Tesla, the electric car giant founded by billionaire Elon Musk, is facing a new crisis after the recall of more than 375,000 vehicles due to a serious power steering malfunction. This recall affects a range of 2023 Model 3 and Model Y cars that were running software versions prior to 2023.38.4. The issue has raised concerns among drivers and industry experts, with fears that it could put lives at risk.
According to the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem stems from a faulty printed circuit board in the affected vehicles’ electronic power steering assist system. The issue causes the steering assist to fail when the car comes to a stop and then accelerates, making it harder for the driver to control the car, particularly at low speeds.
A Dangerous Situation for Drivers
The malfunction is serious: it can result in a sudden and unexpected loss of power steering. Without power steering assist, drivers could find it much harder to steer, especially in tight situations like parking or navigating crowded streets. At low speeds, the lack of steering support could be particularly hazardous, increasing the risk of accidents.
“This is a significant safety concern, particularly in urban environments where drivers are often required to maneuver in and out of traffic or parking spaces at low speeds,” said Michael Thompson, an automotive safety expert. “A sudden loss of power steering could cause serious issues for any driver, but for those unfamiliar with how to handle manual steering in these circumstances, the risk is even higher.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, Tesla has emphasized that there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities linked to the issue. However, the company has moved swiftly to address the problem, offering an over-the-air software update to affected vehicles at no additional cost.
Tesla’s Response to the Recall
Tesla’s quick action through the software update is a common solution for many of the company’s issues. This is the same approach Tesla has used in the past to correct software-related problems remotely, ensuring that drivers don’t have to visit service centers. The company is also preparing to send official recall notices to the affected car owners starting March 25, according to the NHTSA.
The recall is one of several incidents that have brought Tesla under scrutiny by the NHTSA. The agency has launched multiple investigations into the automaker’s vehicles in recent years, as concerns about safety features continue to grow. In 2023, the NHTSA investigated over 280,000 Tesla vehicles over similar steering-related complaints, and in 2024, the agency opened inquiries into more than 2.6 million Teslas following several high-profile crashes involving Tesla’s autonomous driving features.
“We take the safety of our customers very seriously and are addressing this situation immediately,” said a Tesla spokesperson. “Our engineers have identified a solution and will ensure that all affected vehicles receive the necessary update.”
Tesla’s Troubled Relationship with the NHTSA
This latest recall comes amid ongoing tensions between Tesla and the NHTSA. In 2023, the agency launched an investigation into Tesla vehicles after several reports of steering malfunctions surfaced, though no major incidents were recorded at the time. Tesla’s handling of its self-driving technology has also been under investigation, particularly after multiple crashes were linked to the company’s controversial Autopilot system.
In 2024, a broader investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology began after a series of accidents involving the system raised concerns about its safety. The NHTSA’s investigation into Tesla’s self-driving technology has intensified after multiple crashes and close calls, raising questions about the readiness of autonomous vehicles for mass-market adoption.
More recently, in January 2025, the NHTSA began investigating Tesla’s “Actually Smart Summon” feature. This system allows drivers to summon their parked vehicles via a smartphone app. However, there have been reports of cars moving erratically, leading to potential accidents. The NHTSA’s latest inquiry shows that Tesla is under increasing pressure to ensure its vehicles are safe and reliable, particularly as its technology becomes more advanced.
Tesla’s Software and the Promise of Remote Solutions
Tesla’s ability to deliver over-the-air software updates has been one of the automaker’s greatest selling points, allowing it to fix issues without requiring drivers to visit a service center. These updates have become a hallmark of the Tesla experience, enabling the company to address a range of software bugs and issues without the logistical challenge of traditional recalls.
In this instance, the over-the-air fix is expected to correct the power steering issue in affected vehicles. Tesla has stated that owners will not have to pay for the update, and the process will be entirely remote. Once the update is installed, the issue will be resolved, and power steering will function as intended.
This proactive approach is in stark contrast to how many other automakers handle recalls, which often require physical repairs or part replacements. However, some critics of Tesla’s reliance on software fixes argue that it may be masking more serious underlying issues that could potentially require hardware solutions down the line.
The Bigger Picture for Tesla
The recall and ongoing investigations are just the latest in a series of challenges faced by Tesla in recent years. Once seen as a visionary leader in the electric vehicle industry, Tesla is now under the microscope as its cars become more common on the roads and its autonomous driving features attract increasing scrutiny.
Tesla’s self-driving technology, in particular, has been a point of contention. While Elon Musk has been a vocal advocate for the future of autonomous vehicles, safety experts have raised concerns about the technology’s ability to perform consistently in real-world situations. Tesla has consistently maintained that its vehicles are among the safest on the road, but the company’s record on recalls and safety-related investigations tells a different story.
What Does This Mean for Tesla’s Future?
As Tesla faces increasing scrutiny over safety issues, its reputation as a leader in electric vehicle technology could be on the line. The company has repeatedly positioned itself as an innovator in the automotive industry, but the latest recall underscores the difficulties that come with pushing the boundaries of technology while keeping safety at the forefront.
For Tesla drivers, the recall is a reminder of the potential risks of relying too heavily on advanced technologies. While over-the-air updates and autonomous driving features promise convenience and innovation, they also come with a level of uncertainty that could leave drivers exposed to unforeseen risks.
With Tesla continuing to expand its global footprint, its ability to maintain consumer trust in the face of safety concerns will likely be tested in the months ahead. If these problems persist, Tesla may find itself facing increased pressure from both regulators and the public to prove that its cars can live up to the high expectations set by Musk and the company itself.
