# Tesla Model 3 power steering warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do

**Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week

- **Owner complaints:** 98
- **Most complaints:** 2023 (33)
- **Related recalls:** 2
- **Verdict:** This week

## Quick answer

NHTSA has 98 owner complaints about the power steering warning light on the Tesla Model 3 (2015-2026 models), most for the **2023** model year (33). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop.

## Tesla Model 3 power steering warning light complaints by model year

| Model year | Complaints mentioning the power steering light | All complaints that year | Share |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2017 | 1 | 27 | 4% |
| 2018 | 16 | 1036 | 2% |
| 2019 | 16 | 620 | 3% |
| 2020 | 10 | 454 | 2% |
| 2021 | 5 | 674 | 1% |
| 2022 | 13 | 773 | 2% |
| 2023 | 33 | 429 | 8% |
| 2024 | 4 | 222 | 2% |

Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road.

## Tesla Model 3 recalls related to the power steering warning light

**[25V092000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V092000)** (2023 models, reported 2025-02-15): A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2025.

**[23V085000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V085000)** (2017-2023 models, reported 2023-02-15): FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.

Recall repairs are free at any Tesla dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open.

## What Tesla Model 3 owners report

- "The car is completely powerless no power steering but the center console works. Please help and pressure Tesla for a recall on this issue" -- owner of a 2024 Tesla Model 3, complaint filed 2024
- "I received an error message while driving that the steering assist was turned off, and I was unable to the car. This has happened twice in the last week." -- owner of a 2023 Tesla Model 3, complaint filed 2023
- "The Steering Assist Reduced warning light remained illuminated after the accident and I took a picture. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)" -- owner of a 2022 Tesla Model 3, complaint filed 2026

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified.

## What the power steering warning light means

The power steering light means the car has detected a fault in the steering assist system, and steering may feel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. On most newer cars with electric power steering, a low battery or charging voltage is a common cause. On older cars with hydraulic steering, low fluid or a slipping belt is more likely. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort. The most common causes, on any make:

1. **Low battery or charging voltage** (common)
2. **Electric power steering motor or module fault** (common)
3. **Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)** (common)
4. **Steering torque or angle sensor fault** (less common)

Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering).

## Frequently asked questions

### Is there a recall for the Tesla Model 3 power steering light?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (25V092000, 23V085000) covering 2017-2023 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open.

### Which Tesla Model 3 years have the most power steering light complaints?

In NHTSA's database the 2018, 2019 and 2023 Model 3 model years have the most complaints mentioning the power steering warning light, with 33 for 2023. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen.

### Is it safe to drive a Tesla Model 3 with the power steering light on?

Drive to a shop this week. If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. If steering becomes heavy, jerky or locks up, or the light is red, pull over and stop driving; have the car towed, because sudden loss of assist at speed or in a tight turn can cause a crash.

### How do I check if my Tesla Model 3 has an open recall?

Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Tesla dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner.

## Sources

- [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis)
- [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls)

## Other Tesla Model 3 warning lights

- [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/tesla-model-3): 42 complaints
- [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/tesla-model-3): 118 complaints
- [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/tesla-model-3): 15 complaints
- [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/tesla-model-3): 7 complaints
- [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/tesla-model-3): 23 complaints

## Power steering warning light on other models

- [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints
- [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints
- [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints
- [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints
- [Honda Civic](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints
- [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints
- [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints
- [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints
- [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints
- [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints

## Tesla Model 3

- [Tesla Model 3 specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/tesla-model-3)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/tesla-model-3
Updated: 2026-11-04
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.