2017 Tesla Model X Steering Problems
Owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the 2017 Tesla Model X, 19% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 31,881 miles. The words owners use most often: “service center” (18% of reports).
- 50steering complaints
- 31,881median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 24%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.
- Service center: mentioned in 9 of 50 complaints (18%)
- Steering column: mentioned in 6 of 50 complaints (12%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 15 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 50 complaints, 2 mention a crash.
Tesla Model X steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Model X | 1 | 14% | — |
| 2025 Model X | 2 | 13% | — |
| 2024 Model X | 3 | 11% | — |
| 2023 Model X | 46 | 24% | 300 |
| 2022 Model X | 44 | 34% | 37,000 |
| 2021 Model X | 13 | 32% | 8,000 |
| 2020 Model X | 18 | 14% | 6,000 |
| 2019 Model X | 11 | 11% | 12,500 |
| 2018 Model X | 18 | 9% | 100,000 |
| 2017 Model X | 50 | 19% | 31,881 |
| 2016 Model X | 58 | 13% | 40,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Steering:automated/adaptive steering
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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:electric power assist system
Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014.
Steering:automated/adaptive steering
Problem: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
My 2017 Tesla Model X (VIN: [XXX] ) is experiencing stiff and binding steering caused by corrosion at the lower steering column I-shaft universal joint. The steering intermittently binds and resists normal turning force, which has caused Teslaâs Full Self-Driving (FSD) system to disengage due to…
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to control and was pulling to one side, almost causing a crash with…
Repeat catastrophic steering failure on 2017 Model X (VIN [XXX] ). Steering wheel spins freely with zero connection to the wheels (complete mechanical disconnect). This is the third steering-system repair in under 12 months. ⢠April 8, 2025: Lower intermediate shaft replaced (still inside…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2017 Tesla Model Xs have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 50 owner complaints about steering for the 2017 Tesla Model X (19% of the 268 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 2017 Tesla Model X steering?
Yes: 3 safety recalls 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 31,881 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about steering problems on the 2017 Tesla Model X?
The most frequent phrase is “service center”, in 9 of 50 complaints, followed by “steering column” (6).
Other 2017 Tesla Model X problems
See all 2017 Tesla Model X problems or steering problems across all Model X years.