2021 Tesla Model Y: lane keeping assist jerks the wheel

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA

On XXX (4:59 PM and 5:47 PM) and XXX (7:49 AM), while driving, my 2021 Tesla Model Y (approx. 41,500 miles) displayed "Steering assist reduced" (UI_a020), each followed within about a minute by "Lane Departure Avoidance unavailable" (APP_w264). [Add if true: The steering felt noticeably heavier when the alert appeared.] The vehicle's 12V system tested healthy in Service Mode (13.32 V, DC-DC output normal). Tesla Service ([XXX]; service SV02F94980) diagnosed an Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) rack motor control error with limited power output from overheat or overload protection. On XXX, at 41,788 miles, Tesla replaced the steering gear (part 1188832-00-B), along with the front lower compliance and lateral links, and performed an alignment. I paid $4,522.27 out of pocket; Tesla declined goodwill. Losing power steering assist while driving is a safety hazard. The failed rack belongs to the same Mando-manufactured family (XXX) named in recall 25V‑092 and investigation EA24001, which covered only 2023 Model 3 and Model Y. the federal safety agency's complaint database shows a growing number of 2021 Model Y complaints describing the same UI_a020 alert and the same rack replacement, many filed in 2026. I ask the federal safety agency to evaluate whether the defect and remedy should extend to 2021 Model Y vehicles. Invoice attached. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Driver assistance, Visibility · CA

My 2021 Tesla Model Y (Autopilot Hardware 3) had a malfunction of its camera system and automatic windshield wipers after an over-the-air software update. The update was version 2026.38.5.1, which included FSD (Supervised) v14.3 Lite, and it installed on Oct 17. The vehicle had no problems with these systems before the update. After the update, the rearview camera did not display when shifting into reverse, the passenger side rear camera feeds stopped working, the automatic wipers did not activate in rain. Tesla’s automatic wipers depend on the vehicle’s cameras rather than a separate rain sensor, so both failures point to the camera or Autopilot computer system. Safety risk: Without a working rearview camera, I could not reliably see pedestrians, children, or objects behind the vehicle when reversing. Without working automatic wipers, visibility in rain depended entirely on manual control. Camera-dependent safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning may also have been affected. The problem first appeared immediately after the 2026.38.5.1 update. I went to the Tesla service center and they are charging an exorbitant to even diagnose the issue ($265 per issue). Current status: On Oct 26, Tesla installed a newer update, 2026.38.5.11. However, the problem persists. The passenger side rear camera briefly worked before going dark again.

Filed Oct 4, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · PA

COMPONENT: The car computer (Tesla HW3 / "Full Self-Driving Computer 3," which houses the Autopilot computer and GPS) failed during a scheduled overnight over-the-air software update from version XXX in early XXX. The update failed to install, and from that point all cameras were black including the backup camera, navigation was frozen, and every driver-assistance feature was unavailable: Autopilot, FSD, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping, and blind spot monitoring. The failed unit was returned to the owner and is available for inspection. SAFETY RISK: The vehicle remained drivable with crash-avoidance systems and the federally required backup camera disabled. The only indication was a camera-unavailable message; there was no clear warning that AEB and collision warning were off. The vehicle was driven about three weeks in this condition while awaiting parts. CONFIRMED BY MANUFACTURER: Yes. Tesla remote diagnosis determined the car computer required replacement. Tesla remotely cancelled and re-pushed the update on XXX; the download stalled at 0 B/s and never installed. Tesla Service in [XXX] replaced the car computer on XXX at owner expense ($2,489.48; outside basic warranty, goodwill declined). Tesla's repair notes state the loss of all camera images and Autopilot capability occurred "after a failed software update." PRIOR WARNINGS: None. No warning lamps or messages before the update; the vehicle operated normally on XXX Owner resets, power-off, and 12V disconnect did not restore function. ASSESSMENT: The Autopilot computer failed during a manufacturer-pushed software update. Owner forums and automotive press reported numerous similar HW3 computer failures in summer 2026 following Tesla software releases. No crash, fire, or injury. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · WA

