2018 Tesla Model 3 steering problems
78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2018 Tesla Model 3 — 8% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Concern: Suspension Noise - What location is the noise coming from? Front. Suspension or Steering. What best describes the issue? Noise from suspension when driving on uneven roads. Repair Notes: Inspected Front Suspension for Activity 01 (Front suspension noise). Found torn bushings on Front…”
filed Aug 1, 2026
“The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking uncontrollably. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer determined that the front control arm had detached from the front passenger’s…”
filed Jul 31, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as…Campaign 23V085000 · Feb 15, 2023
- "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software…Campaign 22V037000 · Jan 27, 2022
Steering problems in other Model 3 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Model 3 | 25 | 22% |
| 2024 Model 3 | 35 | 17% |
| 2023 Model 3 | 85 | 21% |
| 2022 Model 3 | 33 | 4% |
| 2021 Model 3 | 26 | 4% |
| 2020 Model 3 | 45 | 10% |
| 2019 Model 3 | 51 | 8% |
| 2017 Model 3 | 1 | 4% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Tesla Model 3
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.