2016 Tesla Model X Steering Problems

I was driving the vehical when something went wrong. The vehicle showed a warning stating "ABS disabled". I was worried by this, when I saw further warnings appear including "Safety restraint system issue" "Power braking assist reduced" and something about steering. The dashboard also showed "Park Brake fault" and a red icon with a seatbelt and another with an airbag. Alarmed, I pulled to the side of the road. I then discovered that I could not use the parking brake or turn on the flashers. There is no manual parking brake, and the car thought it was still driving. I was facing downhill and the only way to keep the car from rolling was to keep my foot on the brake. I had to call 911 and could only safely exit the vehicle, after they had ensured it would not roll. Again, I could not exit the vehicle, or even put on flashers to warn traffic. Tesla attempted to have me reboot the operating system but this also failed -- apparently there is no manual reboot or brake avalible.

NHTSA ID

11751426

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

The rack-and-pinion system failed, causing steering to become difficult at low speeds and worsening rapidly over weeks. It was inspected by a mechanic at EV Coastal in Santa Ana, who said it was not the U-Joint or bolt corrosion issue addressed by an earlier NHTSA recall. There were no notifications either visible to me or to the mechanic in service mode. The accident was at low speeds and a partial cause was my daughter's difficulty making a smooth adjustment with the steering wheel. She was pulling out of a parking spot and collided with a car going a little faster than it should have in a parking lot. Fortunately, the damage was limited to a scratch to the passenger side door of the other car (see photo) and scratches to the right side of the front fender of the Tesla.

NHTSA ID

11734564

Incident

Apr 25, 2026

I don't think Tesla ever did the steering bolt recall per SB-20-32-002 on my vehicle. I had all the bolts fail, with obvious corrosion, and the motor separated from the rack causing a loss of power steering while moving. You can see where the bolt physically failed and the corrosion both on the remainder of the bolt and the entire mating surface of the motor to the steering rack. Going back through my service records, it is only listed once on 9 June 2021 with notes of "Parts not available" hidden in the comments. Tesla is telling me this was done, with comments about a January 2021 visit, but I never took it to them in January (I did in February) and the February visit has no mention of the recall. Regardless, one of two things happened: either Tesla didn't do the recall and I fell victim to the issue or the recall was done and the new, updated bolts still failed due to corrosion and exposure to a corrosive, winter environment. I still suspect the former for the reason that no visible evidence of the protective wax coating required by the TSB could be seen on the motor or steering rack. Perhaps they swapped the bolts but didn't apply the wax, which allowed for continued corrosion? I won't know for sure until they continue with the repair, but I'm worried they are going to toss the parts and sweep this under the rug and foot me with the full bill. Regardless, I want this documented that I had a failure despite the recall so that any other owner with a similar problem can see this record.

NHTSA ID

11725858

Incident

Mar 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while driving during a rainstorm, the power steering assist feature suddenly failed, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The driver was able to forcefully turn the steering wheel and drive the vehicle a short distance to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to the local Tesla Service Center who diagnosed that the steering rack circuit board had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V062000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11713627

Incident

Dec 25, 2025

Mileage

80,000 mi

There is a u joint problem that is reported in many model x vehicles especially in the 2016 models. The steering stiffens and make is very difficulty to maneuver .

NHTSA ID

11696228

Incident

Oct 4, 2025

While driving, the steering suddenly failed — the wheel spun freely with no response from the front wheels. This occurred at a stoplight shortly after exiting the freeway; had it happened minutes earlier at highway speed, it could have caused a serious crash. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla Service Center, which confirmed an under-torqued and stripped bolt on the intermediate steering shaft connecting to the steering rack. The steering column module, shaft, and rack were replaced. This was the second major steering incident in six months. In April, the same part had seized, making the steering extremely stiff. Tesla replaced the intermediate shaft then, but immediately after pickup, the car veered sharply left and triggered a traction control alert. Only after I returned did they perform an alignment and test drive. That means the first repair was released to me without a post-repair safety check. The October failure involved the same component, suggesting negligent workmanship or a recurring defect in the steering connection. Total loss of steering control represents a critical safety hazard that could lead to loss of life. I strongly believe this issue warrants an investigation and possible recall.

