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Tesla steering recalls: lost power assist, FSD Beta, wrong airbag
Two of these four recalls are the same complaint from different causes: the electronic power steering assist can quit. On 2017-2021 Model S and Model X it happens on rough roads or after hitting a pothole, and on 2023 Model 3 and Model Y it comes from an overstressed power steering circuit board, striking as the car comes to a stop. Both were fixed over the air. The third is the Full Self-Driving Beta recall, covering 2016-2023 Model S and X, 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y, where the car could act unsafely around intersections or exceed speed limits. The fourth is hardware: 2021-2024 Model S and X that may have received the wrong driver airbag when a yoke or round steering wheel was swapped.
Warning signs to watch for
- Steering that suddenly takes much more effort, on rough pavement or right after a pothole
- Heavy steering as the car reaches a stop and you begin turning the wheel, on 2023 Model 3 and Model Y
- With FSD Beta engaged: travelling straight through an intersection from a turn lane, or drifting past the posted speed limit
- A Model S or X whose steering yoke or round wheel was replaced with the other style at some point
- The wrong-airbag defect gives no sign you could see or feel from the driver's seat
Is it safe to keep driving?
None of these four carries a stop-driving or park-outside instruction. In both power steering recalls the steering keeps working — it just takes far more effort — and Tesla addressed them with software, so the practical step is confirming your car has taken the update. The FSD Beta recall lets you keep driving, but the notice expects you to watch the road and be ready to take over at all times. The affected Model S and X can be driven while you arrange the free airbag inspection.
What the free repair involves
Three of the four arrive over the air with no appointment: a recalibration of the EPAS system on Model S and X, a software update for the 2023 Model 3 and Model Y circuit board issue, and an update to FSD Beta's behavior. The airbag recall needs a visit — Tesla Service inspects the driver airbag and replaces it as necessary. All free of charge.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 3 |
| medium | 1 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-02-14 | Tesla Model 3 and Y can lose steering assist | medium |
| 2023-11-03 | Tesla Model S and X may have wrong driver airbag | high |
| 2023-02-15 | Tesla Full Self-Driving Beta May Break Traffic Laws | high |
| 2022-11-01 | Tesla Model S and X can lose power steering assist | high |
Common questions
Do I need an appointment for the power steering recalls?
No. Both the Model S and X recalibration and the 2023 Model 3 and Model Y remedy are over-the-air software updates. Make sure the car is connected and has installed the update; the 2023 cars need software newer than version 2023.38.4.
Why is an airbag recall listed under steering?
Because the defect comes out of steering wheel work. On 2021-2024 Model S and Model X, replacing a yoke with a round steering wheel or the reverse may have left an incorrect driver air bag installed in the wheel.
Can I still use Full Self-Driving Beta?
The notice does not ban it, but it describes the system acting unsafe around intersections and exceeding speed limits. Keep your eyes on the road, stay ready to take over instantly, and confirm the over-the-air update has installed on your car.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.