2021 Tesla Model Y Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 95about this part
- Share
- 9%of 1,093 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 95 complaints about the steering of the 2021 Tesla Model Y, 9% of the 1,093 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,500 miles. 10 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.
“I talk to specialist they said I have cooling system failure, and guy from Tesla fitzgerald who remotely connected to my car before my appointment with you , also said I had cooling system failure not rodent problem... Tesla rodent damage excuse is scam and fraud not to use my warranty but profit by making me to pay directly for damages that its not my fault and thats illegal and unfair”
NHTSA complaint #11416580, filed 2021-05, 2,500 miles“Heard loud clicking noises upfront when turning hard out of parking spot.Immediately I Checked front wheels manually on looseness, but could not detect any movement. Decided to drive home (20miles).I was very careful not to steer to hard through curves. Upon turn into my driveway ( hard right turn which I took very slow) ,left front wheel suspension came unhooked and an approx 3” long x 1/2” galvanized bolt fell onto driveway. My 2020Tesla Model Y was stuck at the bottom of driveway. …”
NHTSA complaint #11493354, filed 2022-11, 60,640 miles“Clunk noise coming from front end suspension while driving on the freeway. Then the steering wheel started to go off centered, slightly to the right, and had some play. The steering wheel had to be held tightly to keep car driving straight. I called Tesla and took it in to their lake forest service center. The clunk can be felt and heard while turning left onto drive way. Service was able to reproduce noice but was not able to pinpoint the cause. Tech did state that a bolt was 1/8 of a turn loose. Tech performed alignment and state thst noise went away. …”
NHTSA complaint #11386558, filed 2021-01, 300 miles“My 2021 Model Y has about 24,500 miles began squeaking when turning the steering wheel or hitting bumps. I read online that many tesla owners had the same issue. The design on these weren't great allowing water to penetrate these parts and cause them to ware down faster. I already paid for the replacement of the upper and lower control arms.”
NHTSA complaint #11734201, filed 2026-04“My steering is making loud noises and so is the suspension. It’s so loud it’s embarrassing to drive. The steering wheel also came apart because it wasn’t glued down properly and had air bubbles. I see recalls for cars but not my specific vin. Tesla says no wheel replacement for me and cost of replacing link assembly parts and bolts would cost me 2000$”
NHTSA complaint #11646740, filed 2025-03Related 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 Y 2020–2023, 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 Y 2020–2022, 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…
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2021 Tesla Model Y
582 complaintsBrakes
181 complaintsVehicle speed control
162 complaintsElectrical system
152 complaintsOther or unknown
143 complaintsSuspension
80 complaintsLane departure
77 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
52 complaintsBody and structure
34 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
33 complaintsSeat belts
27 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
26 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Tesla Model Y
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