NHTSA ID

11692699

Incident

Oct 2, 2025

The steering is stiff and hard to turn this is the second time this has happened. It happened last year around this same time. I took to Tesla service in New Orleans for repair and they said they cleaned the bolts and reconnected the line. And now the car is experiencing the same issue

NHTSA ID

11685610

Incident

Aug 26, 2025

In March of 2025, my steering of the model X became really stiff. As time went on, the problem became worse and no longer able to turn left or right without major force. I made an appointment with Tesla and took it in for servicing. At this time they changed the steering bolts and steering shaft April 23, 2025. This cost $489.70 (I will attach invoice). As soon as I picked up the vehicle my steering wheel was about 30% stuck to the right. I immediately sent a picture to tesla for them to conduct an alignment and fix the issue. They fixed the issue but around May 15th, I had a nail in my tire so I took my car in to fix it. At that time I find out that the tires on my car were exposed to the wire (I will add the picture of the tires). I replaced these tires on March 1st 2025 which is only 2 1/2 months since I replaced it. It was an indication that something is wrong so I make another appointment with Tesla to check it and get another alignment I dropped off car on June 3rd. Tesla tried to perform another alignment to find that they are not able to because the steering gear assembly needs to be replaced. I asked for clarification because I just fixed the steering components in April and they are now wanting $4900 for the steering gear assembly. As I was researching, I find that my model x was produced on May 2016 and there is a recall for Model x produced before Oct 2016 for the steering bolt and steering components if they are damaged. When I tell tesla that there is a recall they say that my vin is not associated with the recall. I am filing a complaint because my car is with in the period of vehicles produces in the recall. There is a huge safety issue if the steering bolt and steering gear assembly is malfunctioning. There were no warning lamps or messages to indicate this. This has put my family and other vehicles at risk and Tesla is aware of this problem but won't honor the recall or admit that the steering issue are all related.

NHTSA ID

11667556

Incident

Mar 15, 2025

I had cruise set at 60mph on 2 lane highway. Their were rumble strips in center as well as edges of the road. I approached 2 slow moving vehicles (adaptive cruise was on) and then used turn signal, took over control myself disabling adaptive cruise. I pulled back in across the center mark after passing vehicles. When i crossed the 12" wide center rumble strip my car immediately threw up a message on the screen and i could barely turn the wheel to prevent the car from driving into the ditch on my projected path back into my lane. The car got straight finally but the wheel was nearly impossible to turn. A few miles later, I approached my ramp to take and slowed down to 15mph under the ramp limit and it took nearly everything to get the wheel to turn 15 degrees to make my turn. i pulled off very slowly into a graveyard right off the road and parked the car. i took pictures of the messages on the screen "EPAS_w002 Steering may require increased effort" on the center screen and the similar message on the center screen "Steering assist reduced steering may require increased effort". I did a computer reboot (hold 2 buttons on steering wheel), left the car with my key and locked it ad walked away for a minute. I reapproached the car, it unlocked, and i turned the car back ON. Everything worked when i got on the highway with the exception of Autosteer (beta). It would not set, so i disabled it on the center screen. I turned it back on this morning (next day) and it is fully functioning again. I do not know how i didn't end up in the ditch at highway speeds, but i feel this needs reported and a solution found before I or someone else loses steering. I'm not sure the center rumble strip had anything to do with it or if it was coincidental, but the car always does a shimmy when you cross rumble strips in the center of the road (switching lanes) regardless of speed.

NHTSA ID

11649167

Incident

Mar 18, 2025

Hi, My steering wheel turning very hard even though NHTSA issued the the recall last month but your website says your vehicle is not on recall. Also my rear camara is working still Tesla said needs to be replace again even though Tesla replace in 2023 which is I paid. My autonomy is not working even though I paid $8000 plus $500 tax when I purchase my model X in 2016 for full self driving/ Tesla doesn't want to honor this to us. Hopefully NHTSA put my vehicle in recall list. Thanks for you help. Best regards

NHTSA ID

11648176

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

Steering has become extremely stiff and requires strength to steer. I believe corrosion happens on the bolts or other steering components. I live in NYC where much salt and such is used to fight the snow. I've had the car for a long time and it happens yearly. Any questions please feel free to contact me. Thank You [XXX] - [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11647279

Incident

Mar 10, 2025

Vehicle is hard to turn.

