Tesla is voluntarily recalling 376,241 vehicles in the U.S. due to an issue with power-assisted steering system failures, according to records published on the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
In a safety recall report shared by the NHTSA, Tesla stated that the recall applies to Model 3 and Model Y vehicles manufactured for the U.S. market between February 28, 2023, and October 11, 2023. These vehicles were equipped with an older version of Tesla’s software.
The records indicate that the printed circuit boards in the affected vehicles’ steering systems may become overstressed, which could result in power-assisted steering failure. This issue is more likely to occur when a Tesla vehicle comes to a stop and then accelerates.
If the electronic power-assisted steering system fails, drivers must exert more effort to control their vehicles, potentially increasing the risk of an accident.
Tesla informed the NHTSA that it has not received reports of crashes, injuries, or fatalities linked to these power steering failures. To address the issue, the company is rolling out an over-the-air software update.
This recall follows a previous investigation and voluntary recall in China related to the same steering system concerns.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has appointed Tesla CEO Elon Musk to lead a team focused on reducing the federal government workforce, which has included cutting regulations and eliminating certain agencies. Among the affected entities is the NHTSA, an agency Musk has previously criticized for limiting Tesla’s ambitions.
The regulator has been conducting a yearslong investigation into potential safety defects in Tesla’s driver-assist systems, marketed as Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (Supervised). Despite their branding, these features do not transform Tesla vehicles into autonomous robotaxis; a human driver must remain ready to take control at all times.
Musk’s team has overseen mass layoffs at the NHTSA, reducing its workforce by approximately 10%. This downsizing has impacted the agency’s ability to investigate companies like Tesla.
Tesla did not respond to a request for comment.
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