Tesla Recalls Over 376K Vehicles Due to Possible Power Steering Concerns

Tesla is carrying out a voluntary recall of more than 376,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles from the 2023 production year in the United States. This recall addresses vehicles with software versions earlier than 2023.38.4, due to the potential risk of losing power steering assistance. 

What is the Recall For? 

The specific concern is the possibility of power steering assistance loss when a vehicle stops and then starts moving again. This issue could arise from an “overstress situation” affecting the printed circuit board within the electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, as detailed in Tesla’s recent submission to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Vehicles affected are those built from late February 2023 to October 11, 2023. 

The NHTSA warns that a loss of power steering assistance could make steering more difficult at low speeds, raising the risk of accidents. However, Tesla assures that their vehicle design maintains steering functionality while in motion, preventing power steering loss at speeds greater than 0 miles per hour. 

According to Tesla’s website, their design strategy mitigates any significant safety risks by ensuring the power steering assistance remains functional during vehicle movement. Even if EPAS is lost at 0 mph, Tesla views this as not posing a significant safety risk as manual steering capabilities remain available. 

After receiving directives from a foreign regulatory body, Tesla decided to implement a wide-scale recall to eliminate any potential confusion for their customers concerning the EPAS issue when vehicles are stationary. Though, no accidents, injuries, or fatalities have been reported in connection with this recall. 

How Do I Know If My Car is Affected and What Do I Do? 

To address this concern, Tesla initiated a free over-the-air software update in October 2023 to fix the “overstress situation” of the circuit board. By January 23, 2024, about 99% of the impacted U.S. Model 3 and Model Y vehicles had been updated to software version 2023.38.4 or later. Vehicles produced from October 2023 onwards already have the software corrections as part of their manufacturing process. 

Owners of vehicles included in the recall do not need to visit a dealership. They will receive written notifications about the recall by the end of the month. Owners can also check if their VIN is affected by using either the Tesla VIN Recall Search or NHTSA VIN Recall Search tools. 

If you are having issues updating your vehicle software, check Tesla’s FAQs about software updates. If the issue persists, schedule a service appointment. For additional questions, you can contact Tesla’s customer service line at 877-798-3752 and use the recall number SB-25-00-004.