2018 Tesla Model S Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 15 steering complaints for the 2018 Tesla Model S, 9% of its 168 total complaints for the year. These involve 4 crashes and 1 fire, with a median mileage at failure of 19,949.5. Three related steering recalls have been issued, though none target the 2018 model year specifically by name in the summaries provided.
- Steering complaints
- 15
- 9% of 168
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 5
- Median mileage
- 19,950 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Owners report a sudden 'steering assist reduced' warning that makes the wheel extremely difficult or heavy to turn, sometimes at highway speeds of 65-75 mph.
- Some describe the power steering going off entirely while driving, in one case paired with hazard lights shutting off at 70 mph.
- One complaint describes the steering knuckle and steering arm cracking or snapping off with no crash damage present.
- A cable harness (slip ring) behind the steering wheel reportedly failed, affecting horn, steering wheel buttons, and scroll wheel controls.
- Autopilot was reported to malfunction and cause loss of vehicle control during lane changes or highway driving in at least one crash.
When 2018 Tesla Model S steering complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 30, 2019, latest Feb 12, 2026.
Steering recalls for the 2018 Tesla Model S
- 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. 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. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
- NHTSA 22V818000Nov 1, 2022Steering40,168 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Steering:electric power assist system
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014.
- 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 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 2018 Tesla Model S have?
- NHTSA lists 15 steering complaints for the 2018 Model S, which is 9% of the 168 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a steering recall for the 2018 Tesla Model S?
- Related steering recalls exist, including campaign 22V818000 covering electronic power assist steering (EPAS) loss of assist on rough roads for 2017-2021 Model S and Model X, and 23V085000 tied to Full Self-Driving Beta software.
- Did the steering problems cause crashes?
- Owners reported 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 5 injuries linked to the steering complaints for this year.
- At what mileage do steering problems typically appear?
- The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2018 Model S is 19,949.5 miles.