Tesla Model X steering lock-up problems

Filed May 28, 2026 · Steering · MD

The steering wheel locks periodically and I have to get out and re enter my car. On long drives it works pretty fine and does not do this much on highways only once but in hotter weathers it seems to be much much worse. This happened once before the warranty but I did not think much of it. In one instance the steering wheel was so tight that it hurt my wrist while getting off the road

Filed Apr 16, 2026 · Steering · 55,340 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to control and was pulling to one side, almost causing a crash with another vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer test drove the vehicle and the failure reoccurred, and the dealer deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred shortly after the stabilizer arm and toe link were repaired. The contact also stated that a mobile message indicated that the I-shaft had failed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,340.

Filed Mar 24, 2026 · Steering · NY

I experienced a total steering lockup and loss of vehicle control immediately following a steering column and suspension repair at a certified Tesla service center at [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 5, 2026 · Steering · CT

The electronic power steering (EPS) is struggling, requiring increased driver effort to steer. This seems to be dangerous when driving. The Full Self Driving (FSD) capability also stops abruptly when the steering locks up. Again, this is very risky and can cause serious accidents. I see that several owners have posted on social media about this same issue. Note, that there were recalls issued related to corroded steering bolts for Tesla Model X built up till November 2016. My car is built in 2017.

Filed Jul 17, 2025 · Steering · TX

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.

Filed Jul 8, 2025 · Steering · 100,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Nov 29, 2024 · Acceleration, Electrical · WA

I took an exit form the highway on [XXX] 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. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 26, 2024 · Steering · NC

2018 Tesla X with only 48k miles has lost power (electric) steering and controllability. This is a huge safety issue which I see in many, many other Tesla X reports on the federal safety agency web sire. Tesla has acknowledge it a know issue however says they can’t get us an appointment to did the problem for until January 6th, 10 weeks from us contacting them. Totally unacceptable and they don’t care. There’s no warning lights, no other issues, just steering locks in 1/4 turn increments which I’m fairly sure is the steering “u joint” others have spoke about. No one local will touch it and Tesla will not come out with novel mechanic to assist. They say tow it in (2 hour) to our service center, $500, and we’ll look at it January 6th, today is November 26th. I admire Elon and everything he stands for, I’m positive if I could speak to him this service would not be acceptable to him either. Over 2 months without a car…. Really….. This is a clear and obvious safety issue and should be a recall for all 2018 Tesla Model X vehicles. I’ve owned many cars and never had a steering column-u joint issue at 48k miles. In closing it should be known Tesla as well says the estimate for repair is $600…… plus the tow. For a 48k mile car, the federal safety agency, please help the hundreds of owners who are having this huge SAFETY ISSUE! Thank you !

Filed Jul 29, 2024 · Steering · CA

We bought the Tesla Model X as a CPO vehicle from Tesla on [XXX]. Within the first 2 months of driving the car we saw an an alert for “Steering assist reduced” and shortly after the steering wheel locked up making the car inoperable. This has happened twice while driving: [XXX] [XXX] This puts the driver and passengers at huge risk because the car was unable to turn while blocking a major intersection on [XXX] . We have taken in the vehicle in to Telsa Santa Barbara service center and they were unable to reproduce the issues so they did not make any fixes and returned the vehicle back in the same condition. There was a “Steering assist reduced” warning message to the driver before the steering wheel locked up. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 11, 2024 · Steering · MA

Driving vehicle on a local highway at about 35 mph when suddenly the steering wheel locked up while making a slight turn. The steering wheel was locked to the 2:00 position and unable to turn or change direction AT ALL, requiring emergency braking to avoid collision with oncoming traffic. Once stopped, the vehicle was restarted with temporary (5 secs) of return of function to the steering but would fail again. Unfortunately, restarting the vehicle did not help thereafter. Steering was attempted to move to a safe location off the road, which required significant about of force to turn (I am a rock climber of [XXX] and considered myself quite strong). The vehicle had to be towed. An error message was displayed by the computer as "EPAS_W001" “steering assist reduced”. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)