The defect
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.
The risk
Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add a corrosion-preventative sealer, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-32-002.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model S | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 |
Components: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model S | 2012 | 61 | 8 |
| Tesla Model S | 2013 | 461 | 11 |
| Tesla Model S | 2014 | 366 | 9 |
| Tesla Model S | 2015 | 668 | 9 |
| Tesla Model S | 2016 | 649 | 10 |
Other steering recalls in 2018
31 of the 912 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2018 concerned the steering; Tesla, Inc. filed 85 campaigns in all.
| 18V928000 21 Dec 2018 | Prevost Cars, Inc. |
| 18V913000 19 Dec 2018 | Daimler Trucks North America LLC |
| 18V898000 19 Dec 2018 | Porsche Cars North America, Inc. |
| 18V872000 7 Dec 2018 | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. |
| 18V850000 29 Nov 2018 | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. |
| 18V840000 27 Nov 2018 | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. |
| 18V815000 16 Nov 2018 | Autocar, LLC |
| 18V804000 14 Nov 2018 | Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2018