Tesla Model Y steering lock-up problems

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Steering · 800 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with Self-Driving assist deactivated, the steering system became unresponsive. The vehicle unexpectedly accelerated and passed another vehicle on the right. The contact noted that with autonomous driving features turned off, the steering wheel continued to apply automated pressure. Upon releasing the wheel during a turn, the steering wheel locked in place without returning to center, requiring counter-steering effort to maintain vehicle control. The contact stated that the vehicle continued to provide autonomous steering assistance while automated driving modes were fully deactivated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 800.

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · GA

While driving and making a left turn the wheels pulled hard to the left and a major grinding noise started and at the same time the steering wheel locked up. I was just shy of crashing into a curb area and sitting in oncoming traffic lane. I pulled on the steering wheel and it broke free but still had a grinding noise and this happens a handful of times. I took to Tesla service and they said the lower steering link was completely hanging free. No advance notice just major failure.

Filed Sep 19, 2026 · Airbags, Body · CT · crash · fire · 1 injury

The Autopilot/Active Safety sensor system and automated emergency braking (AEB) component failed. The vehicle experienced an uncommanded, severe "phantom braking" event and simultaneous steering lock. The vehicle is currently [State if it is at a tow yard, repair shop, or totaled, e.g., at an insurance-designated salvage yard] and is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Jun 27, 2026 · Body, Lights · WA · crash

Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) — control handover protocol. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. WHAT HAPPENED: On June 25, 2026 at approximately 4:17 PM, the vehicle was operating under Full Self-Driving (FSD) navigating into a residential driveway. The driver pressed the gas pedal to take manual control. At the exact moment FSD transferred control, vehicle telemetry confirms the steering wheel was at −299° (nearly 3 full turns of hard left lock). No warning was given. With a ~13:1 steering ratio, approximately 300° of wheel rotation was required before driver input would affect the front wheels — taking 0.4–0.5 seconds during which the front wheels remained pointed left despite the driver turning right. The vehicle struck a tree at approximately 13–15 kph. Secondary failure: FSD re-engaged once during the first override attempt, requiring a second override before full control was obtained, further delaying driver response. Telemetry confirmed: factory crash algorithm (RCM_CRASH_ALGO_WAKEUP_EVENT_ACTIVE), Electronic Stability Control, and Traction Control all activated at impact. Post-impact speed registered −1.67 kph (backward bounce), confirming direct collision. SAFETY RISK: FSD handed off control mid-maneuver at extreme steering lock with no warning, creating an unrecoverable situation in a confined residential driveway. PRIOR WARNINGS: None. No warning lamps, messages, or alerts before or during handover. INSPECTION STATUS: Vehicle photographed. Insurance inspection pending. Not yet inspected by Tesla or dealer. Independently confirmed via vehicle telemetry export (85,776 rows, 300 sensor channels).

Filed May 7, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · CA · crash · 1 injury

Using Tesla FSD (full self-driving supervised) I drove home, approximately 120 miles, from a family visit. From previous experience with Tesla FSD, I knew that the navigation system would navigate into the incorrect of 2 driveways (left, instead of the correct driveway, right) leading to my parking space. Therefore, upon arriving at the building address I endeavored to take over full control by tapping break and manually turning to the right driveway, whereupon the steering wheel locked up completely and the car lurched forward crashing through the security gate and into a parked car directly in line with how the locked steering directed it. To the best of my knowledge, the car was removed to a salvage location where it was considered a total loss.

Filed Jan 5, 2026 · Steering · MI

On Monday 12/29/2025, while driving my 2021 Tesla Model Y on the highway at approximately 70 mph returning from DTW Airport to my home with my children in the vehicle, the steering suddenly locked / the steering wheel would not turn. I was able to pull over to the shoulder. There were no warning lamps or warning messages displayed before or during the failure. After pulling over, I powered the vehicle off and back on. The steering partially worked again, and I was able to drive home. Later the same day at my friend’s house/driveway, the steering locked out again and this time it was completely locked, making the vehicle not safely drivable. Again, there were no warning messages or symptoms prior to the lockout. Tesla Service provided a written estimate documenting the complaint “steering locked out / cannot drive” and proposed replacing the steering gear/steering rack (“Steering Gear LHD,” part number 1188832-00-B) plus alignment, total about $3,127.70, at 96,042 miles. The vehicle and component are available for inspection upon request (Tesla can retain the replaced part). This is a safety defect concern because sudden loss of steering control on a highway without warning could lead to a crash, especially with passengers/children in the vehicle.

Filed Dec 6, 2025 · Steering · CA

Steering locked at 75 MPH on freeway. Model Y suddenly jerked left and locked, then jerked right and locked again. Loss of control and near-crash event. No road debris, no rain, no warnings on screen. Steering temporarily becomes unresponsive, requiring fight to correct. Tesla refuses repair because no alert code stored. Vehicle unsafe to drive.

Filed Oct 10, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · 4,900 miles · CA · crash

The contact owned a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to attempt to stop at a stop sign, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact mentioned that when attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel seized and became difficult to maneuver, and the vehicle crashed into a curb and merged into a landscaping facility. The contact was able to shift the vehicle into neutral, then reverse. The vehicle began to work as intended, and he looked out of his rearview mirror. He could see smoke coming from the rear passenger side, and he heard an abnormal noise coming from the rear passenger tire. No warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnosis was unknown. The contact mentioned the dealer, and insurance deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 4,900.

Filed Jun 17, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA · crash · 2 injuries

I was driving at a speed of 60 miles per hour in rainy weather when the car’s emergency braking system suddenly activated. At the same time, the steering wheel locked due to the braking, and I completely lost control of the vehicle. The car spun multiple times before crashing into the center divider of the highway and finally coming to a stop. This was an extremely dangerous incident from a safety perspective. This was the first time such a braking malfunction occurred. The incident has not yet been investigated by the insurance company, and no warning or notification was displayed by the vehicle at any point.

Filed Jun 1, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · MA

We experienced an extremely dangerous and life threatening situation with Tesla Y model on [XXX] around [XXX] and would like to report to the federal safety agency. We were driving on [XXX] going towards Nashua and my TESLA-Y car when the steering wheel froze and I got message that front camera was not working. When I tried to steer the car in the lane, the car suddenly braked and took two 360 degree spins (turns) on the highway with cars streaming at high speed around us. We went from the left lane to the right most lane after two 360 degree spins and ended in the right lane. Luckily, no other autos hit us and I was able to take control of the car and pull over in the right lane. The incident is recorded int the Tesla's harddrive which we can make this available to you. the car started working normally so we drove back home. We have had minor control incidents with the lane assist and auto pilot systems of this car in 2023 and 2024. We have complained and showed the problem to Tesla dealer in Watertown, MA. However they said there is nothing wrong with the car. We request you to investigate this incident with Tesla and find out the cause for the car to take this dangerous breaking and spinning incident on a highway. Thanks, [XXX] and [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)