The defect
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Model X vehicles. 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 with coated steel bolts, and add a corrosion-preventative sealer to the steering gear motor housing and motor connection bolts. If the mounting bolts are found to be broken or break during removal and cannot be removed, a new steering gear will also be installed. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 15, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model X | 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 X | 2015 | 0 | 2 |
| Tesla Model X | 2016 | 450 | 12 |
Other steering recalls in 2020
29 of the 782 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2020 concerned the steering; Tesla, Inc. filed 85 campaigns in all.
| 20V726000 20 Nov 2020 | Ford Motor Company |
| 20V712000 17 Nov 2020 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| 20V664000 28 Oct 2020 | Proterra Inc. |
| 20V663000 28 Oct 2020 | Daimler Vans USA, LLC |
| 20V651000 23 Oct 2020 | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. |
| 20V626000 9 Oct 2020 | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. |
| 20V621000 7 Oct 2020 | Proterra Inc. |
| 20V568000 21 Sept 2020 | Nova Bus |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2020