NHTSA Closes Tesla Power-Steering Probe Covering 376,241 Model 3 and Model Y Vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has closed its engineering analysis into power-steering loss affecting 376,241 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles from the 2023 model year. The agency’s decision follows Tesla’s U.S. recall and software remedy for the problem.

What NHTSA investigated

NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation in July 2023 after owners reported that the steering wheel could become difficult or impossible to turn, or suddenly require more effort. The agency upgraded the case to an engineering analysis in early 2024, broadening the review of the alleged defect.

The vehicles were covered by a Tesla recall in early 2025. According to the recall description, an electrical condition could overstress motor-drive components on the steering system’s printed circuit board and disable power-steering assistance. The resulting increase in steering effort was most significant at low speeds and could raise crash risk.

Tesla’s remedy was an over-the-air software update intended to prevent the overvoltage breakdown and component overstress. Tesla said the recall was not issued in response to the still-open NHTSA investigation.

What owners should do

The probe’s closure does not mean every 2023 Model 3 or Model Y is automatically cleared. Owners should check their vehicle identification number (VIN) in Tesla’s app or the NHTSA recall lookup and confirm that the recall remedy has been completed. A driver who experiences unexpectedly heavy steering should arrange service rather than treating the NHTSA closure as a diagnosis of an individual vehicle.

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation closed the analysis in light of Tesla’s recall. The action resolves this specific steering investigation; it is not a general finding that Tesla’s driver-assistance systems are autonomous or that other Tesla safety investigations have ended.

Source: Reuters report; NHTSA recall lookup