How many steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2018 Tesla Model 3?

NHTSA lists 80 steering complaints for the 2018 Model 3, making up 8% of the 1,024 total complaints filed for that model year.

Are there steering-related crashes tied to the 2018 Model 3?

Yes, NHTSA data links 6 crashes and 1 injury to steering-area complaints for the 2018 Model 3.

Is there a recall for steering issues on the 2018 Tesla Model 3?

Yes. NHTSA campaign 23V085000 (2023) covers Full Self-Driving Beta steering behavior, and campaign 22V037000 (2022) addresses rolling-stop behavior tied to FSD Beta software, both remedied with an over-the-air update.

At what mileage do steering problems typically appear on the 2018 Model 3?

The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2018 Model 3 is 11,687 miles.

How does 2018 compare to other Model 3 years for steering complaints?

The 2018 Model 3 had 80 steering complaints at an 8% share, lower in share than 2023 (20%) and 2025 (21%) but higher in raw count than most other years except 2023.

2018 Tesla Model 3 Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 80 steering complaints for the 2018 Tesla Model 3, 8% of all complaints for the year, linked to 6 crashes and 1 injury. Owners reported failures at a median 11,687 miles, with two related steering/FSD recalls issued in 2022 and 2023.

Steering complaints: 80; 8% of 1,024
Crashes reported: 6
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 11,687 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Owners report suspension components such as control arms and tie-rods snapping or separating, sometimes leaving the front suspension detached.
Some describe the vehicle losing steering function briefly during other system faults, including loss of automatic emergency braking and traction control.
Multiple reports describe Autopilot or Enhanced Autopilot initiating a lane change and then abruptly swerving the car back into the original lane.
One report describes the vehicle steering itself off the road into a tree while accelerating on a residential street with Autopilot engaged.
Owners report upper control arm failures showing up first as noise, then later as full failure on the opposite side after warranty repair.

When 2018 Tesla Model 3 steering complaints were filed

First complaint May 7, 2018, latest Sep 15, 2026.

80 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2018 to Sep 2026; peak Oct 2023 (4).

Steering recalls for the 2018 Tesla Model 3

NHTSA 23V085000Feb 15, 2023Steering362,758 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Steering:automated/adaptive steering
Tesla, 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 (FSD Beta) software or pending installation.Â The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Risk: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.Â Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.Â Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.Â Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
NHTSA 22V037000Jan 27, 2022Steering53,822 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Steering:automated/adaptive steering
Tesla, 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 available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.

Steering complaints by Model 3 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20171 (4%)
201880 (8%)
201953 (9%)
202046 (10%)
202126 (4%)
202236 (5%)
202387 (20%)
202436 (17%)
202525 (21%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2018 Tesla Model 3?: NHTSA lists 80 steering complaints for the 2018 Model 3, making up 8% of the 1,024 total complaints filed for that model year.
Are there steering-related crashes tied to the 2018 Model 3?: Yes, NHTSA data links 6 crashes and 1 injury to steering-area complaints for the 2018 Model 3.
Is there a recall for steering issues on the 2018 Tesla Model 3?: Yes. NHTSA campaign 23V085000 (2023) covers Full Self-Driving Beta steering behavior, and campaign 22V037000 (2022) addresses rolling-stop behavior tied to FSD Beta software, both remedied with an over-the-air update.
At what mileage do steering problems typically appear on the 2018 Model 3?: The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2018 Model 3 is 11,687 miles.
How does 2018 compare to other Model 3 years for steering complaints?: The 2018 Model 3 had 80 steering complaints at an 8% share, lower in share than 2023 (20%) and 2025 (21%) but higher in raw count than most other years except 2023.