On or about XXX my Tesla Model Y downloaded FSD version 14 Lite. One day after downloading the software, I used FSD and the new software caused the computer to overheat. This killed the car computer and made FSD, adaptive, cruise control, lane keep assist, reverse camera, and many other functions, including GPS and navigation inoperable. My car’s warranty expired in January of this year and Tesla will not cover the replacement car computer. There are hundreds of other complaints of this issue reported online on [XXX], Reddit, Facebook, etc. In the 2nd quarter Tesla Earnings Call, [XXX] declared that hardware 3 equipped Tesla vehicles would not be able to support autonomous driving with full self driving. He stated every hardware 3 vehicle will need to be updated with a hardware 4 computer and cameras. Since my hardware 3 computer failed, I requested the hardware 4 computer and cameras to be installed, but Tesla denied this service even though [XXX] said it was a requirement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 20, 2026 · Driver assistance · GA

My car is having issues with downloading the software and installing it. It usually happens during the summer. 2025 summer i booked an appointment and visited the Tesla Service center. They diagnosed and told me the ECU is having trouble and need to replace same. Its cost around USD 4K. My car faced this issue right after the warranty is over. First the High Voltage batter died next day the warranty got over, but they replaced it under Battery Warranty. But ECU issue they want me to pay for the same. Its a huge cost and i do see lot of customers keep complaining about the same/similar issues all over internet. It looks like a wide spread issue which Tesla ECU fail after the warranty get over. Biggest challenge for the customers are, No Navigation, GPS is not working, All the cameras goes blind, Lane assistant doesn't work. dashcam recording doesn't work. Technically we can just charge the car and drive. No safety features work as expected.

Filed Jul 12, 2026 · Steering · FL

The electronic power assisted steering (EPAS) rack on my 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced an internal electronic failure. The failure first occurred while the vehicle was performing an automated parking maneuver (Autopark) at low speed. The vehicle displayed the warning "Steering assist reduced / Steering may require increased effort" (alert UI_a020_SteeringReduced). Using the vehicle's built-in Service Mode, I retrieved the underlying diagnostic fault: EPAS3P_a072_motFeedFwdError, described by the vehicle as "Motor control feed-forward correlation error," set when the difference between estimated motor torque and commanded torque exceeds 1.2 Nm. The vehicle's own diagnostic screen lists the clear condition for this fault as "Replace EPAS," indicating an internal hardware failure of the primary EPAS module. The listed potential impact is "Reduced steering assist and EAC inhibited." The fault initially cleared after approximately three minutes but returned and is now latched: it persists through vehicle reboots and multiple drive cycles. While the fault is active, power steering assist is reduced and lane keeping assistance / active safety steering features are inoperative. Safety risk: steering assist can degrade without warning during low-speed maneuvers, requiring sudden and substantially increased steering effort, and lane keeping assistance is disabled. The failure occurred while an automated driving feature was in control of the steering, with no curb impact, collision, or abnormal use.

Filed Jun 16, 2026 · Driver assistance · CA

* What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? FSD. It is available upon request. * How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Over the course of the last two months since the last FSD update (currently on v12.6.4), at least 20 times the vehicle has not properly stayed in the lane under certain circumstances listed below. These circumstances are always the same and it is repeatable and dangerous as the vehicle would have crashed into the center median if I had not intervened. Repeatable conditions: * 79 MPH * Low curvature highway at highway speeds when turning to the right only. * FSD version 12.6.4 with software version 2026.14.6 is engaged and in Assertive mode. * Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Tesla wanted $1k in order to reproduce and diagnose the problem, so I declined. * Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Same as above; Tesla wanted $1k in order to reproduce and diagnose the problem, so I declined. * Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? None of the safety systems fired, including lane departure warning or steering correction. FSD would not have veered out of the way of the median.

