2022 Tesla Model X Steering Problems

The electric power assist steering system on my 2022 Tesla Model X began displaying a "Steering Assist Reduced / Steering May Require Increased Effort" warning intermittently beginning in approximately May 2024, shortly after I purchased the vehicle. This warning appeared more times than I can count over the following months. In most instances the warning appeared but the steering continued to function normally. On approximately March 2, 2026, the warning appeared and for the first time the steering became extremely difficult to turn, requiring significantly increased physical effort to control the vehicle. The first physical failure occurred while parking at low speed in reverse. The steering failure also occurred subsequently while driving at highway speeds. In both instances I stopped the vehicle, exited, waited briefly, and upon re-entering the vehicle the warning cleared and steering returned to normal. This same sequence repeated the following day. The vehicle was brought to a Tesla authorized service center on March 13, 2026. Tesla's technician confirmed the steering assist reduction as reported and determined the steering gear required full replacement. The failed part, steering gear left hand drive part number 1070801-00-F, was replaced. Only full hardware replacement resolved the issue permanently. Prior power cycling provided only temporary relief. My safety was directly at risk. I am a full-time rideshare driver operating at highway speeds. The failed component has been replaced and is in Tesla's possession. Tesla is charging the full repair cost out of pocket despite this matching a documented pattern of identical failures reported to NHTSA by multiple Tesla owners.

While driving my 2022 Tesla Model X at highway speed, I experienced a sudden loss of steering assist shortly after Supercharging. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn, and I had to use significant force to maintain control. The vehicle displayed a ‘Steering Assist Reduced’ alert, FSD became unavailable, and the suspension behaved unexpectedly. After the incident, the vehicle was taken to Tesla service. At this time, I have not received a clear explanation of the root cause of the steering‑assist loss. Because this event occurred at highway speed and created a safety concern, I am submitting this report so the incident can be documented and reviewed.

On January 31, 2026, at 10:30 PM, I was driving from Fort Lauderdale to my home in Boca Raton, Florida. I was using FSD supervised mode. Close to my home, a big red image suddenly appeared, the car started accelerating fast, and I had no control over the car or its steering wheel. The car hit several electrical posts and only stopped after the airbags engaged. My wife was in the passenger seat. The front of the car was totally damaged, and I will have to total it.

I am writing to formally document a life-threatening mechanical failure involving my 2022 Model X on January 30, 2026. While my wife was operating the vehicle, it suffered a simultaneous and catastrophic collapse of all primary safety systems. During operation, the vehicle experienced a total loss of steering and braking control. This was accompanied by a rapid cascade of critical system alerts on the primary display, including “ABS Malfunction,” “Stability Control Disabled,” and “Steering Assist Reduced/Disabled.” Most critically, the vehicle exhibited Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA), increasing speed in direct opposition to the driver’s physical application of the brake pedal. This resulted in a near-miss where the driver narrowly avoided a construction crew.

The failure involves the rear suspension system, specifically suspected rear control arm / suspension linkage play, which caused severe misalignment (rear toe out of specification). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This defect created a significant safety risk. The abnormal toe condition caused rapid and uneven tire wear, with both rear tires becoming nearly completely bald within less than 7,000 miles. This condition increases the risk of tire blowout, loss of traction, and potential loss of control at highway speeds. The issue has been confirmed by an independent service center (Les Schwab), which documented suspension play in the rear control arm area and alignment out of specification (rear toe approximately +1.20° total). The alignment could not be maintained, indicating an underlying mechanical issue. Tesla inspected the vehicle but stated that no suspension components required replacement and attributed the issue only to alignment. However, alignment does not go out of specification without a mechanical cause. Despite multiple requests, Tesla refused to provide detailed documentation regarding the inspection or repair of the suspension system. They replaced only one rear tire and did not address the root cause. The other rear tire had already worn completely bald. After approximately 5,386 miles, the replacement tire has again worn down close to the minimum safety limit, demonstrating that the underlying issue was not corrected and continues to affect vehicle safety. There were no warning lights or system messages prior to the failure. The first symptoms were abnormal tire wear, increased energy consumption, and unstable driving behavior at highway speeds, which began shortly after vehicle purchase. This appears to be a repeat safety-related defect that has not been properly diagnosed or repaired.

Lost power steering while I was driving multiple time and I couldn't turn. Later the alert also come on and off but sometime the steering is fine. Found out on Tesla Model X facebook group people are having the same issues.

As I was attempting to merge onto Interstate 75, I noticed that steering became unexpectedly difficult. Consequently, I decided not to enter the highway. I then crossed the highway and pulled into a parking lot, where I turned off the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the issue seemed to have resolved itself.

