2018 Tesla Model 3 steering problems
80 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
“The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving 4 MPH, the front sway bar detached from the vehicle, and the contact lost steering control. The vehicle was towed, and a service center was contacted but informed the contact that the repair was not covered because the VIN…”
filed Sep 15, 2026
“This is a follow-up to a previously submitted complaint regarding the same issue. I am submitting this update to reference NHTSA's recently opened investigation into 2018-2019 Tesla Model 3 suspension failures. Previous complaint ID is 11732882.”
filed Aug 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Model 3 | 4 | 19% |
| 2025 Model 3 | 25 | 22% |
| 2024 Model 3 | 36 | 17% |
| 2023 Model 3 | 87 | 21% |
| 2022 Model 3 | 36 | 5% |
| 2021 Model 3 | 26 | 4% |
| 2020 Model 3 | 46 | 10% |
| 2019 Model 3 | 52 | 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.