2021 Tesla Model Y Steering Problems

On XXX (4:59 PM and 5:47 PM) and XXX (7:49 AM), while driving, my 2021 Tesla Model Y (approx. 41,500 miles) displayed "Steering assist reduced" (UI_a020), each followed within about a minute by "Lane Departure Avoidance unavailable" (APP_w264). [Add if true: The steering felt noticeably heavier when the alert appeared.] The vehicle's 12V system tested healthy in Service Mode (13.32 V, DC-DC output normal). Tesla Service ([XXX]; service SV02F94980) diagnosed an Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) rack motor control error with limited power output from overheat or overload protection. On XXX, at 41,788 miles, Tesla replaced the steering gear (part 1188832-00-B), along with the front lower compliance and lateral links, and performed an alignment. I paid $4,522.27 out of pocket; Tesla declined goodwill. Losing power steering assist while driving is a safety hazard. The failed rack belongs to the same Mando-manufactured family (XXX) named in recall 25V-092 and investigation EA24001, which covered only 2023 Model 3 and Model Y. NHTSA's complaint database shows a growing number of 2021 Model Y complaints describing the same UI_a020 alert and the same rack replacement, many filed in 2026. I ask NHTSA to evaluate whether the defect and remedy should extend to 2021 Model Y vehicles. Invoice attached. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11774496

Incident

Oct 12, 2026

On [XXX], between approximately [XXX] and [XXX] AM, I was driving my 2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range (VIN: [XXX]) with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) engaged, software version v14.3 Lite, on the southbound [XXX] frontage road at [XXX]. The road has five lanes in my direction, and only the leftmost lane is a left-turn lane. I was in the third lane from the left, and the navigation route required a left turn onto [XXX] at the upcoming intersection. FSD waited until the last moment to change lanes. The light turned red before it could complete the lane change, and the vehicle stopped straddling two lanes, still not in the left-turn lane. I expected FSD to continue straight and reroute. Instead, when the light turned green, the vehicle cut across the leftmost lane and drove up onto the median, apparently attempting to cross over it to complete the left turn. The other side of the median is oncoming traffic. There were two poles with city signs on the median, and the vehicle struck them. I took over immediately, but the collision had already occurred. No other vehicles or people were involved, and no one was injured. My vehicle sustained severe front-end damage, including a detached front bumper, a deformed left fender, and a shattered windshield. FSD/Autopilot features are no longer functioning. The vehicle did not automatically contact emergency services; I called the police myself. The incident was reported to the police (report #[XXX]) and to my insurance company, Progressive (claim #[XXX]). Tesla has contacted me to investigate. I have preserved the dashcam footage. Prior to this incident, I had also experienced repeated FSD issues after a software update in July 2026, including phantom braking and the vehicle suddenly stopping and freezing at intersections, requiring manual takeover. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11773313

Incident

Oct 16, 2026

Subject: Front suspension failure and wheel detachment — 2021 Tesla Model Y Vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model Y VIN: [XXX] My wife's 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced a serious failure involving the front-right suspension, resulting in the wheel detaching from the vehicle. Following the incident, we observed a disconnected suspension arm at its mounting point and recovered a loose fastener. We understand that another fastener associated with the connection was already missing. We have photographs documenting the detached suspension connection and the recovered fastener. We are concerned that this failure may involve a safety-related defect in the front suspension mounting hardware. We request that NHTSA investigate whether this incident is related to recall 21V-835 / Tesla campaign SB-21-31-003, or any other suspension defect or recall affecting this vehicle. Please review this incident for potential safety implications for other vehicles and determine whether further investigation is warranted. We can provide photographs, the failed hardware, repair records, and additional details about the circumstances of the incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11773032

Incident

Nov 14, 2024

On XXX my 2021 Tesla Model Y, VIN [XXX], was taken to Tesla Service in West Covina, California, at 69,097 miles. While turning, a front suspension bolt fell out and the car knocked. Tesla estimate 3000-009-0039917905, service SV02F26AB8, dated XXX, quotes replacement of both front lower lateral links, part 2188341-00-D, and four nylon-patch lateral-link bolts, part 1109912-00-B, plus the front subframe, both front halfshafts, both lower compliance links, the front valance, and the front aero shield. The estimate is $8,237.58 with tax and is marked customer-pay. I have not signed it. This is the same joint as NHTSA recall 21V-835, Tesla SB-21-31-003: the front lower lateral-link fastener can loosen and let the link separate from the subframe. My VIN is not in that campaign. A Tesla manager said a recall letter was mailed to me in XXX, he said I did not bring the car in, and I am therefore liable. I have no such letter. No XXX NHTSA campaign covers this 2021 VIN for this bolt. I asked him to provide to proof of that letter. He said he doesn't have proof because he doesnt work in that department but he told me the date and that's his proof. The failed part is the recalled bolt. The estimate does not show that the subframe, both axles, both compliance links, and the fascia were damaged by it. I am reporting this for the open lower-lateral-link investigation, PE26006. The car had a sudden suspension separation while turning, which can cause a loss of control. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11768639

