How many steering complaints does the 2020 Tesla Model 3 have?

NHTSA lists 46 steering complaints for the 2020 Model 3, which is 10% of all 451 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a steering recall for the 2020 Tesla Model 3?

Yes. NHTSA recall 23V085000 covers Full Self-Driving Beta software steering behavior, and recall 22V037000 covers a rolling-stop function tied to Full Self-Driving Beta, both remedied with an over-the-air software update.

At what mileage do steering problems appear on the 2020 Model 3?

The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2020 Model 3 is 2,500 miles, according to NHTSA data.

Have steering issues on the 2020 Model 3 caused crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data tied to this component shows 7 crashes, 1 fire, and 4 injuries reported for the 2020 Model 3.

How does the 2020 Model 3's steering complaint rate compare to other years?

The 2020 Model 3 had 46 steering complaints (10% share); by comparison 2023 had 87 complaints (20% share) and 2025 had 25 complaints (21% share), so 2020 falls in the middle of the range across model years.

2020 Tesla Model 3 Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 46 steering complaints for the 2020 Tesla Model 3, 10% of all complaints for the year, with 7 crashes, 1 fire, and 4 injuries reported. Median mileage at failure is 2,500 miles. Two related recalls (23V085000, 22V037000) cover FSD Beta and rolling-stop steering behavior.

Steering complaints: 46; 10% of 451
Crashes reported: 7
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 4
Median mileage: 2,500 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Owners report the front suspension and steering knuckle ball joints separating or snapping, causing the front wheel to splay outward at low mileage.
Some describe the steering arm breaking away from the steering knuckle, which they attribute to a weak cast alloy part rather than collision damage.
Owners report a high-pitched noise coming from the steering wheel when turning left or right while stationary in drive.
Some report autosteer suddenly jerking the wheel on a curved road, causing the car to hit a curb.
Owners describe unstable or unpredictable steering response, with the car swerving back and forth from slight wheel movements even on dry roads.
One owner reported the vehicle accelerating and becoming uncontrollable with autopilot engaged in the rain, resulting in a rollover crash.

When 2020 Tesla Model 3 steering complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 4, 2020, latest Sep 16, 2026.

46 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2020 to Sep 2026; peak Mar 2024 (4).

Steering recalls for the 2020 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 the 2020 Tesla Model 3 have?: NHTSA lists 46 steering complaints for the 2020 Model 3, which is 10% of all 451 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2020 Tesla Model 3?: Yes. NHTSA recall 23V085000 covers Full Self-Driving Beta software steering behavior, and recall 22V037000 covers a rolling-stop function tied to Full Self-Driving Beta, both remedied with an over-the-air software update.
At what mileage do steering problems appear on the 2020 Model 3?: The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2020 Model 3 is 2,500 miles, according to NHTSA data.
Have steering issues on the 2020 Model 3 caused crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data tied to this component shows 7 crashes, 1 fire, and 4 injuries reported for the 2020 Model 3.
How does the 2020 Model 3's steering complaint rate compare to other years?: The 2020 Model 3 had 46 steering complaints (10% share); by comparison 2023 had 87 complaints (20% share) and 2025 had 25 complaints (21% share), so 2020 falls in the middle of the range across model years.