2014 Tesla Model S Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 27 steering complaints for the 2014 Tesla Model S, about 7% of its 365 total complaints for the year. Five crashes and one injury are tied to steering issues, and a related recall (18V204000) covers corroding steering gear mounting bolts.
- Steering complaints
- 27
- 7% of 365
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 50,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Owners report the power steering electrical drive motor separating from the steering rack, in one case while the car sat parked in a driveway.
- Some describe the steering wheel becoming hard to turn or feeling unresponsive at times, including shortly after purchase.
- One complaint describes a highway incident where the steering wheel did not move but the vehicle made a sharp unintended turn, striking a tunnel wall.
- An owner reported that an over-the-air software update changed steering behavior at highway speed, making the car less responsive and harder to keep in its lane in poor conditions.
- A recall notice (campaign 18V204000) was cited by an owner who said the steering repair took longer than expected because parts were unavailable at the service center.
- Several complaints link steering-related loss of control to front wheel or suspension separation, though these overlap with the vehicle's suspension component reports.
When 2014 Tesla Model S steering complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 14, 2015, latest Feb 12, 2026.
Steering recalls for the 2014 Tesla Model S
- NHTSA 18V204000Mar 29, 2018Steering70,421 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.
Risk: Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add a corrosion-preventative sealer, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-32-002.
Steering complaints by Model S model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many steering complaints does the 2014 Tesla Model S have?
- NHTSA lists 27 steering complaints for the 2014 Model S, which is about 7% of the 365 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a steering recall for the 2014 Tesla Model S?
- Yes. Recall 18V204000, reported in March 2018, covers 2012-2016 Model S vehicles with Bosch steering racks whose aluminum mounting bolts can corrode and fracture. Tesla's remedy is replacing the steering gear mounting bolts and adding a corrosion-preventive coating.
- Have steering problems caused crashes in the 2014 Model S?
- NHTSA data shows 5 crashes and 1 injury associated with steering complaints for this model year.
- At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2014 Model S is 50,000 miles.
- How does the 2014 Model S compare to other years for steering complaints?
- The 2014 model's steering share is 7% of complaints, lower than the 2016 (13%), 2021 (16%), and 2023 (18%) model years, but higher than the 2012 model year at 2%.