NHTSA ID

11637883

Incident

Jan 23, 2025

Steering Stuck: It happened several times that the steering wheel completely locked up while driving on the road. Today it happened again. It does not move, cannot turn left or right. I was in the middle of the road, the only thing I could do was to back up. I had to stop in the middle of the road and reboot the car. Luckily the cars behind me were able to stop before crashing into me. In May 2024, I addressed the same issues, but it happened again. I think it is their defect which I have serious concerns for my safety. I heard other people also experienced the same as mine. I believe this is the defect which will cause the danger of drivers. Suspension and tires: I went to several tires shops every year and they all told me that my tires have been worn quickly because alignment was not properly installed. I went to Tesla, but they said there were no issues. The fact is that my tires have been worn quickly than normal and we can hear the squeaky noise from the suspensions when turning. My friend has the same issues with his tesla. This is also a defect that Tesla needs to repair it. WiFi: My Tesla cannot connect to WiFi for all of those years for updates. I have asked Tesla to help but they cannot connect to it either. This is a defect that they cannot fix which cause my car not being able to update it automatically.

NHTSA ID

11623222

Incident

Nov 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal squeaky and clunking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the Tesla Service Center, where the front driver's side and the passenger's side front upper control arms links and bushings were replaced, and the four-wheel alignment was performed. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was significantly resistant. The vehicle was taken to the Tesla Service Center, where the intermediate lower steering column shaft was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH and making a right turn, the steering wheel became significantly loose, causing the contact to lose steering control. Additionally, the wheels failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was perpendicular to oncoming traffic at the time of the failure. The contact parked the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the Tesla Service Center, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

NHTSA ID

11583309

Incident

Feb 28, 2024

Mileage

66,000 mi

Steering system has malfunctioned and is currently available for inspection, as of February 28, 2024. Upon leaving my home this morning, my wife found that the steering wheel was responding abnormally. The steering wheel was fairly easy to turn from the 12 o clock position until about the 2 o clock position, at which point the steering wheel required a massive amount of force to move any further, almost as if the wheel is stuck. Continuing to turn the wheel past the 2 o clock position, it gets easy to turn again between 3 o clock position until the 5 o clock position, at which point the steering wheel again gets extremely difficult to turn. Same behavior is experienced when making a left turn: Smooth, Tough, Smooth, Tough, Smooth. Being unable to smoothly and predictably steer the vehicle puts myself and other road users at risk of bodily harm and property damage. Vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer or service center. No accident has occurred at this time. Owner will arrange for towing for service. There have been no warnings lamps, no messages, and no prior indications of issues. Problem first appeared February 28, 2024.

NHTSA ID

11574428

Incident

Feb 28, 2024

The suspension (the front half shaft) has repeatedly failed and has been replaced multiple times by Tesla. First it was replaced under warranty and now we are paying for it as it is no longer covered under the warranty. The part failure is a safety concern as it has lead to unstable handling, nearly resulting in a crash several times. The parts have always been discarded by Tesla but a full explanation of the problem is here: https://n2itive.me/ No warning lamps or messages appear as it happens every time you accelerate, and sometimes the vibrations are so severe that it affects the handling of the vehicle severely.

NHTSA ID

11517670

Incident

Nov 30, 2016

Power steering went out, and it was very difficult to turn the car, I called Tesla, and asked for a repair, I also stated the 20V062000 NHTSA recall and was told my car was not on warranty, my car fits exactly the recall number listed by NHTSA, I requested a refund and was denied. I had to drive the car 88 miles to Raleigh, I was put at a very high risk of safety to get the car fixed the steering was hard to pull and control, especially on stops and turns. NO warning messages, I discovered it when I was backing my car in the garage and did not drive it until I had to drive to Raleigh to get it fixed. The car was not inspected, I had to drive it to Raleigh for the repair. The consumer stated she requested to be reimbursed by Tesla but the request was denied.

NHTSA ID

11517571

Incident

Mar 10, 2023

The front control arms broke. I had it in for recall work and asked them to check the rear control arms. We had just gotten new tires on it and the tire shop recommended we bring it in to have Tesla look at the rear control arms. Tesla said they looked good and then last minute they said the front control arms were broken. Not sure how that happened, but it seems to be a common problem with the 2016 model xs. Paid 637.94 for the repair. Since then, our power steering has been almost non existent.

