Tesla has recalled 376,241 vehicles because they may periodically lose power steering as they drive.
The recall affects Model 3 sedans and Model Y SUVs from model year 2023 operating software releases prior to 2023.38.4.
Tesla tells the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that “an overvoltage breakdown may overstress motor drive components on the printed circuit board.” Protective software shuts down power steering when the overvoltage occurs, but not until the vehicle comes to a stop. So, drivers will periodically stop, accelerate, and find that steering suddenly requires much more effort than normal.
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The car’s screen shows a warning when the shutdown is about to occur, reading, “Steering assist reduced. Steering may require increased effort.”
Tesla says it knows of “3,012 warranty claims and 570 field reports for U.S. vehicles that are related to or may be related to the condition.”
The company can fix the issue with a software update. Tesla says 99% of affected cars have already received the update over the air. Concerned drivers should ensure that they “install software release 2023.38.4 or a later software release,” the company says.
Recall repairs, by law, are free. Automakers recall many cars, often more than once, during their lifespans. When the cars require a physical repair, the automakers try to contact every owner to bring them in. But they don’t always reach them all. In this case, Tesla will fix the issue remotely. Find out whether your car needs any free repairs with the VIN tool at our recall center.