Tesla is recalling just over 40,000 Model S and Model X EVs in the U.S. over a potential power-steering problem. The recall covers 40,168 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles.
An October firmware release caused some vehicles to lose power steering when driving over bumpy roads and potholes. An estimated 1% of recalled vehicles have the defect, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) release.
“Reduced or lost power steering assist does not affect steering control, but could require greater steering effort from the driver and increasing the likelihood of crashes, particularly at low speeds,” the administration said.
As of November 1, the company said it was not aware of any injuries or deaths related to the issue, though it has identified 314 vehicle alerts that it believes are related to the issue.
Tesla has since released a newer version of the firmware, which it claims more than 97 percent of affected vehicles have already received. Owners who have updated their vehicles firmware to the 2022.36.5 firmware or later do not need to take any other actions, the automaker said.
Tesla has issued 17 recall notices in 2022, covering 3.4 million vehicles. In September, it recalled nearly 1.1 million cars in the U.S. because the windows might close too fast and pinch people’s fingers.