Filed Jun 6, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · CA

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

Filed Apr 5, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · CA

Getting message on screen since october 2025. That time total milage on my car was less then 30,000 STEERING ASSIST REDUCED and LANE DEPARTURE AVOIDANCE FEATURE UNAVAILABLE. I did reset / restart the vehicle / soft / hard reset, software update. and This both message got disappear and then again after sometimes its keep coming back. So i did appointment to rocklin tesla center and they gave me cost estimate $5770. Thats way too much so i decline but they said those message might keep popping up because of LOW VOLTAGE DISTRIBUTION AND CONTROLLERS. So i accepted that service and paid $359.68. But i am still getting same both messages on my tesla screen. Sometimes it does comes and sometimes it does not. I did online research and people with same problem stating that because of TESLA's poor manufacturing steering wheel and some kind of faulty circuit board causing this issue. My car never been to any accident and its very low on milage. Please look for other tesla owner who has same problem and tesla has to fix this problem without charging this much amount. Thanks

Filed Feb 27, 2026 · Driver assistance · FL

The vehicle's Autopilot/Full Self-Driving (HW3) computer has failed at approximately 70,000 miles. Tesla Service has diagnosed the vehicle as requiring replacement of the HW3 computer. As a result of this failure, multiple safety related systems are inoperative, including collision avoidance, lane assist, lane departure warning, automatic wipers, and other driver assistance features including adaptive cruise control. The vehicle is also unable to receive over-the-air software updates, including potential safety updates. In addition, the vehicle experiences system lag, including delay when shifting into Drive or Reverse. The center display is slow to respond, and certain media and software features are no longer functional due to inability to update. This condition increases safety risk because active safety systems designed to assist with collision prevention are disabled. The failure appears to be hardware-related and not due to normal wear. Tesla has confirmed the need for computer replacement but has declined coverage as the vehicle is outside warranty. The failed component should be available for inspection upon request.

Filed Feb 18, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · CA

The car suddenly reduced lane assistance and steering assistance functionality. After calling Tesla they said it is not a software issue. I checked the service mode and it indicated a malfunction in the steering assist motor, which apparently costs $3500 to replace. Online, I have found many complaints about this problem that are not resolved by software updates. In addition, there was a large number used steering assist motors for sale online which indicates a more wide spread problem. This is not normal for cars to have this failure prematurely and is a serious safety hazard. I read online that some had their steering EPAS get locked while driving on the highway and nearly destroyed their Teslas

Filed Sep 16, 2025 · Driver assistance · AZ

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system has repeatedly demonstrated unsafe behavior in my 2021 Model Y (VIN [XXX] , ~60,184 miles). The issues involve Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assistance, and Forward Collision Warning. FSD frequently follows vehicles too closely, leaving insufficient distance. When I disengage, I am left with no safe option: braking hard risks being rear-ended and triggers a hard-braking event, while lifting off the accelerator leaves me dangerously close, still flagged as unsafe following. FSD often waits until less than a mile before highway exits to attempt lane changes, causing last-second darting, missed exits, or unsafe maneuvers. It also performs excessive and unnecessary lane changes that add risk without improving efficiency. Merges are frequently unsafe, forcing me to brake hard to let others pass or accelerate aggressively to avoid being cut off. On several occasions, FSD has jerked or swerved into adjacent lanes without signaling, seemingly triggered by shadows or changes in the road surface. These phantom maneuvers are unpredictable and hazardous. On [XXX] at about [XXX], at a T-shaped intersection, FSD failed to yield to a vehicle traveling straight with the right of way while I was making a left turn. I had to slam on the brakes to disengage, narrowly avoiding a collision. This was the second such incident in the same intersection in one week. These repeated failures—unsafe following, late exit attempts, failed merges, phantom swerves, and failure to yield—create significant risks for me, my passengers, and surrounding drivers. The problem has been reported to Tesla multiple times via in-car voice reports and a written service request, and logs from my vehicle should confirm these events. No warning lamps or system alerts appeared before or during the failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)