Summary
- Tesla conducted a recall for over 300,000 EVs due to potential power steering loss
- The recall affects 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in the U.S.
- The recall was initiated following an investigation by a non-U.S. regulatory agency
- Tesla acknowledges the defect could increase the risk of a collision
- Tesla has released software updates to resolve the issue and the majority of U.S. vehicles have been updated
Article
Tesla has recently acknowledged a potential power steering issue affecting over 300,000 of its electric vehicles, leading to a recall of certain models in the U.S. The recall affects the 2023 Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover, with the vehicles manufactured before a specific software release found to have a defect in the electronic power-assist steering (EPAS) system. This defect could lead to a code error causing overstressed motor drive components, resulting in the steering system reverting to a manual system without assistance once the vehicle reaches 0 mph. Tesla stated that this could increase the risk of a collision and initiated a recall for all affected vehicles in all markets, although specific details about international markets were not provided in the recall filing.
The recall notice also mentioned that an unidentified regulatory authority in a non-U.S. market initiated an investigation into complaints related to the power steering issue, prompting Tesla to conduct technical reviews for over a year before issuing the recall in January 2025. The automaker did not file the report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) until February, raising questions about the transparency and timeliness of the information shared with global markets outside the U.S. Tesla acknowledged over 3,000 warranty claims and 570 field reports in the U.S., but did not provide similar details for other markets where the initial investigation began. The recall filing highlighted that Tesla is unaware of any crashes, injuries, or deaths related to the power steering condition.
Tesla mentioned that software release 2023.38.4 and later versions resolve the power steering defect, with 99% of affected vehicles in the U.S. having installed the update as of January 2025. Vehicles produced after a specific date in October 2023 already had the updated software installed at the factory, ensuring that new vehicles were not affected by the power steering issue. This recall comes on the heels of previous recalls by Tesla in the past years, including seven recalls for the Cybertruck in 2024 and a large recall in 2025. Despite these recalls, Tesla’s sales have fallen, and its share of the U.S. electric vehicle market dropped below 50% in 2024, raising concerns about the impact of these recurring issues on the company’s reputation and market share.
The acknowledgment of the power steering issue and subsequent recall by Tesla comes after extensive investigations and technical reviews with regulatory authorities, both in the U.S. and in global markets. The recall filing raised concerns about the number of vehicles affected outside the U.S. and the lack of detailed information provided by Tesla regarding the impact on international markets. The recall underscores the importance of transparency and timely communication in addressing potential safety issues and ensuring the safety of Tesla’s customers worldwide. With the company facing challenges in maintaining its market share and reputation amid multiple recalls and issues, Tesla will need to address these concerns effectively to regain consumer trust and confidence in its products and services.
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