2020 Tesla Model 3 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 47about this part
- Share
- 10%of 452 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 2,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the steering of the 2020 Tesla Model 3, 10% of the 452 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,500 miles. 7 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.
“The auto steer in my Tesla MODEL 3 failed today when the car was turning on a curvy downhill road. I believe it's because the lane markings on the right side ended just before the curbing started. The car suddenly turned right and hit the curb brushing the right front wheel. It would have been a fatal accident if I hadn't taken over. Auto steer technology is not yet ready for use on all the roads and it should not be included by default in all the Tesla models. My car did not brake because the cruise control was still on. I am still in shock and afraid to use the auto steer again.”
NHTSA complaint #11297042, filed 2020-01, 750 miles“Friday june 26th, 6:00 p.m. Public roads. Sunny, dry. Something snapped while driving 5 MPH at the moment I started a slow left turn. The car lurched to a halt. The right front wheel was angled left at about a 35 degrees, while the left wheel pointed straight. Tesla sent a flat bed. The truck technician reported by phone that the wheel was separated from the suspension and a Tesla bolt was available for him to temporarily hold alignment for safe loading. I understand he left a note and the bolt inside the car. I believe the bolt was part of the broken suspension. The car had 3,300 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11337132, filed 2020-07, 3,300 miles“Model 3 makes a very high pitch noise when turning the steering wheel left or right. It does happen when you put the vehicle in drive and stand still on hold. It doesn't happen while driving nor while in park.”
NHTSA complaint #11363279, filed 2020-10, 2,000 miles“My Model 3 failed at under 50,000 miles and gave out a series of failure warnings. It was unable to drive anymore and steering became stiff and unresponsive. In researching this I see it is a common issue with hundreds of thousands of cars affected. And the NHTSA has an open investigation into it. Tesla as usual is denying the problem exists.”
NHTSA complaint #11643458, filed 2025-02“1.) Steering wheel,yes. 2.) I lost steering at 50 MPH with my twp daughter in backseat. 3.) Car was towed BACK to Tesla (it eas there 3 days ago for 2 front upper control arms replacement) 4.) car not inspected by anyone other than Tesla. 5.) yes 2 warnings “steering assist reduced”and “lane departure disabled”.”
NHTSA complaint #11577299, filed 2024-03Related 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
- 10247387Oct 11, 2023On some Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, the steering wheel cover material may separate from the steering wheel at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position (Figures 1 and 2). NOTE: The…
- 10245512Oct 11, 2023On some Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, the steering wheel cover material may separate from the steering wheel at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position (Figures 1 and 2). NOTE: The…
- 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…
- 10174932Apr 29, 2020On some Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, the upper steering column bolt may not be installed according to internal specifications, which could cause excessive play between the…
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 2020 Tesla Model 3
157 complaintsOther or unknown
81 complaintsVehicle speed control
69 complaintsBrakes
48 complaintsSuspension
46 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsLane departure
35 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
28 complaintsSeats
23 complaintsSeat belts
19 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 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