Incident

Sep 29, 2026

My vehicle falls within the 2021–2023 Model Y population identified in NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE26-006. The vehicle is a 2021 Model Y and current mileage is 73,350 miles. I am experiencing progressively worsening front suspension squeaking/creaking when turning the steering wheel in either direction, which can now be heard both inside and outside the vehicle. The vehicle also feels noticeably bouncier than normal. I first noticed a faint creaking sound in July and it has gotten worse over time. So I have concerns regarding the lower lateral-link/control-arm suspension failure. Additionally, I have experienced unusual wear on my tires and alignment issues in the last couple of years. There was also a previous recall from 2021 , 21V-835 / SB-21-31-003, that involved certain 2020–2021 Model Ys where the front lower lateral-link fasteners could loosen and allow the lateral link to separate from the subframe. NHTSA specifically described the potential consequence as changed wheel alignment, instability, and increased crash risk. I have reached out to Tesla about my concerns and they stated there were no open recalls and quoted me for repairs. I have screenshots of the Tesla correspondence if needed. I have an upcoming appointment with Tesla on 9/24/26 for diagnostic testing.

NHTSA ID

11766449

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

My 2021 Tesla Model Y developed a steering system/EPAS fault identified in Tesla Service Mode as EPAS3P_a072_motFeedFwdError, along with UI_a020 Steering Assist Reduced. Tesla diagnosed the vehicle as requiring replacement of the steering rack/EPAS assembly. Tesla informed me in writing that the vehicle may experience intermittent or complete loss of electronic steering assistance, that the vehicle is not operating within manufacturer safety specifications, and that Tesla advises against operating the vehicle until the steering rack is replaced. Tesla also confirmed that there is currently no applicable recall or service campaign for my VIN. I am reporting this because failure or loss of electronic power steering assistance presents a significant safety concern, particularly if steering assistance is lost unexpectedly while the vehicle is being operated. Vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model Y VIN: 5YJYGDEE6MF207395 Mileage: approximately 129,281 Tesla diagnostic fault: EPAS3P_a072_motFeedFwdError Related alert: UI_a020 Steering Assist Reduced I request that NHTSA review this complaint and determine whether similar steering/EPAS failures are occurring in other Model Y vehicles and whether this represents a broader safety defect.

NHTSA ID

11762861

Incident

Aug 25, 2026

The electronic power steering (EPAS) system/steering gear malfunctioned. Tesla diagnosed fault code EPAS3P_A072_mot and recommended replacement of the steering gear/rack, part number 1188832-00-B. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. If the steering gear is replaced, I will request that the failed component be retained or otherwise made available for inspection if possible.The vehicle displayed a warning stating “Steering Assist Reduced Steering May Require Increased Effort.” A reduction or loss of electronic power steering assistance could require significantly greater steering effort and could affect the driver's ability to safely maneuver the vehicle, particularly during turns, low-speed maneuvers, or an emergency maneuver. I was concerned that the steering assistance could further deteriorate or fail unexpectedly while driving, putting the driver, passengers, and other road users at risk.The problem was confirmed by a Tesla Service Center. Tesla diagnosed fault code EPAS3P_A072_mot and determined that the steering gear/rack requires replacement. Tesla recommended the replacement of the steering gear part number 1188832-00-B and provided an estimate of approximately $3200.The vehicle was inspected by Tesla technicians at the Tesla Service Center. I specifically asked Tesla to determine whether a pothole impact could have caused the steering rack failure. After inspecting the vehicle, Tesla informed me in writing that its technicians did not observe any signs of impact damage and that Tesla does not believe the pothole incident caused the current steering rack failure. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. The vehicle displayed the warning message “Steering Assist Reduced / Steering May Require Increased Effort.” The warning first appeared on or about 8-25-26 at approximately 136K miles. I subsequently brought the vehicle to Tesla for diagnosis, where Tesla identified fault code EPAS3P,recommends rep

