2018 Tesla Model S Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 9%of 170 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 19,950miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the steering of the 2018 Tesla Model S, 9% of the 170 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 19,950 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 3 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.
“I had a 2018 Tesla s. I was driving north on us 395 in lane 2 of a 4 lane divided highway at 0030 about 20 miles south of lone pine, ca. It was pitch black out. I was the driver of a Tesla s in semiautonomous driver-assist mode. The road was going up hill and I clicked my turn signal to pass a semi trailer and my car went into the left lane and passed the truck. After going a significant distance in front of the truck and starting down hill and I clicked my turn signal to return to the right lane. …”
NHTSA complaint #11312175, filed 2020-02, 27,899 miles“The car software has been modified and appears to be compromised. Settings related to safety and autopilot have been unstable. Driver profile does not work properly. Factory reset performed by Tesla paramus and by switching email account doesn't not remove the malware. Personal data and malfunctioning of the car continue despite several complaints to Tesla.”
NHTSA complaint #11322359, filed 2020-04, 9,385 miles“My vehicle suddenly displayed an alert saying, “steering assist reduced” and the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. I became very concerned about my safety and the safety of other drivers, so I took the car to Tesla for service. It is currently being repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #11580302, filed 2024-03“My vehicle did an update and after update I have received an error message “steering assist reduced”. I am unable to drive my vehicle and the wheel feels locked. I have reached out to Tesla and their soonest appt is over a week from now to even look at it.”
NHTSA complaint #11582946, filed 2024-04“On 9/27/2025 while driving my Tesla Model S, I received the error EPAS_w001 – “Steering assist reduced”. Immediately afterward, the steering became extremely heavy and nearly impossible to control, even at low speeds.”
NHTSA complaint #11690149, filed 2025-09Related 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 S 2016–2023, Model X 2016–2023, Model 3 2017–2023 +1 more
- 22V818000Nov 1, 2022Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of…Covers: Tesla Model S 2017–2021, Model X 2017–2021
- 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 S 2016–2022, Model X 2016–2022, Model 3 2017–2022 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 10208328Dec 10, 2021Some versions of Model S and X front drive unit halfshafts might cause excessive vibrations during hard acceleration at higher ride height settings. This is exclusively an NVH…
- 10203323Sep 21, 2021Some versions of Model S and X front drive unit halfshafts might cause excessive vibrations during hard acceleration at higher ride height settings. This is exclusively an NVH…
- 10177030Jun 17, 2020Some Model S and Model X vehicles might exhibit stiff steering due to corrosion at the lower steering column I-shaft U-joint.
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 2018 Tesla Model S
50 complaintsOther or unknown
36 complaintsElectrical system
35 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsSuspension
20 complaintsLane departure
13 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 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