2021 Tesla Model S Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 16%of 179 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the steering of the 2021 Tesla Model S, 16% of the 179 complaints for this model year. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 4 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.
“After backing out of a parking space and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel locked up. I could still drive forward and reverse but had no ability to steer the car. I left the car in order to turn it off and when I returned and turned it back on, the steering unlocked. I had this happen two times today.”
NHTSA complaint #11541564, filed 2023-08“The horn button on the yoke steering wheel is a safety hazard. In a situation that requires quick responsiveness immediate reaction is to press the center of the steering wheel. Tesla has come out with a retro fit and the new yoke has it in the center. I am paying $1,000 for the retro fit for my safety and the safety of others. I expect the NHS to also look at this concern and address to assist with the prevention of accidents.”
NHTSA complaint #11629404, filed 2024-12“Went to a Tesla dealership to get my car aligned. 4 days later they told me that my car couldn’t be aligned because my fron lower control arm was bent or broken. I purchased the car from Tesla with 5700 miles. The cad had about 19k miles when it went in for alignment. Seen owning the vehicle I never had an accident or damage to vehicle that would cause such damage. Like always they like to blame the customer to we can cover the defects of there vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #11562326, filed 2023-12“4 months after warranty and only 42,774 miles, I am being hit with a massive bill of almost $2,700 from Tesla service in Lyndhurst, OH. This to correct right and left front end basic suspension issues that should not occur. Clearly the front end is not designed to handle the weight of car. The service manager told me that he sees this every day!! The car is not safe to drive until repairs are made. There was no trauma to the front end only normal wear and tear. The front end started making noise which had me take it to the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #11660683, filed 2025-05“I recently took delivery of a Tesla Model S with the new steering yoke and lack of directional stalk. After having used this system for some time, I believe it to be extremely dangerous and ill-advised. First, Tesla eliminated the fixed-position directional stalk and moved directionals, wiper functions, high-beam functions and even the horn to small, poorly-defined buttons on the steering yoke. This change makes variable what should be fixed positioning for very important vehicle functions. …”
NHTSA complaint #11426599, filed 2021-07Related recalls
- 23V743000Nov 3, 2023Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round…Covers: Tesla Model S 2021–2024, Model X 2021–2024
- 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
- 10253649Mar 5, 2024On certain Model S and Model X vehicles built from February 2021 to January 3, 2024, the material of the steering yoke cover might be susceptible to peeling (Figures 1 and 2).
- 10251053Jan 22, 2024On some Model S and Model X vehicles, the LH and RH frame rail bolts might not have been tightened to specification, which could result in a creak or rattle noise coming from the…
- 10247402Oct 27, 2023Some model year 2021-2023 Model S Plaid and Model X Plaid vehicles running a vehicle software version earlier than 2023.44 may require a vehicle software update to address a mild…
- 10245517Oct 27, 2023Some model year 2021-2023 Model S Plaid and Model X Plaid vehicles running a vehicle software version earlier than 2023.44 may require a vehicle software update to address a mild…
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 2021 Tesla Model S
48 complaintsOther or unknown
45 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsWheels
10 complaintsLane departure
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsTires
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 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