2018 Tesla Model 3 steering problems
82 complaints about steering have been filed for the 2018 Tesla Model 3, which is 5% of all its NHTSA complaints.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 82 5% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 12,000 miles 19 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 7 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 3 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When steering problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 12 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 3 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 2 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 1 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 1 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 19 steering complaints that report mileage, the median is about 12,000 miles, and 89% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 7 crashes, 3 injuries.
What owners wrote
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at 45 to 50MPH in auto-pilot, the vehicle inadvertently veered into the left turn lane but continued straight into oncoming traffic. The contact stated that the vehicle collided head-on with the other vehicle. The contact was unaware of any warning lights or audio warnings. The contact stated that the front driver side and the knee air bags deployed.
The car was pulling very hard to the left. Took it to tesla service center. They gave me an estimate of nearly $6000 to replace control arms and bushings and steering rack etc. They said the parts were damaged from "outside influence". Whatever that means. The car is 18 months old and has 29,000 miles. No accidents or damage ever. This is a major manufacturing defect that could have had disastrous outcomes if I did not pick up on the symptoms first. This is in absolutely no way related to any "outside influence".
Other problems reported for the 2018 Tesla Model 3
- Forward collision avoidance 287 complaints
- Suspension 190 complaints
- Electrical system 169 complaints
- Air bags 146 complaints
- Seat belts 105 complaints
- Cruise control 91 complaints
- Brakes 90 complaints
- Seats 74 complaints