2016 Tesla Model S steering problems
86 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2016 Tesla Model S — 13% of all complaints for this model year.
86
Steering complaints
13%
share of all complaints
5,000 mi
median reported incident mileage
14 / 2
crash / fire reports
What owners report
“While driving my vehicle straight approaching an intersection, I lost complete steering capability and feedback from the steering wheel. The lower intermediate shaft on the steering column complete separated from the splines on the rack and pinion. If I wasn't already preparing to stop at the stop…”
filed Jul 22, 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
- Aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may…Campaign 18V204000 · Mar 29, 2018
Steering problems in other Model S years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Model S | 4 | 11% |
| 2023 Model S | 19 | 17% |
| 2022 Model S | 20 | 15% |
| 2021 Model S | 29 | 17% |
| 2020 Model S | 10 | 13% |
| 2019 Model S | 4 | 9% |
| 2018 Model S | 15 | 9% |
| 2017 Model S | 46 | 11% |
| 2015 Model S | 51 | 8% |
| 2014 Model S | 27 | 7% |
| 2013 Model S | 29 | 6% |
| 2012 Model S | 1 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Tesla Model S
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.