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Vehicle recall · NHTSA · Published March 29, 2018

TESLA MODEL S (2014) recall — Steering

Tesla is recalling 2012-2016 Model S vehicles with Bosch steering racks due to risk of power steering loss, which could increase crash risk at low speeds. Owners must contact Tesla for free repair.

🇺🇸 NHTSA recall #18V204000VehicleTesla ›
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No email on file for this recall — reach the company by phone or its official page instead.No contact details on file — see the official NHTSA notice.
✎ GovInfoNow plain-language explainer

What happened, in plain English

Tesla is recalling certain 2012-2016 Model S vehicles that may experience loss of power steering assist, especially at low speeds. This could increase crash risk if the driver needs more effort to steer. The fix involves replacing bolts and adding corrosion prevention. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/1249705-tesla-model-s-2014-steering-recall-power-steering-loss-risk.

Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/1249705-tesla-model-s-2014-steering-recall-power-steering-loss-risk · Updated October 7, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #18V204000

Cite this page

“Tesla Model S (2014) Steering Recall: Power Steering Loss Risk.” GovInfoNow, updated October 7, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/1249705-tesla-model-s-2014-steering-recall-power-steering-loss-risk. Based on NHTSA recall #18V204000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V204000).

Why it’s dangerous

Corroded or fractured aluminum bolts can cause power steering assist to fail. Without power steering, drivers need more effort to steer, especially at low speeds where the vehicle is harder to control. This increases crash risk during normal driving conditions.

Who’s affected

Owners of 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles with Bosch steering racks are affected. Drivers who frequently drive at low speeds or in tight spaces are at higher risk.

How to tell if you have this one

Check if your Tesla Model S was manufactured between 2012 and 2016 and has a Bosch steering rack. The recall started May 7, 2019, and applies to vehicles with the specific bolt issue.

  • Brand
    Tesla
  • Category
    Vehicle
Based on the official NHTSA remedy

What to do — step by step

  1. Contact Tesla

    Call Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 to schedule a free repair for the steering gear mounting bolts and corrosion-preventative sealer.

Official remedy

What NHTSA says to do

Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add a corrosion-preventative sealer, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-32-002.

✎ GovInfoNow

Questions people ask

Why is this recall happening?

The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture, causing loss of power steering assist.

How do I know if my car is affected?

Your Tesla Model S was manufactured between 2012 and 2016 and has a Bosch steering rack.

What is the fix?

Tesla will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add a corrosion-preventative sealer at no cost.

Take action

Contact Tesla

We’ve drafted a message you can send Tesla to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.

Subject: Recall 18V204000 — Tesla Tesla

Hello,

I own a Tesla that is covered by recall 18V204000 from Tesla.

The official recall notice states: Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add a corrosion-preventative sealer, free of charge.  The recall began May 7, 2019.  Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-32-002.

I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this?

Thank you.

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Where this comes from

The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.

  • Official source: NHTSA Recall #18V204000 (March 29, 2018)
  • Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 7, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
  • GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.
GovInfoNow is an independent guide. We are not NHTSA or any government agency. Always confirm details with the official recall.Data: CPSC · FDA · NHTSA · USDA