TESLA MODEL S (2021) recall — Steering
Tesla recalls 2021 Model S vehicles with potential steering power loss on rough roads or potholes. Owners must install free software update to prevent increased crash risk.
Use caution until it’s fixed
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Contact the company & request your remedy
What happened, in plain English
Tesla is recalling certain 2021 Model S vehicles that may lose power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting potholes. This could require more steering effort at low speeds, increasing crash risk. The fix is a free software update that Tesla has already mailed to owners. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/80685-tesla-model-s-2021-recall-steering-power-loss-risk.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/80685-tesla-model-s-2021-recall-steering-power-loss-risk · Updated October 4, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #22V818000
Cite this page
“Tesla Model S (2021) Recall: Steering Power Loss Risk.” GovInfoNow, updated October 4, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/80685-tesla-model-s-2021-recall-steering-power-loss-risk. Based on NHTSA recall #22V818000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V818000).
Why it’s dangerous
The electronic power assist steering system can lose power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole. This requires more steering effort, especially at low speeds, which could increase crash risk.
Who’s affected
Owners of 2021 Tesla Model S vehicles are affected. Drivers who frequently encounter rough roads or potholes may be at higher risk.
How to tell if you have this one
Check your vehicle registration for 2021 Tesla Model S. The recall was announced in December 2022 with owner notification letters mailed by that date.
- Brand
Tesla- Category
Vehicle
What to do — step by step
Install Software Update
Tesla has sent a free over-the-air software update to recalibrate the EPAS system. This update addresses the power steering assist issue.
Contact Tesla Support
Owners can call Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 for assistance with the recall.
What NHTSA says to do
Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014.
Questions people ask
Why is this recall happening?
The electronic power assist steering system may lose power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole, requiring more steering effort at low speeds.
How do I know if my vehicle is affected?
Your vehicle is affected if it is a 2021 Tesla Model S, as the recall covers certain 2017-2021 Model S vehicles.
Is there a deadline to fix this?
The software update is free and can be installed at any time, but Tesla mailed owner notification letters by December 31, 2022.
Contact Tesla
We’ve drafted a message you can send Tesla to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 22V818000 — Tesla Tesla Hello, I own a Tesla that is covered by recall 22V818000 from Tesla. The official recall notice states: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014. 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 #22V818000 (January 11, 2022)
- Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 4, 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.