NHTSA ID

11762166

Incident

Aug 25, 2026

I am submitting this safety complaint regarding premature suspension failure on my 2021 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX]), specifically concerning the front lower suspension links.During a dealer inspection at a Tesla Service Center on XXX, with 72,758 miles on the odometer, technicians diagnosed that the vehicle’s front lower lateral links and front lower compliance links suffered from severely torn factory air-gap rubber bushings. The degradation of these critical structural components required immediate, full replacement of the entire arm assemblies to ensure safe operational handling, resulting in an out-of-pocket repair quote of $1,976.57 (Tesla Invoice #XXX). A compromised or torn bushing in the lower lateral link assembly compromises structural integrity, increasing the risk of mechanical detachment or fracture while in motion, which poses a severe loss-of-control safety risk at highway speeds. This issue directly correlates to the high failure rates and premature degradation profiles currently being investigated by the Office of Defects Investigation under active NHTSA Probe PE26006. I request that this case data point be reviewed as further evidence to transition this active preliminary evaluation into a mandatory, formal safety recall for the protection of all affected owners. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11760460

Incident

Aug 28, 2026

I own a 2021 Tesla Model Y with an HW3 car computer. At approximately 54,000 miles, the vehicle developed intermittent failures of the cameras, GPS/navigation, and cruise control. On two occasions during the same routine drive, about 40 minutes into the trip, the GPS, cameras, and cruise control abruptly stopped functioning at approximately the same location. The first occurrence was about July 7, 2026 at 9:15 AM and the second August 7, 2026 at about 3:15 PM. I made the same trip once between these events without a failure. I had also previously experienced a frightening incident while driving northbound on I-280 approaching the lane division for 19th Avenue in San Francisco using Autopilot. Where my lane widened and a new lane began, the vehicle abruptly attempted to follow the new lane to the right. I had to intervene firmly with the steering wheel to maintain control. I do not know whether this event was related to the later diagnosed computer failure, but report it because of its possible safety significance. Tesla serviced the vehicle in Sunnyvale on August 16, 2026 at 54,565 miles. Tesla's invoice states: “Technician addressed the intermittent loss of GPS, cameras, and cruise control. The car computer had board-side failures and was replaced.” Tesla replaced the HW3 computer with a Hardware 3.2 computer, part 1775000-S0-L. Tesla also found corrosion at the 12V input and replaced the 12V battery. My concern is that the HW3 computer failure was intermittent and simultaneously affected cameras, GPS/navigation, and cruise control. The vehicle operated normally between failures, so a driver could not know when the problem might recur. I ask NHTSA to determine whether similar HW3 computer failures are occurring in other 2021 Model Y vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11759495

Incident

Aug 7, 2026

Component Failed: Electronic Power Steering (EPAS) system / Steering Rack. The vehicle is currently displaying the active safety alert code: UI_a020 ("Steering assist reduced / disabled"). The vehicle is available for inspection. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of primary power steering assist creates a severe safety hazard, requiring extreme physical effort to steer the vehicle. This increases the risk of a crash during sudden maneuvers or at low speeds. Confirmation & Warning Lamps: The UI_a020 warning message is actively displayed on the vehicle's touchscreen. Tesla service has remotely acknowledged the alert code and required a diagnostic fee approval via the mobile app. Inspection Status: The vehicle has not yet been physically inspected. Due to severe service backlogs, the earliest available appointment Tesla could provide is more than a month away, on September 30th. I am forced to either park the vehicle or drive it with a known, I think there's active steering system fault until that date.

NHTSA ID

11758811

Incident

Aug 21, 2026

SAFETY DEFECT REPORT: UNMAPPED RECALL EXPANSION / COMPONENT COMMONALITY My 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced a sudden, dangerous loss of electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) while driving, instantly displaying the alert: "Steering assist reduced / Steering may require increased effort."An official diagnosis by Tesla Service (Estimate #3000-009-0038060635, attached) confirmed a catastrophic failure of the steering gear assembly, requiring a full replacement of the unit. The specific component listed for replacement is STEERING GEAR - LEFT HAND DRIVE, Part Number: 1188832-00-B. This is the identical engineering architecture and part family (1188832) targeted in NHTSA Safety Recall 25V092 for an overvoltage breakdown of the internal EPAS printed circuit board. While my vehicle falls outside the current 2023 model year production window defined by Tesla for 25V092, it uses the exact same component architecture and suffered the exact same failure mode. This represents a clear pattern of failure and component commonality expanding into earlier model years (2021). I am submitting my official itemized Tesla repair estimate of $3,072.50 as physical documentation. I request that the NHTSA review this component match and investigate an expansion of Recall 25V092 to protect other owners of earlier model years from this sudden loss of steering control.

