The power steering fault affects certain 2023 Tesla Model 3s and Ys equipped with older software.
Tesla is currently issuing a voluntary recall for 376,241 vehicles in the U.S, to correct an issue with failing electric power-assisted steering systems. This particular problem affects 2023 Model 3s and Model Ys that were manufactured for sale in the U.S. from February 28th to October 11th, and come equipped with older software versions.
Now according to records posted to the website of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the root cause of this problem stems from an overvoltage breakdown that causes undue stress on motor drive components within the circuit board. This malfunction can then lead to the premature failure of the electric power steering assist system.
The automaker notes that this fault may cause drivers to experience heavier-than-usual steering when the vehicle is in motion, and no power steering at all when the vehicle is stationary. A visual alert will also appear on the central screen with the message “Steering assist reduced. Steering may require increased effort.”
As with many Tesla recalls, the fix to this issue is to be done via an over-the-air software update. The EV manufacturer has stated that no service visit is necessary, and no further action is necessary from owners whose vehicles are equipped with software release 2023.38.4 or later.
Though the recall has only been announced recently, Tesla has acknowledged over 3,000 warranty claims related to the issue and had begun an internal investigation almost two years ago in response to customer complaints about high steering effort. The EV manufacturer nevertheless states it has received no reports of crashes or injuries associated with the defect.
This recall in the United States incidentally also follows an earlier related probe, and subsequent voluntary recall in China concerning the same fault. Tesla Malaysia however has yet to issue any recall notice regarding this particular fault just yet.
