal safety agency to investigate whether the absence of a mechanical rear emergency release complies with FMVSS 206 and whether Tesla’s design poses a safety risk during emergency egress.

Filed Jan 5, 2024 · Steering · FL

The car lost power steering while driving

Filed Dec 28, 2023 · Engine · 39,500 miles · IL

The contact rented a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50-60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The Engine Lost Power message was displayed, instructing the contact to pull over immediately; unable to drive, exiting and re-entering the vehicle may restore operation. Following the directions, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to the destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,500.

Filed Oct 17, 2023 · Steering · GA

Lost power steering while driving. Luckily this occurred while I was going less than 5mph and near a parking lot, so was able to muscle the steering to a safe place. Received a warning from the car that “steering assist is reduced” randomly. Luckily we were going slowly and able to find a safe place to park, so my wife and kids were safe. Could barely turn the wheel enough to park safely. Once restarted a few hours later power steering worked again. Car has now been in a manufacturers shop for a week to try and figure out the issue.

Filed Sep 14, 2023 · Steering · TX

Power steering is intermittently and unpredictably failing. The issue has occurred approximately 10 times in total and has occurred both while exiting parking spots and while driving on the road. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request and has been given to Tesla Service Center for review. The service representative was not able to reproduce the issue and the vehicle was returned. Especially while driving, loss of power steering could force me into an accident, as I'm not able to control the vehicle in a reliable manner. When the issue occurs, I receive an error that says "steering assist reduced, steering may require increased effort."

Filed Sep 13, 2023 · Steering · CA

Loss of power steering. Car started normally, but with no warning from the car, the steering wheel could be turned only with extreme effort. I tried to make a circle around the house, but barely avoided hitting other parked cars and called Tesla service.

Filed Sep 12, 2023 · Seats · CA

I just purchased this new 2023 Tesla Model 3. I am not reporting a failed or malfunctioning component but I have a safety concern. After taking delivery I noticed that there are no emergency door latch releases on the rear seats like there are on the front seats. This could make exiting the back seats very difficult or even impossible in the event of an emergency with loss of power to the vehicle. I cannot believe that this feature was omitted. I worry that people will die because they will not be able to escape a burning vehicle quickly enough. This seems like the door could be easily modified to correct this issue and make this vehicle much safer.

Filed Aug 23, 2023 · Steering · AZ

Steering wheel locked up while operating not allowing me to turn the wheel. Loss of power steering and control. Screen displaying error "Steering assist reduced" when in reality was completely unable to steer. Vehicle still powered and accelerated however no control over steering.

Filed Aug 22, 2023 · Steering · AZ

Car lost power steering without warning

Filed Aug 3, 2023 · Steering · 834 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle experienced gradual loss of power steering assist. The contact veered to the side of the road and contacted roadside assistance. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the steering wheel responded as needed; however, the contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 834.

Filed Aug 1, 2023 · Steering · AL

I just read an article on Yahoo Finance detailing steering issues with a few Tesla Model 3 and Model Y's. This issue involves loss of steering completely or loss of power steering. Additionally the screen says "power steering is reduced or disabled". Well, I had this exact thing happen to me. I bought the car on May 6, 2023. Two weeks later, May 20th, I went to leave the house and my Model 3 had no steering. I literally could not turn the steering wheel and the screen said "power steering is reduced or disabled". I tried everything to fix the issue. I even did a complete "reboot", but to no avail. I submitted a service claim to Tesla and told them they would have to come pick up my car as there was no way the car could be driven to Atlanta for service. Later that day, I remembered my screen also said "charging error", along with "power steering is reduced or disabled". So, I decided to charge the car to 100%. Well, that seemed to fix the problem. Since then the steering has worked fine. (I am thankful the car was parked at home when it lost steering.) Just an FYI - I have a screen shot of my service request filed with Tesla back on May 20th should you need that.