NHTSA ID

11758026

Incident

Aug 16, 2026

Component: Suspension: Front — lower lateral and compliance link assemblies; missing and backed-out lateral-link-to-subframe fasteners; torn bushings Beginning in XXX, the vehicle produced a reproducible knocking noise from the front end when reversing and turning at parking-lot speeds, with no dashboard warnings. Tesla Service ([XXX], invoice XXX) verified the noise and documented on the invoice that the cause was: 1. A front left lateral-link-to-subframe mounting bolt MISSING entirely; 2. A second lateral-link fastener significantly backed out; 3. Torn bushings in both front lower compliance links. The technician replaced both front lower lateral link assemblies and both front lower compliance link assemblies with new hardware (invoice line items: XXX lateral links; XXX and XXX compliance links). Total customer cost for the suspension work: $1,539, out of warranty; goodwill and defect coverage were denied in writing as "wear and tear." A structural fastener missing entirely from a primary front suspension link is not ordinary wear. It is the precursor condition to the lateral-link separation investigated under PE26006, which covers this vehicle by year and model. With one bolt absent and the second backed out at under 30,000 miles, this vehicle was effectively one fastener away from the detachment event the investigation documents. The contemporaneous torn bushings in both compliance links reinforce premature component failure, not age-related degradation. No crash, fire, or injury occurred, and the vehicle remained drivable. However, the failure occurred without warning on a safety-critical steering and suspension load path. Evidence retained by owner and referenced in this complaint: -Pre-repair inspection photographs & post-repair invoice INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11756800

Incident

May 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal sound while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the lower and upper control arms were failing. The contact was informed that the lower and upper control arms needed to be replaced. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that a service appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11755463

Incident

Jul 24, 2026

Mileage

100,000 mi

Vehicle can become difficult to steer in certain situations

NHTSA ID

11754876

Incident

Jul 25, 2026

The electronic power assisted steering (EPAS) rack on my 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced an internal electronic failure. The failure first occurred while the vehicle was performing an automated parking maneuver (Autopark) at low speed. The vehicle displayed the warning "Steering assist reduced / Steering may require increased effort" (alert UI_a020_SteeringReduced). Using the vehicle's built-in Service Mode, I retrieved the underlying diagnostic fault: EPAS3P_a072_motFeedFwdError, described by the vehicle as "Motor control feed-forward correlation error," set when the difference between estimated motor torque and commanded torque exceeds 1.2 Nm. The vehicle's own diagnostic screen lists the clear condition for this fault as "Replace EPAS," indicating an internal hardware failure of the primary EPAS module. The listed potential impact is "Reduced steering assist and EAC inhibited." The fault initially cleared after approximately three minutes but returned and is now latched: it persists through vehicle reboots and multiple drive cycles. While the fault is active, power steering assist is reduced and lane keeping assistance / active safety steering features are inoperative. Safety risk: steering assist can degrade without warning during low-speed maneuvers, requiring sudden and substantially increased steering effort, and lane keeping assistance is disabled. The failure occurred while an automated driving feature was in control of the steering, with no curb impact, collision, or abnormal use.

NHTSA ID

11749826

Incident

Jul 8, 2026

Error ui_a020 "steering assist reduced" appears without any noticeable steering changes at the moment, but with a warning that steering may become increasingly harder and harder. There were recent recalls on other models of Tesla.

NHTSA ID

11749310

Incident

Jun 30, 2026

The steering is not functioning properly. This is sealed system and no where else I can get it. This a safety issue and I haven't seen any car steering failing like this. Even cars as old as 20 year has no such issues. This is huge slap on of $3k+ on consumer. The cars is hardly 5 year old.

