2021 Tesla Model S steering problems
29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2021 Tesla Model S — 17% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“On October 17, 2025, while using Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode on my 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid, the car failed to stop at two red lights within a three-hour period. In each case, the car attempted to drive through the intersection even though the signal was solid red. I intervened manually and…”
filed Oct 20, 2025
“The wrap on the steering yoke is peeling, already had a steering yoke replacement 18 months ago under warranty, and this replacement steering yoke exibiting same peeling issue. Could be a safety grip issue as the yoke portion is more slippery at the peeled section. Tesla refuses to replace this…”
filed Aug 14, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering…Campaign 23V743000 · Nov 3, 2023
- FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as…Campaign 23V085000 · Feb 15, 2023
- Electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering…Campaign 22V818000 · Nov 1, 2022
- "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software…Campaign 22V037000 · Jan 27, 2022
Steering problems in other Model S years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Model S | 4 | 11% |
| 2023 Model S | 19 | 17% |
| 2022 Model S | 20 | 15% |
| 2020 Model S | 10 | 13% |
| 2019 Model S | 4 | 9% |
| 2018 Model S | 15 | 9% |
| 2017 Model S | 46 | 11% |
| 2016 Model S | 86 | 13% |
| 2015 Model S | 51 | 8% |
| 2014 Model S | 27 | 7% |
| 2013 Model S | 29 | 6% |
| 2012 Model S | 1 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Tesla Model S
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.