NHTSA ID

11517217

Incident

Nov 4, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving with the Autonomous Self Driving feature activated and making a left or a right turn, the steering wheel seized, and the Autonomous Self Driving feature inadvertently disabled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown Service Center to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the lower steering shaft needed to be replaced. The contact then stated that the mechanic sprayed oil on the steering shaft to loosen the steering wheel; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

NHTSA ID

11515160

Incident

Mar 24, 2023

Mileage

83,000 mi

I was turning left to northbound from westbound and as I was trying to accelerate to turn, my Tesla wouldn’t go past 11 mph. I stepped on the accelerator with all my might, but it wouldn’t go past 11 mph. On my dash, the alert said: “obstruction detected- speed will be reduced.” This is very concerning because the car was slowing down and obstructing the southbound lanes. This is very dangerous and could’ve caused a car crash. I could’ve easily gotten T-boned. After I made my slow turn, the car got back to normal and accelerated normally.

NHTSA ID

11513687

Incident

Mar 24, 2023

The second tow captain rear seats are not bolted securely. The seats both rock forward and back. I brought it up to Tedla service and the representative came back with, The car is 6 years old. So does that mean Tesla Model X captain seats begin to fail after 6 years? The other issue is a steering issue. When I steer left or right I hear a clunking noise. It's not related to the control arm as it is a known issue. The odd thing is when it rains the noise goes away which I believe it may be related to a lubrication issue. When the vehicle dries up after a day or two the noise starts again.

NHTSA ID

11511353

Incident

Mar 11, 2023

Possibly loss of power to the steering wheel, caused the car hitting the freeway middle cement separator Tesla refuses to look at my drive report to identify the exact fault of the car This happened on November 4th and I see there was an issue with Tesla cars due to a faulty software download during that time I’ve reached out to Tesla numerous numerous times, they refuse to review the report and identify the malfunction

NHTSA ID

11503178

Incident

Nov 4, 2022

Unexpectedly the cars steering has become very stiff to steer. I live in New York City and after researching on this topic I've found that other vehicles built before October 2016 have been affected and have a recall. I believe my vehicle is a late 2016 build but my Vin does not show up for the recall. Also here is the article I found... https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/tesla-recalls-model-x-for-steering-issue/

NHTSA ID

11457063

Incident

Mar 16, 2022

I was experiencing very loud noises from the suspension and/or steering while driving and turning. The tires were also wearing excessive and very unevenly. Within 500 miles, the tires went from 2/32nds to completely bald with no signs of tread at all and very chopped. I took the vehicle to Tesla for inspection. They came back with a repair order for $6,171 for suspension parts such as fore link assy for L and R, front suspension aft link, right rear upper link, air spring module L and R, sway bar link L and R and other misc repairs. I found that there were many complaints online for some of these components. Tesla offered no explanation why a garage kept vehicle with only 54k miles would have so many severe suspension issues and did not offer to cover any of the repairs even though the vehicle is just out of full warranty for time frame.

NHTSA ID

11456847

Incident

Mar 15, 2022

MCU computer has failed multiple times, including one time, middle of a very hot summer day, turning on high heat and rolling up windows, until computer rebooted (seemed like forever), while on the freeway. Tesla later notified us of a recall of the MCU, but repeatedly denied our claim, even though they admitted the MCU was the culprit, "just 'cause". The steering is greatly affected by front motor and its half-shafts. Had repaired right before warranty expired, but the problem remained. Tesla techs all warned us that it would happen again, which it did shortly after, and Tesla refused to repair it again, except to replace the failed components with identical components, all at our cost (thousands of dollars). Tesla techs said that the problem was a notoriously bad design of the half-shafts. They said it was fixed in newer front drive units, but that our only option was to keep replacing the defectively designed parts. When it has this problem, the car wants to steer left or right, but never straight ahead, and can pull suddenly to one side, making driver appear to be drunk from the sudden left-right-left-right motions. Tesla experts have told us that the only fix is to buy a new Tesla.

NHTSA ID

11442201

Incident

Nov 19, 2019