2015 Tesla Model S Steering Problems
Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the 2015 Tesla Model S, 8% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 10,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “https teslamotorsclub” (14% of reports).
- 51steering complaints
- 10,000median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 45%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Https teslamotorsclub: mentioned in 7 of 51 complaints (14%)
- Com tmc: mentioned in 7 of 51 complaints (14%)
- Front wheel: mentioned in 6 of 51 complaints (12%)
- Grinding noise: mentioned in 5 of 51 complaints (10%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 33 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 51 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 1 a fire.
Tesla Model S steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Model S | 1 | 17% | — |
| 2024 Model S | 4 | 11% | — |
| 2023 Model S | 20 | 18% | — |
| 2022 Model S | 21 | 15% | — |
| 2021 Model S | 29 | 16% | — |
| 2020 Model S | 10 | 13% | 2,500 |
| 2019 Model S | 4 | 9% | 2,763 |
| 2018 Model S | 15 | 9% | 19,950 |
| 2017 Model S | 47 | 11% | 10,000 |
| 2016 Model S | 87 | 13% | 5,000 |
| 2015 Model S | 51 | 8% | 10,000 |
| 2014 Model S | 27 | 7% | 50,000 |
| 2013 Model S | 29 | 6% | 76,000 |
| 2012 Model S | 1 | 2% | 67,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Steering:electric power assist system
Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.
Risk: Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add a corrosion-preventative sealer, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-32-002.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
A few times the steering control has shut off while I am driving. Steering failure lasts a few seconds and then returns to normal function. The car makes a VERY loud alarm sound when the steering is inoperable. I have not seen any failure messages on the screen or in the Service menu. I took the…
Steering: While driving today (7/5/2025), all of a sudden and without warning, "driver assist" (power steering) became disabled. Steering wheel immediately became heavy in the sense that it was extremely difficult to turn. Motor: Also, on 02/22/2024, while driving on the freeway at freeway speed…
Electric power steering stopped working unexpectedly and making it very difficult to steer and drive safely.
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2015 Tesla Model Ss have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 51 owner complaints about steering for the 2015 Tesla Model S (8% of the 668 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2015 Tesla Model S steering?
Yes: 1 safety recall list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do steering problems start?
The median reported mileage is 10,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about steering problems on the 2015 Tesla Model S?
The most frequent phrase is “https teslamotorsclub”, in 7 of 51 complaints, followed by “com tmc” (7).
Other 2015 Tesla Model S problems
- Electrical System problems (266)
- Suspension problems (149)
See all 2015 Tesla Model S problems or steering problems across all Model S years.