2017 Tesla Model X: loss of power steering

Filed Nov 6, 2025 · Driver assistance, Steering · MA

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

Filed Mar 24, 2025 · Steering · MT

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.

Filed Jun 1, 2023 · Steering · CA

The intermediate shaft - steering column is a design defect on these cars. A service bulletin has been issued but that is insufficient. This is a critical safety issue which could lead the driver to lose control of the vehicle. It felt like losing power steering and it required a lot of force to maintain steering control. Other owners have experienced this issue and posted their experience here: https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/steering-u-joint-lower-shaft-issue-and-my-solution-so-far.212604/. Tesla has since redesigned this part with a CV boot to prevent corrosion and degradation of this critical joint. It is clear that the original design was flawed and all should be replaced immediately.

Filed Sep 23, 2022 · Brakes, Electrical · NJ

Starting on May 5, 2022, my car has been plagued with numerous errors messages that stated multiple features of my car were malfunctioning/disabled, both while I first got into the car, and also occurring suddenly without any warning while the car was IN MOTION on the road. This included loss of power steering, traction control, stability control, parking brake, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure avoidance . The same problem(loss of all these vital features) has recurred many times on May 22nd, May 31st, July 8th, and most recently, September 14th. Each time I brought the car in to the Tesla service center, they would have absolutely no idea what was causing the same exact issues. At the very first visit, they stated the incorrect-sized tires were likely the culprit. Even after the correct sized tires were put on, the same problems returned weeks later. Another time they replaced the MCU, but again the problem returned. Every time I brought the car in, they would basically return the car with no definitive repairs done as by the time they started working on my car, all the errors had disappeared, and they would declare the car as being "fixed". After 5 visits for the SAME EXACT problem over the past 5 months, it is extremely clear that Tesla has no idea what is wrong with the car, and keeps returning the car to me without permanently solving the problem. At this point, I feel this car should not be on the road as I could lose vital controls(power steering, brakes, etc) all of a sudden with no warning, exposing the passengers inside, and all vehicles and pedestrians around it to serious, life-threatening danger. Despite this grave risk, Tesla has refused to buy the car back even though it still has an active factory warranty, claiming that it is past the two-year buy-back window, and the fact that it already has a lemon title(for a completely different issue) from 2019. It is just a matter of time before a serious accident happens.

Filed Mar 15, 2022 · Steering · DC

Driving the model X has been difficult lately since the steering is extremely stiff. Tesla service scheduled me to replace intermediate 1st generation Shaft, steering column, lower dual motor. They will replace lower shaft on left hand drive & replaced steering I-shaft link upper.

Filed Dec 8, 2021 · Driver assistance, Steering · 60,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model X. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number 21V035000(Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure and while operating the vehicle the display screen which included the backup camera would randomly malfunction causing the screen to freeze or turn black. Additionally, while operating the vehicle the power steering assist had malfunctioned causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed Jul 9, 2021 · Steering, Suspension · MA

The specific issue happen while I was I was pulling out of my driveway. The front passenger side suddenly started squeaking. After getting on the highway and accelerating, the car started shaking, and making louder and louder noises. Inspecting the assembly next to the front passenger side tire, I saw that the control arm assembly was making metal on metal contact and the wheel was not horizontally in place (it wiggles on steering). I took the car to the service center. They confirmed that the control arm assembly is corroded and that the issue could cause an accident if it happens while driving as I could lose steering control.

Filed Aug 19, 2020 · Brakes · 75,000 miles · TX

The vehicle experienced a multiple-system failure. Warning lights indicated loss of steering assist, loss of cruise control, loss of braking assist, and other safety features. A reset of the computer rectified the issue, but only temporarily, and the software fails again and again. In failure mode, which comes on unpredictably, the brakes make a terrible grinding sound and are not as effective in stopping the car. This is a major safety concern. The onset of these failures is usually when the car is moving and occurs randomly.

Filed Oct 24, 2017 · Steering · 500 miles · CA

Here is a complaint posted on the tesla forum about a total loss of power steering: https://forums.tesla.com/forum/forums/broken-power-steering snip** my wife called today to tell me her new tesla x had an error light that said service and power steering assist may be limited. I called my local center to inquire as to what to do next. I asked if the car was driveable, as at that time the steering seemed to be working fine. They said go for it, they'd look at the logs and get back to me. Sure enough on my way home from an errand with my 3 kids in the car, the steering stopped working. Thank god it was me driving, as there would be no way my wife would have been able to turn the wheel at all. I drove home carefully. After some research it seems this is an issue several others have gone through. Many have noted a loose ground or other power connection issue. I find it unbelievable that I could find this out in a few moments on google, but when calling tesla service, they told me to go ahead and drive the car. When I called them back, and let them know their advice could have killed me or at least gotten me into an accident, I did not get much in the way of a response.** this same failure is being discussed on many of the tesla forums. This is unacceptably dangerous. Please take urgent action to protect lives. Thank you. Concerned citizen.