2012 Tesla Model S Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 2%of 61 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Tesla Model S, 2% of the 61 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Noticed this problem after I was backing up and turning my wheels and would hear a loud metal on metal clunk or grinding sound. It was coming from the front-left suspension and would occur causing my wheel and steering to feel like it was skipping. I noticed and my steering felt loose over bumps and would pull to the left. Again the vehicle is in motion and this was felt the most when turning full motion and/or backing up and turning. …”
NHTSA complaint #10885723, filed 2016-07, 67,000 milesRelated recalls
- 18V204000Mar 29, 2018Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks. The aluminum bolts that attach the power…Covers: Tesla Model S 2012–2016
Related service bulletins
- 10153425Jan 11, 2019Long-term exposure to high-corrosion environments might weaken the bolts that attach the power steering motor to the steering rack housing.
- 10143008Apr 12, 2018Long-term exposure to high-corrosion environments might weaken the bolts that attach the power steering motor to the steering rack housing.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2024 | 4 | 11% |
| 2023 | 21 | 18% |
| 2022 | 21 | 15% |
| 2021 | 29 | 16% |
| 2020 | 10 | 13% |
| 2019 | 4 | 9% |
| 2018 | 15 | 9% |
| 2017 | 47 | 11% |
| 2016 | 87 | 13% |
| 2015 | 51 | 8% |
| 2014 | 27 | 7% |
| 2013 | 29 | 6% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2012 Tesla Model S
37 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Tesla Model S
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