While driving my Model X 2022 I noticed the warning "Steering assist reduced, Steering may require increased effort". I was then at a red light and I started to make a left turn and I could BARELY turn the wheel it was like it was almost locked up. Luckily I had enough strength and I was driving into a parking lot where I needed to have my car towed. Tesla service just said there was moisture in the steering wheel connector and they just cleaned it up and connected it. They test drove it and said it's fine. 4 days later I was driving it on the highway and I got the message again and I had my daughter in the car and was terrified. Luckily the steering did not lock up and just drove it home. I have messaged Tesla to see next steps, but when I look at the forums this has been happening A LOT! This is a huge safety concern and I don't feel Tesla is properly handling it based on all the reviews I have read...

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to inform you of a recurring issue I am experiencing with the power steering in my 2022 Model X Plaid. This problem began on [XXX] and has progressively worsened. Initially, the power steering would function normally for approximately 30 minutes of driving. It would work fine when starting in the morning or when the car was cool. However, after driving about 15 miles, the power steering would completely fail, and a warning message would appear indicating that extra effort was required. Recently, the power steering now fails every time I drive. Based on my research, this appears to be a common problem with Tesla vehicles, and I understand a recall has been issued for some model years, although not for the year of my vehicle. I intend to have this issue addressed and repaired through Tesla service. However, I wanted to make you aware of this problem as it seems to be a known issue that is now affecting my 2022 X Plaid as well. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My Tesla stopped in the middle of a 4 way intersection without notice. As I was turning left, the car started to shake for about 2 seconds and then stopped. No warning or anything. The notification stated "electrical system unable to support functions." My safety was put at risk and others. I was traveling with my 11 month old and other cars could have hit my car if they were not paying attention when coming through the intersection. The car was towed to the Tesla dealership. No warnings prior to the failure. Warnings appeared after the car stopped.

I was getting a message on my display saying: Steering assist reduced Steering may require increased effort. But in reality, it requires all my strength, to turn the wheel. Very dangerous. Tesla charge to fix $4,100. I’ll have to pay it.

We bought the Tesla Model X as a CPO vehicle from Tesla on [XXX]. Within the first 2 months of driving the car we saw an an alert for “Steering assist reduced” and shortly after the steering wheel locked up making the car inoperable. This has happened twice while driving: [XXX] [XXX] This puts the driver and passengers at huge risk because the car was unable to turn while blocking a major intersection on [XXX] . We have taken in the vehicle in to Telsa Santa Barbara service center and they were unable to reproduce the issues so they did not make any fixes and returned the vehicle back in the same condition. There was a “Steering assist reduced” warning message to the driver before the steering wheel locked up. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

As I was making an unprotected left turn, the power steering failed. The steering became incredibly heavy. There was almost an accident. Feels unsafe to drive, will be towing to the dealership. Errors: Steering assist reduced, lane assist unavailable. Codes: EPAS3P_a005_sent2mia, torque sensor 2 signal not received.

Many newer models of Teslas do not include a horn in the middle of the steering wheel. Instead there is a small button on the left side which is impossible to find to warn others of a possible collision! The driver gets distracted trying to find the horn and makes the situation even worse by not reacting quick enough. They released a new version of the wheel with a horn but those who are out of warranty have to pay a large amount for a basic yet hugs safety oversight. They should be replaced on with recall free of charge.

The location of horn small icon and not in middle of the steering wheel is very hard to locate when you need it and safety concerns. Several times I needed to use the horn in emergency but were not able to locate it when you are in sudden need. Thanks

The yoke steering wheel only had a small horn button on the right side, only accessible by right thumb. If you are in the middle of a turn that requires more than a quarter turn, then your hand cannot possible be in the right place to use the horn. The lack of a horn in the center of the steering (like every other car) is unsafe. On many occasions I have found myself needing the horn but unable to press it fast enough and have had to take other evasive actions to avoid other vehicles.

On more than one occasion lost power steering and ability to steer properly suddenly in mid drive. It is associated with a warning that comes on at random times saying steering assist reduced

Not being able to press the center of the yoke to activate the horn has been a consistent safety problem. Alerting other drivers in an emergency shouldn’t require me to find a small and indistinguishable button on the steering wheel. This has caused multiple incidents that could have been easily avoided with a traditional center horn. I drive my wife and 2 children in this vehicle daily. A horn should just work.

Steering yoke doesn't not have proper mechanical car horn.

23V-838 This recall made my car less safe, you should not have forced this change on my car I do not like it. It makes the car unsafe