2023 Tesla Model 3 · symptom sheet
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy
- 38owner reports
- 2,300median miles
- 3involved a crash
Newest report Jun 25, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
87 of the 427 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 38 of those describe power steering loss.
Tick what matches of 38 reports
Power steering loss on other Model 3 years
No other Model 3 model year has enough reports of power steering loss for a sheet of its own. See every Model 3 year.
What this problem usually is
Power steering loss is the steering wheel suddenly going heavy, usually with a warning on the dash. Nearly six in ten complaints in this group mention a warning light or message, and almost two thirds mention driving or highway speed rather than parking.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (7 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the steering system cover the 2023 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The printed circuit board for the electronic power steering assist may experience an overstress condition, causing a loss of power steering assist when the vehicle reaches a stop and then accelerates again.
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.
All 12 recalls on the 2023 Tesla Model 3, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the Model 3
Loss of steering control. Closed jun 25, 2026, led to recall 25V-092.
Loss of steering control. Closed feb 5, 2024.
When it happens
Too few of these reports state a mileage to give a range.
What owners wrote
“Loss of power steering. Car started normally, but with no warning from the car, the steering wheel could be turned only with extreme effort. I tried to make a circle around the house, but barely avoided hitting other parked cars and called Tesla service.”
Filed Sep 13, 2023
“Steering wheel could not turn after after parked and tried to drive again. Car could only go straight forward or backward. Also tried to restart the whole car computer, problem still persisted. The car screen displayed error message UI_a020 Steering assist reduced, Steering may require increased effort.”
Filed Sep 1, 2023
“Steering wheel locked up while operating not allowing me to turn the wheel. Loss of power steering and control. Screen displaying error "Steering assist reduced" when in reality was completely unable to steer. Vehicle still powered and accelerated however no control over steering.”
Filed Aug 23, 2023
“Steering wheel got jammed while driving on highway. Stopped vehicle on rode side and called for Tesla road side assistance. Tesla towed my vehicle and replaced steering rack. Invoice attached for details”
Filed Aug 22, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 3 of 38 reports involved a crash and 2 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works