NHTSA ID

11744920

Incident

Jun 12, 2026

A 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced steering/suspension warnings followed shortly by a steering-assist reduction event. On or around May 21, 2026, the vehicle displayed: “Steering alignment service recommended — OK to drive, schedule service soon.” The vehicle was brought to Tesla because the owner was concerned the car had detected a steering, alignment, suspension, or safety-related condition. The Tesla invoice from that visit appears inconsistent. It states that “a wheel alignment check was completed,” but also states “No Labor Performed — Customer Did Not Authorize Repairs or Inspection,” with 0.00 labor hours and no charge. A documented steering/suspension diagnostic inspection, alignment report, alert-log review, or safety assessment was not performed by Tesla or inspected. The owner was advised to replace tires and return later. Approximately 90 miles later, during a low-speed three-point turn, the vehicle made a loud pop/clunk from the front area and displayed: “Steering assist reduced — Steering may require increased effort.” A related alert also stated Lane Departure Avoidance features were unavailable. This created a safety concern because steering effort may unexpectedly increase during low-speed turns or parking maneuvers. Tesla later inspected the vehicle and documented torn front lower lateral/compliance link bushings and vehicle log data showing steering gear alerts. Tesla replaced the front lower lateral links and front lower compliance links and performed alignment work. After those repairs, Tesla stated a steering gear alert was still present and recommended steering gear/steering rack replacement with additional alignment work. The concern is that a steering/alignment warning occurred shortly before the physical front-end failure and reduced steering-assist event, but the earlier Tesla visit does not clearly document that the warning was meaningfully inspected or safety-assessed. Vehicle is currently unsafe to drive and is in Teslas possession

NHTSA ID

11742463

Incident

May 21, 2026

My 2021 Model Y has about 24,500 miles began squeaking when turning the steering wheel or hitting bumps. I read online that many tesla owners had the same issue. The design on these weren't great allowing water to penetrate these parts and cause them to ware down faster. I already paid for the replacement of the upper and lower control arms.

NHTSA ID

11734201

Incident

Apr 12, 2026

Getting message on screen since october 2025. That time total milage on my car was less then 30,000 STEERING ASSIST REDUCED and LANE DEPARTURE AVOIDANCE FEATURE UNAVAILABLE. I did reset / restart the vehicle / soft / hard reset, software update. and This both message got disappear and then again after sometimes its keep coming back. So i did appointment to rocklin tesla center and they gave me cost estimate $5770. Thats way too much so i decline but they said those message might keep popping up because of LOW VOLTAGE DISTRIBUTION AND CONTROLLERS. So i accepted that service and paid $359.68. But i am still getting same both messages on my tesla screen. Sometimes it does comes and sometimes it does not. I did online research and people with same problem stating that because of TESLA's poor manufacturing steering wheel and some kind of faulty circuit board causing this issue. My car never been to any accident and its very low on milage. Please look for other tesla owner who has same problem and tesla has to fix this problem without charging this much amount. Thanks

NHTSA ID

11729305

Incident

Oct 16, 2025

I was entering the on-ramp to [XXX] , from [XXX] , to merge onto the freeway east bound towards [XXX] , when my Tesla suddenly lost all power, the brakes did not work and the power steering completely failed making it feel like it was locked up. I was traveling approximately 40-50 mph at the time nearing the gore point to merge onto the freeway. Fortunately I was in the inside lane and I rolled to a stop away from other vehicles. I could not steer at all. Had I been completely on the freeway, I could have been rear ended badly. I had my two young boys in the vehicle with me, both [XXX] and [XXX] . We were completely trapped in the vehicle with no power. My [XXX] old remembered to use the manual latch to get out. I opened my door manually and It broke my driver side glass window. Vehicles were passing us rapidly to enter the freeway. I called my husband who is a police officer and he came and picked us up. We called Tesla who said they could not get a read on our battery whatsoever. We called a tow company and had this vehicle towed to Tesla repair center in [XXX] , after reporting our traumatic event. They claim our warranty is expired, but our vehicle only has 37,638 miles and should be covered under the 8 year, 120,000 mile warranty that covers a major malfunction like this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11727700

Incident

Mar 19, 2026

Both torn bushing and broken links at 29k miles.

NHTSA ID

11719252

Incident

Feb 19, 2026

The car suddenly reduced lane assistance and steering assistance functionality. After calling Tesla they said it is not a software issue. I checked the service mode and it indicated a malfunction in the steering assist motor, which apparently costs $3500 to replace. Online, I have found many complaints about this problem that are not resolved by software updates. In addition, there was a large number used steering assist motors for sale online which indicates a more wide spread problem. This is not normal for cars to have this failure prematurely and is a serious safety hazard. I read online that some had their steering EPAS get locked while driving on the highway and nearly destroyed their Teslas

NHTSA ID

11718843

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

front subframe and both front lateral links came loose due to welded nut not present

NHTSA ID

11718301

Incident

Feb 1, 2024

Received a notice that steering assist may be reduced. Other model year Ys have been recalled due to the same issue. It doesn’t make sense that this should fail in a vehicle that is 5 years old with no accidents and low mileage. This is a safety issue due to manufacturing defect and should be covered under warranty.

NHTSA ID

11717262

Incident

Dec 1, 2025