2017 Tesla Model S steering problems

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Steering · 156,815 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30-40 MPH on the highway, the steering wheel became inoperable and disconnected from the steering rack. The failure occurred three times. During each failure, the steering wheel failed to turn to the left or the right, causing a loss of vehicle control. The parking brake was activated, and the contact waited for emergency services while stopped in active traffic lanes. The contact stated that recall repairs were performed on August 22nd; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was aged, suggesting the purchase of a replacement vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla Service Center and was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,815.

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Steering · NY

While I was on the highway driving with my daughter in the car with me the steering wheel detached mid drive on the highway I am so thankful there was no one behind me in front of me, but I couldn’t turn. I couldn’t even properly move. I had to call the cops so they could safely help me get out of this situation. This not only affected me. It could’ve been a hazard to everyone around me it could’ve been a hazard to me and my daughter that was inside the vehicle. What irritates me the most about the situation is because I have went and got the same issue service by Tesla and then they said that it was repaired and that this issue was solved and now the same exact thing happened again and now they’re asking me to pay 8000 to repair this issue that they claim they apparently already resolved. Why would I pay 8000 for an issue that is happening multiple times and I’m not doing anything to cause this. It just keeps happening. The car is clearly unsafe. and there was nothing to have warned me that this was gonna happen. I was just driving on the highway no warning message no prior issues prepared me for this. It just detached the whole steering wheel detached. From my research it is a common issue that keeps happening with all Teslas no matter what model in year it keeps happening so it’s a Tesla issue.

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · VA

Backing out of driveway, the steering wheel was very hard to turn. The dash indicated the steering assist feature wasn't working. After restarting the software and the problem persisting, I investigated the assist motor/pump and found that the ground to the chassis was very corroded. I attempted to remove the nut to clean contacts and it sheared off. The grounding post had corroded through (white galvanic corrosion). I attached the assist motor ground to another point on the chassis and the power steering worked again.

Filed Jun 14, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · OH

This happens about 30%to 40% of the time when using Full Self Driving Supervised on HW3, FSD version 12.6.4, software version 2026.14.6. When changing marked lanes to the right, either initiated by FSD or the driver asking FSD to move to the right by engaging the right turn signals, it will do one of 2 things: 1. Change lanes properly about 70% of the time 2. Start and abort the lane. Hange swerving back and forth between the 2 lanes, ot 3. Does nothing and drives straight without changing lanes, all the while with the turn signals on. #2 is particularly dangerous.

Filed Nov 23, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · FL

I am reporting multiple safety-related defects on my 2017 Tesla Model S (VIN [XXX] ) that were present at the time of purchase but not disclosed by the selling dealer (Starling Ford, Titusville, FL). A certified independent EV repair facility (The Electrified Garage) inspected the vehicle on 11/17/2025 and documented the following safety defects: • failing/worn suspension components (control arms, thrust arms, cracked bushings) • torn sway-bar link boots • inoperative right-rear window regulator • driver window contacting internal wiring harness • moisture in the rear inner tail lamp • previous A/C drain blockage causing interior water intrusion These issues pose risks related to steering stability, electrical safety, visibility, and structural integrity. All of these conditions existed prior to the sale and were not disclosed. I am requesting the federal safety agency to log this complaint for federal safety review as these defects involve suspension, electrical moisture intrusion, and visibility issues that may impact the safe operation of the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 22, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · FL

Upon purchasing the vehicle, I discovered multiple critical safety defects that were not disclosed at the time of sale and were confirmed by an independent EV specialist (Electrified Garage). These defects include worn and failing front and rear suspension components (control arms, thrust arms, and cracked/damaged bushings), a failing sway bar link boot, and a malfunctioning window that makes contact with the internal wiring harness. The suspension defects create instability over bumps and uneven roads, producing clunks, shifting, and vibration that affect steering control and overall stability. These issues present a risk of suspension failure while driving, which could cause loss of control. The window/wiring contact also poses a potential electrical hazard if the harness becomes damaged. The independent inspection documented that these defects existed before I took possession of the vehicle. The dealer did not disclose any of these issues, and the defects were not visible during a standard test drive. I am reporting this because the suspension defects directly affect vehicle handling, safety, and crash-avoidance capability. I want the federal safety agency to be aware in case similar defects appear in other vehicles of the same model/year.

Filed Jun 10, 2025 · Driver assistance, Steering · MO

While merging onto the highway an error message showed up on the dash stating "Steering Assist May be Reduced" upon immediately after the steering froze and could only be moved slightly using significant force. Approx. 75lbs. I am athletic and work out and had trouble moving the car to the side. If my wife or daughter had driven the car they would not have been able to steer and this could have caused a significant accident, injury or death. Upon pulling over, I rebooted both computers on the Tesla Model S 75 D and the problem went away. I immediately drove to the Tesla dealer in Chesterfield, MO. There they seemed unconcerned, and advised me it was likely just a firmware issue and wouldn't be able to look at the car until the next week. I was shocked. Since the systems seemed to work I drove home and parked the car. On the driveway, the same error showed up and steering seemed again to lock up. After rebooting problem went away. Looking at the Tesla forums this seems to have happened before and poses a serious danger to the driver, occupants and fellow drivers on the road. I no longer feel safe driving the car.

Filed Jun 6, 2025 · Steering · ID

The intermediate steering shaft is binding, causing difficulty turning the wheel and inconsistent steering wheel feel. It often will cause the full self driving to disengage during turns Tesla has revised the part that now includes a protective rubber bootyet has not issued a recall as the part accumulates debris and rust out and binding the universal joint

Filed May 8, 2025 · Steering · MO

As I was driving down my driveway to the street the power steering failed. It was extremely difficult to then steer. My wife would have been unable to. I was able to re-enter the driveway, with GREAT difficulty from which the car was towed on a flatbed to the local Tesla service center. Had I been on busy city streets of highway I fear what would have happened. The service center cited the failure of a fuse ( fuse part # FUSE,BF180A,32V; #1071379-80-A) Though the car is a 2017 model the odometer shows 42,302 miles. I don’t know if this a systematic issue but I view it as a safety issue and so am reporting it.

Filed May 4, 2025 · Driver assistance, Steering · OH

Using software version 2025.14.1 with FSD (Full Self Driving) version 12.6.4. About 50% of the time the vehicle attempts and fails to change lanes when using FSD. It will: 1. Turn on signal and not change lanes, confusing cars around me. Or more often 2. Swerve between lanes indefinitely. See example at [XXX] It drives like a drunk driver. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)