YearToAvoid

2023 Tesla Model X Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 46 steering-related complaints for the 2023 Tesla Model X, 24% of that year's 194 total complaints, with 2 crashes and no fires or injuries reported. Two steering-related recalls apply to the 2023 model: campaign 23V743000 (incorrect airbag with certain steering yoke/wheel replacements) and 23V085000 (Full Self-Driving Beta software).

Steering complaints
46
24% of 194
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
300 mi
Related recalls
2

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe the touch-sensitive horn button on the steering wheel as hard to locate quickly, especially in emergencies, with several reporting near-misses or a collision because they could not sound the horn in time.
  • Multiple owners say the capacitive turn-signal buttons near the steering wheel scroll wheels sometimes fail to register a press, leaving them without a working signal mid-maneuver.
  • One owner reported the power steering appeared to fail, with the wheel locking in a semi-straight position that required tremendous force to turn.
  • One owner reported an abnormal grinding sound from the steering wheel during acceleration on an incline while turning right, at a reported mileage of 300, which a Tesla Service Center said was normal.
  • Several owners criticize the lack of a physical, centrally located horn button, saying the side-mounted button design slows reaction time in emergency situations.

When 2023 Tesla Model X steering complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 1, 2023, latest Jul 2, 2026.

2023 Tesla Model X steering complaints: complaints filed per month8Jul 2023Dec 2023Mar 2024Jun 2024Sep 2024Dec 2024Jul 2025
46 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2023 to Jul 2026; peak Jun 2024 (8).

Steering recalls for the 2023 Tesla Model X

  1. NHTSA 23V743000Nov 3, 2023Steering194 vehicles

    Steering: steering wheel/handle bar

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.

    Risk: An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-005.

  2. 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.

Steering complaints by Model X model year

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

  1. 20150 (0%)
  2. 201658 (13%)
  3. 201750 (19%)
  4. 201818 (9%)
  5. 201911 (11%)
  6. 202018 (14%)
  7. 202113 (32%)
  8. 202244 (35%)
  9. 202346 (24%)
  10. 20243 (12%)
  11. 20252 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2023 Tesla Model X have?
NHTSA lists 46 steering-related complaints for the 2023 Model X, which is 24% of the 194 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2023 Tesla Model X?
Yes. Recall 23V743000 covers an incorrect airbag installed with certain steering yoke or wheel replacements, and recall 23V085000 covers Full Self-Driving Beta software affecting steering behavior.
Did the 2023 Model X steering issues cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data shows 2 crashes tied to steering complaints for the 2023 Model X, with no fires and no injuries reported.
What is the most common steering complaint on the 2023 Model X?
The most repeated pattern in owner complaints is difficulty finding and pressing the touch-sensitive horn button on the steering wheel quickly enough in emergency situations.
At what mileage do steering problems appear on the 2023 Model X?
NHTSA's data shows a median mileage at failure of 300 miles for steering-related complaints on the 2023 Model X.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.