Tesla has issued a recall covering about 40,000 Model S sedans and Model X SUVs from the 2017 to 2021 model years that can suddenly lose power steering assist. As is often the case with Tesla recalls, the problem doesn’t require a trip to the dealership. Tesla says it can fix the issue with a remote software update.
In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Tesla explains, “The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.”
If the power steering assist shuts down, the driver can still steer the vehicle. However, steering would then require more effort than normal. Since drivers don’t expect a change in steering effort, this could contribute to an accident.
Tesla will fix the problem with an over-the-air software update. The company says more than 97% of the affected cars have already received the update, which is part of the firmware release, 2022.36.5.
Recall repairs are always free.
Many cars are recalled to fix safety defects, sometimes more than once. While automakers try to reach every owner to ask them to bring the vehicle in for repair, they rarely reach them all. Millions of vehicles on American roads need free recall repairs. To find out if your car is one of them, check the easy VIN tool at our recall center.
