2021 Tesla Model Y · symptom sheet
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy
- 30owner reports
- 37,638median miles
- $3,072median quote
- 2involved a crash
Newest report Sep 8, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
95 of the 1,079 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 30 of those describe power steering loss.
Tick what matches of 30 reports
Power steering loss on other Model Y years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2020, 2022, 2024, 2025, 2026.
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 (10 reports) and the EPS motor or module (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the steering system covers the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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 23 recalls on the 2021 Tesla Model Y, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the Model Y
Loss of steering control. Closed jun 25, 2026, led to recall 25V-092.
Loss of steering control. Closed feb 5, 2024.
Steering wheel detachment. Closed apr 24, 2026.
None of these investigations covers the 2021 model year.
What owners paid
8 of the 30 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,500 to $3,500.
When it happens
Too few of these reports state a mileage to give a range.
What owners wrote
“Error ui_a020 "steering assist reduced" appears without any noticeable steering changes at the moment, but with a warning that steering may become increasingly harder and harder. There were recent recalls on other models of Tesla.”
Filed Jul 9, 2026
“Received a notice that steering assist may be reduced. Other model year Ys have been recalled due to the same issue. It doesnât make sense that this should fail in a vehicle that is 5 years old with no accidents and low mileage. This is a safety issue due to manufacturing defect and should be covered under warranty.”
Filed Feb 11, 2026
“The car has a feature called "curvature assist" that takes control of braking and steering at times when using cruise control. The incidents are at times surprising as there is no curvature present but the braking is suddenly applied. This is a surprise for both the driver and any following traffic. The car would be safer if this feature could be disabled but that is not possible.”
Filed Nov 21, 2025
“The power steering became reduced and diminished while driving. Tesla is stating that there is corrosion on the wiring harness ports on the power steering rack. There was no warning until after the incident, but now a âreduced power steeringâ annunciation appears in the screen. The Tesla repair station has confirmed the condition.”
Filed Jul 23, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 2 of 30 reports involved a crash and 1 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
Other problems on this car
- Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 363 reports
- Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 330 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 181 reports
- Forward collision warning goes off or the camera drops out 104 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 103 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 75 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 52 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 43 reports
- Full Self-Driving (FSD) does something unsafe 35 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 26 reports