# Tesla Model Y power steering warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 6 - **Most complaints:** 2020 (3) - **Related recalls:** 3 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 6 owner complaints about the power steering warning light on the Tesla Model Y (2015-2026 models), most for the **2020** model year (3). There are **3 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 Y power steering warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the power steering light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2020 | 3 | 283 | 1% | | 2025 | 3 | 109 | 3% | 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 Y 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. **[23V385000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V385000)** (2022-2023 models, reported 2023-05-30): A loose fastener may allow the steering wheel to disconnect from the steering column, which can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Tesla Service will inspect and replace the fastener as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were be mailed July 28, 2023. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-32-001. **[23V085000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V085000)** (2020-2023 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 Y owners report - "ADDITIONAL CRITICAL SAFETY INCIDENT: During the computer/system failure, I experienced a power steering malfunction accompanied by an on-screen warning. The steering wheel became extremely hard to turn/stiff, making it nearly impossible to steer the vehicle safely." -- owner of a 2025 Tesla Model Y, complaint filed 2026 - "Stability control disabled.steering assist reduced. I was turned 360 degrees when trying to turn left. Car was sliding during drive." -- owner of a 2020 Tesla Model Y, complaint filed 2021 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 Y power steering light? Yes. NHTSA lists 3 related recalls (25V092000, 23V385000, 23V085000) covering 2020-2023 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Tesla Model Y years have the most power steering light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2020 and 2025 Model Y model years have the most complaints mentioning the power steering warning light, with 3 for 2020. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Tesla Model Y 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 Y 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 Y warning lights - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/tesla-model-y): 5 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/tesla-model-y): 7 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 Y - [Tesla Model Y specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/tesla-model-y) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/tesla-model-y Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.