Loss of Power Steering Assist

Affected vehicles (2)

Component / system

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating software prior to 2023.38.4. The printed circuit board for the electronic power steering assist may experience an overstress condition, causing a loss of power steering assist when the vehicle reaches a stop and then accelerates again.

Risk / consequence

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, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-004.

Chronology of events

1. December 2023

   In December 2023, a regulatory authority in a non-US market opened a formal inquiry to investigate complaints relating to loss of EPAS by the condition described above. From December 2023 through October 2024, Tesla responded to information requests from and participated in technical reviews with the authority. From late October 2024 through mid-January 2025, Tesla and the authority conducted several meetings to discuss the authority’s investigative findings and assessment of the condition, including the authority’s concerns about potential loss of EPAS at 0 MPH at an unsafe location and whether the increased steering effort required to manually steer the vehicle could surprise a driver such that it should be remedied through a recall. Tesla and the authority also discussed expectations to address the authority’s concerns and resolve the investigation through a voluntary recall, as well as the remedy described below. On January 16, 2025, Tesla made a voluntary determination to recall vehicles in all markets that were affected by this condition and provide the remedy described below. Tesla took this action to address potential customer confusion across our global customer base. As of January 10, 2025, Tesla has identified 3,012 warranty claims and 570 field reports for U.S. vehicles that are related to or may be related to the condition. Tesla is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or deaths related to the condition. As background specific to the US market, in Spring 2023, Tesla began an internal investigation into customer complaints related to increased steering effort in MY 2023 Model 3 and Y vehicles. Chronology continued in attached PDF.

Notification schedule

Dealer notification

JAN 28, 2025 - JAN 28, 2025

Owner notification

MAR 25, 2025 - MAR 25, 2025

Documents (12)