How many steering complaints does the 2015 Tesla Model S have?

NHTSA lists 51 steering complaints for the 2015 Model S, which is about 8% of the 667 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a steering recall for the 2015 Tesla Model S?

Yes. Recall 18V204000, reported March 29, 2018, covers 2012-2016 Model S vehicles with Bosch steering racks where the aluminum mounting bolts for the power steering gear assist motor may corrode and fracture. Tesla's remedy is replacing the steering gear mounting bolts and adding corrosion protection.

Did the steering problems cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data tied to 2015 Model S steering complaints shows 3 crashes and 1 fire reported, with 0 injuries reported.

At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2015 Model S is 10,000 miles.

How does the 2015 Model S compare to other years for steering complaints?

The 2015 Model S had 51 steering complaints (8% share), lower than the 2016 model's 86 complaints (13% share) but higher than the 2013 and 2014 model years.

2015 Tesla Model S Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 51 steering complaints for the 2015 Tesla Model S, about 8% of all complaints that year, with 3 crashes and 1 fire reported. A related recall (18V204000) covers corroding steering gear mounting bolts on Bosch steering racks in 2012-2016 Model S cars.

Steering complaints: 51; 8% of 667
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 10,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Owners report the tip of the steering knuckle snapping off, sometimes found on vehicles later listed at salvage auctions after crashes.
Some describe the power steering gear motor detaching or falling off the steering rack, in one case while pulling out of a garage.
Front lower ball joints reportedly separate or pop apart, causing the wheel to tilt at an angle without a prior collision.
Several complaints describe front suspension or steering components snapping off with no visible collision damage.
Owners using the autosteer feature report the car steering into an adjacent lane after losing track of lane markings.
Uneven or rapid tire wear was reported, with tires worn down to the cords on the inside edge after a low mileage figure.

When 2015 Tesla Model S steering complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 16, 2015, latest Aug 5, 2025.

51 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2015 to Aug 2025; peak Jul 2020 (4).

Steering recalls for the 2015 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.

20121 (2%)
201329 (6%)
201427 (7%)
201551 (8%)
201686 (13%)
201747 (11%)
201815 (9%)
20194 (9%)
202010 (13%)
202129 (16%)
202221 (15%)
202320 (18%)
20244 (11%)
20251 (17%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2015 Tesla Model S have?: NHTSA lists 51 steering complaints for the 2015 Model S, which is about 8% of the 667 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2015 Tesla Model S?: Yes. Recall 18V204000, reported March 29, 2018, covers 2012-2016 Model S vehicles with Bosch steering racks where the aluminum mounting bolts for the power steering gear assist motor may corrode and fracture. Tesla's remedy is replacing the steering gear mounting bolts and adding corrosion protection.
Did the steering problems cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data tied to 2015 Model S steering complaints shows 3 crashes and 1 fire reported, with 0 injuries reported.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2015 Model S is 10,000 miles.
How does the 2015 Model S compare to other years for steering complaints?: The 2015 Model S had 51 steering complaints (8% share), lower than the 2016 model's 86 complaints (13% share) but higher than the 2013 and 2014 model years.