2022 Tesla Model Y: sudden loss of power

Filed Jul 24, 2026 · Steering · TX

I was backing out of my residential driveway when I suddenly noticed the steering wheel required much greater effort than normal, indicating a loss of power steering. There were no prior warning messages or symptoms before this event. As I began driving, multiple warnings appeared on the display, including “Steering Assist Reduced,” “Stability Control Disabled,” “Traction Control Disabled,” and “Vehicle Hold Unavailable.” The steering immediately became extremely heavy, making the vehicle difficult to maneuver safely. Because the failure occurred without warning, I did not feel it was safe to continue driving except to move the vehicle as necessary. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by a Tesla Service Center, which confirmed that the steering rack and Front Vehicle Controller required replacement. The repair was performed by Tesla after diagnosis. I am submitting this report because a sudden loss of steering assist without any prior warning presents a significant safety risk. Although this occurred while pulling out of my driveway, the same failure could occur while a driver is traveling at higher speeds or in traffic, where maintaining control of the vehicle could be much more difficult.

Filed Dec 5, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · FL

I have repeatedly had electrical failure in the vehicle in the form of a "Reduced Power Alert" which renders the vehicle with significant limitation to drivability. This places the vehicle in "limp mode" and this frequently occurs on the highway. Once this Alert appears the vehicle has limited propulsion, limitations to steering and braking as well as other electrical systems. It has been to the dealership for repair on 4 occasions without remedy. It is leaving us on the highway in a dangerous situation repeatedly. It's not a one time event. There were 20 Alerts showing on the screen when I limped it into the dealership once again on [XXX] having nearly wrecked on [XXX] just before the [XXX] exit. The reason this is so dangerous is the failures occur at higher speeds such as highway driving. Leaving one with an immediate loss of forward motion as if you've hit the brakes but vehicles behind you have no warning. This is going to end up with someone getting rear ended or worse. Social media indicates it is a prevalent and not well understood recurring problem. Tesla has been quietly repurchasing vehicles from angry owners. Dreadful. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Fuel system · TN

My high voltage drive inverter experienced a failure resulting in loss of all power as well as regenerative braking. Mechanical braking and steering remained available. There were no warnings or indications before the failure. After the failure there were warnings that the propulsion system had failed and to pull over immediately.

Filed May 16, 2025 · Steering · NJ

The car will continue losing power steering while driving making it very hard to steer. It has happened at all levels of speed.

Filed Mar 3, 2024 · Electrical, Fuel system · GA

Component or System Failure: The internal malfunction of the rear drive unit in my 2022 Tesla Model Y, which has been documented and addressed on two separate occasions by the Tesla service center, has raised significant safety concerns. This component is critical for the vehicle's operation, and its failure mode necessitates thorough inspection and a definitive resolution to prevent recurrence. Safety Risks: The sudden loss of power on a busy highway, without any warning, significantly compromised my safety and the safety of others around me. Being forced to restart the vehicle under such conditions was not only distressing but also exposed everyone involved to a heightened risk of accidents. This incident has profoundly impacted my confidence in the vehicle's reliability and safety. Problem Reproduction and Confirmation: The malfunction was initially confirmed and addressed by a Tesla dealership, which underscores the seriousness of the issue. However, the recurrence of the problem, even after professional intervention, and the subsequent attempt to rectify the issue without a clear diagnosis, adds to the uncertainty and concern regarding the vehicle's safety and the effectiveness of the repairs conducted. Inspections: The direct involvement of Tesla's service center in inspecting and attempting to repair the vehicle indicates that the manufacturer is aware of and is taking steps to address the issue. Nevertheless, the absence of a definitive resolution or clear understanding of the malfunction's cause continues to be a source of worry. Warning Signs Prior to Failure: The complete absence of any warning signs before such a critical failure is particularly alarming. This lack of forewarning deprived me of the opportunity to take preventive action, further exacerbating the fear and potential danger associated with the malfunction.

Filed Jan 22, 2024 · Steering · NY

By ~10:30PM, [XXX], my TESTLA Y 2022 lost power steering at the intersection of [XXX] . I was making left turn and found my car could only slightly turn left since the power steering was basically lost, almost being hit by a red sedan. There was a yellow sign on my TESTA computer: "Steering assist reduced. Steering may require increased effort". About midnight, [XXX], I called the Roadside Assistance of TESLA, informing them what went wrong. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 19, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · PA

Bought a brand new Tesla model Y with 11 miles on it. 1 mile down the road it tells me to “pull over immediately” “reduced power” I was going 45 mph downhill and thankfully not a lot of cars around. I pulled over and it said reduced power, exit and enter vehicle to restore operation. I did and it worked fine. I drove home with no problems for 25 miles. An hour later I was headed somewhere else and stopped at a light, when it was green I accelerated then it did the same thing but I was on an entrance ramp to a bridge and 5 cars were behind me. The car then was in reduced power mode and told me to do the same thing again, exit then re-enter. It was busy traffic and took me 5 minutes to get out when there were no cars going past me. It reduced power and couldn’t excelerate and caused a dangerous situation. This happened 3 more times while I was on the phone with Tesla support before I had to wait 2.5 hours for a tow with 47 miles on it.