NHTSA Closes Tesla Power Steering Investigation After Recall

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has closed its investigation into power steering issues affecting approximately 376,000 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles after determining that the company’s 2025 recall addressed the underlying safety concern.

The probe examined reports of increased steering effort and potential loss of power steering assistance in 2023 model year vehicles.

Investigation followed reports of steering issues

NHTSA first opened a preliminary evaluation in July 2023 after receiving reports from owners who experienced steering problems in Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. Some drivers reported being unable to turn the steering wheel, while others experienced a significant increase in steering effort.

The agency later upgraded the case to an engineering analysis in early 2024, allowing investigators to conduct a more detailed review of the reported defect and determine whether additional safety action was necessary, according to Reuters.

The investigation covered approximately 376,241 vehicles from the 2023 model year.

Software update addressed the defect

In early 2025, Tesla recalled approximately 376,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in the United States after identifying a fault that could disable the power steering assist system.

According to the recall, an overvoltage condition could overstress motor drive components on the steering system’s printed circuit board, potentially increasing steering effort, particularly at low speeds, and raising the risk of a crash.

Tesla addressed the issue through an over-the-air software update designed to prevent the electrical condition responsible for the defect. At the time, the automaker stated that the recall was initiated independently and was not a direct response to NHTSA’s ongoing investigation.

Following its review of Tesla’s corrective action, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation concluded that the recall adequately addressed the issue and formally closed the engineering analysis.

The decision brings an end to nearly two years of regulatory review into one of Tesla’s larger recent safety investigations involving its best-selling electric vehicles.

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