Elon Musk’s Tesla is facing yet another major vehicle recall affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles in the United States. Will this impact Trump’s plans to have Musk lead government efficiency efforts?
At a Glance
- Tesla is recalling over 375,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles over power steering issues
- The defect involves a circuit board that can cause loss of power steering, increasing crash risk
- Tesla has released a free over-the-air software update to fix the problem
- 99% of affected vehicles have already received the update, according to Tesla
- No crashes or injuries related to the issue have been reported by the company
Tesla Launches Massive Recall Over Steering Concerns
Tesla has issued a recall for over 375,000 vehicles in the United States due to a power steering issue that could potentially increase crash risk, especially at lower speeds. The recall specifically targets 376,241 of the 2023 Model 3 sedans and Model Y SUVs equipped with software versions prior to 2023.38.4, addressing concerns about electronic power steering failures that could make vehicles harder to control.
According to the documentation, the problem stems from a faulty printed circuit board that can become overstressed, potentially resulting in a loss of power steering assist. This issue is particularly noticeable when vehicles come to a stop and then accelerate again, requiring drivers to exert significantly more effort to steer the vehicle—a safety hazard that could lead to accidents, especially in emergency situations requiring quick maneuvering.
Tesla’s Response and Resolution
In a move typical of the technology-focused automaker, Tesla began deploying an over-the-air software update in October 2023 to address the issue without requiring owners to visit service centers. The company reports that as of January 23, 2025, approximately 99% of the affected vehicles in the United States have already received the software update, demonstrating the effectiveness of Tesla’s remote update capabilities.
Despite the scale of the recall, Tesla maintains there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths connected to the steering issue. The company has, however, acknowledged receiving 3,012 warranty claims and 570 field reports potentially related to the condition. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed to affected customers by March 25, 2025, providing additional information about the recall and confirming whether their vehicles have received the necessary software update.
The recall comes amid increased scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is investigating multiple aspects of Tesla vehicles. The agency has already linked one crash and over 50 towing incidents to the power steering problem, suggesting the issue may be more serious than Tesla has acknowledged.
If you own a Tesla…you should definitely speak to your dealer.
