Tesla is voluntarily recalling 376,241 vehicles in the U.S. due to a potential problem with the power-assisted steering, according to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
This recall affects certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles manufactured between February 28, 2023, and October 11, 2023, and equipped with a specific older software version.
The NHTSA report details how the printed circuit boards within the steering systems of these affected vehicles could become stressed. This could lead to a failure of the power-assist steering, particularly when a Tesla comes to a stop and then begins to accelerate again.
A failure in the electronic power-assist steering means drivers would need significantly more force to maneuver their vehicles, increasing the risk of an accident. While this is a serious issue, Tesla has stated they are not aware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities resulting from this power steering malfunction.
The good news is that Tesla has already released a free over-the-air software update to rectify the problem. This update should prevent the steering issue from occurring.
Tesla plans to notify affected vehicle owners by mail around March 25th. In the meantime, if you believe your vehicle might be involved in this recall, you can contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 or the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 for more information.
