2020 Tesla Model 3 steering problems
46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2020 Tesla Model 3 — 10% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The steering assist reduced alert popped up on the tesla screen. While attempting to turn into a parking garage, a "steering assist reduced" alert suddenly appeared on the tesla screen, and the steering wheel locked up/became extremely heavy and unable to steer left or right. Because the steering…”
filed Sep 16, 2026
“On July 11 at approximately 6:47 a.m., I was operating my Tesla Model 3 on Interstate 65 in Hart County, Kentucky, with Full Self-Driving (FSD) engaged during normal highway travel. Approximately one hour earlier, I had departed a highway rest area after sleeping from the previous day’s travel…”
filed Jul 14, 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% |
| 2019 Model 3 | 52 | 8% |
| 2018 Model 3 | 80 | 8% |
| 2017 Model 3 | 1 | 4% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2020 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.