2023 Tesla Model S Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 18%of 115 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the steering of the 2023 Tesla Model S, 18% of the 115 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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 horn being a button is a safety hazard, and Tesla should replace it at no cost. On many occasions my steering wheel was upside down and I had to press the horn button and couldn’t find it. I expressed my concerns to Tesla and they said I have to pay to get the steering wheel with the horn in the center.”
NHTSA complaint #11670265, filed 2025-06“The horn on this car is a button on the right side of the steering wheel. I nearly got into yet another accident when someone started backing up and nearly hit me. I panicked as they backed up and pressed the center airbag as a natural reaction, where a car horn had been for 100 years. Tesla has since changed this on new models, but they need to recall my model and repair this defect before someone gets killed.”
NHTSA complaint #11615859, filed 2024-09“Tesla moved horn button away from center of steering wheel to a small button the frame of the steering wheel. If the wheel is turned such as making a u turn and another car tried making a right almost hitting me. I had no time to find the horn button and this is very dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11569407, filed 2024-02“The activation of the horn using a small capacitive button on the right side of the steering wheel is a serious safety problem. I have had numerous near miss incidents that were closer than they should have been because I was unable to quickly locate and activate the tiny horn button. …”
NHTSA complaint #11561747, filed 2023-12“The horn button is located on the side of the steering wheel spoke, extremely difficult to find, especially in an emergency. I have had several incidents in which I was unable to locate the small button when needed to avoid a collision.”
NHTSA complaint #11587618, filed 2024-05Related 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
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 2023 Tesla Model S
58 complaintsForward collision avoidance
18 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsLane departure
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2023 Tesla Model S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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