2019 Tesla Model 3 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 54about this part
- Share
- 9%of 620 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 54 complaints about the steering of the 2019 Tesla Model 3, 9% of the 620 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While attempting to make a left into my driveway traveling about 10mph the steering completely disengaged and would spin completely around without moving the front wheels at all. I stopped and called service before hitting anything. The car is being serviced now.”
NHTSA complaint #11324679, filed 2020-05, 9,500 miles“My car was five weeks old. While I was driving home on my commute I realize the screen had froze, and then suddenly blacked out. I thought it was a software update as I am a family that owns Tesla, but it wasn't because suddenly the ability to steer and break or compromised and the car had sped without any indication as to why. I reported it to Tesla and the earliest they could set for an appointment with several weeks later. …”
NHTSA complaint #11241215, filed 2019-08, 3,500 miles“I previously submitted a concern with this car that occurred in december 2019. Tesla in milford, ct had the car in service for 23+ days because of errors with the car: alert messages included (but weren't limited to) power reduced, front motor disabled, etc. The car kept powering off while I was driving and the brakes and steering malfunctioned. Tesla ultimately diagnosed the problem as a shorted penthouse harness. Two weeks after receiving the car back, the error messages reappeared. The car broke down again and had to be towed back to Tesla in milford, ct. …”
NHTSA complaint #11308965, filed 2020-02, 8,500 miles“This is a complaint about ball-joint failure in Tesla MODEL 3 cars. Please note that I have used the VIN of another Tesla to file this complaint since the VIN of the car in question is unavailable. Many owners are complaining on the forums that their steering is creaking and they are resorting to diy remedies such as peeling back the rubber boot on the top ball joint and squirting in lubricant. There have been many cases where the ball has eventually worn down and popped out of the socket. …”
NHTSA complaint #11397998, filed 2021-02, 10,000 miles“Steering assist reduced Error code UI_a020 Losing steering power mid-drive due to faulty power steering rack Many others have had this issue happen to their Tesla Model 3 and Ys, i would like to know if this is covered under a recall as my car is out of warranty for this type of safety repair happening very prematurely for a car”
NHTSA complaint #11595184, filed 2024-06Related recalls
- 23V085000Feb 15, 2023Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta…Covers: Tesla Model 3 2017–2023, Model X 2016–2023, Model S 2016–2023 +1 more
- 22V037000Jan 27, 2022Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality…Covers: Tesla Model 3 2017–2022, Model X 2016–2022, Model S 2016–2022 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 10203342Jul 2, 2021On certain Model 3, Model Y, and Model X vehicles, there may be a water ingress path to both front upper control arm ball joints that, over time, could possibly lead to surface…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 24% |
| 2025 | 26 | 21% |
| 2024 | 39 | 18% |
| 2023 | 88 | 21% |
| 2022 | 39 | 5% |
| 2021 | 28 | 4% |
| 2020 | 47 | 10% |
| 2019 | 54 | 9% |
| 2018 | 82 | 8% |
| 2017 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2019 Tesla Model 3
170 complaintsElectrical system
92 complaintsAir bags
88 complaintsSuspension
82 complaintsOther or unknown
81 complaintsVehicle speed control
71 complaintsLane departure
70 complaintsBrakes
63 complaintsSeat belts
57 complaintsSeats
47 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
34 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2019 Tesla Model 3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology