Recall 18V204 affects 70,421 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles because steering motor bolts can corrode and fracture. Repair is free at Tesla Service Centers.
Tesla is recalling 70,421 2012-2016 Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks because aluminum bolts for the power steering assist motor can corrode and fracture. Loss of power steering assist means higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and Tesla service will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2012-2016 Tesla Model S uses an electric power steering assist motor mounted to the steering gear housing. That motor adds force when you turn the wheel, especially at parking-lot speeds, so the driver does not have to supply all steering effort by hand. Aluminum bolts hold the assist motor in the correct position against the gear housing.
On affected Model S vehicles with Bosch steering racks, long-term exposure to corrosive road salt attacks those aluminum bolts. Corrosion weakens them until they fracture. When the bolts break, the assist motor shifts, the transmission belt slips, and power steering assist is reduced or lost. The steering wheel remains mechanically connected, but steering effort increases.
Before assist drops, drivers are likely to notice significant noise from the steering system, such as whining, screeching, or squeaking. The instrument cluster can also show an audible or visual warning, and the wheel can feel harder to turn.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2012-2016 Model S lineup, all tied to the same power steering system.
| 2013 Tesla Model S | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Tesla Model S | power steering system |
| 2014 Tesla Model S | power steering system |
| 2015 Tesla Model S | power steering system |
| 2016 Tesla Model S | power steering system |
| Units affected | 70,421 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 14 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of power steering assist makes the wheel harder to turn, especially at lower speeds, and increases crash risk. Whining, screeching, squeaking, instrument cluster warnings, or heavier steering are signs to take seriously. Drive cautiously, avoid tight low-speed maneuvers when possible, and schedule the recall repair. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2016 Tesla Model S is included in this recall.
- Contact a Tesla Service Center to schedule the free steering-gear bolt replacement and corrosion sealer repair that addresses power steering assist loss.
- Bring any owner letter Tesla sent. If you do not have it, reference recall number 18V204 and Tesla recall SB-18-32-002 when you schedule service.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Expect higher steering effort at lower speeds if power steering assist is reduced or lost.
What happens at the repair
At a Tesla Service Center, a Tesla technician replaces the steering gear mounting bolts and applies a corrosion-preventative sealer. The repair addresses bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Tesla has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for the same repair before the recall work was completed. Keep your repair paperwork and ask Tesla customer service or the service center how to submit documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 29, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 29, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| March 29, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 29, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 7, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V204?
Recall 18V204 covers 70,421 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles with Bosch steering racks. Aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing can corrode and fracture, reducing or eliminating power steering assist. Tesla Service Centers replace the bolts and add corrosion-preventative sealer for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2016 Tesla Model S is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Model S is included in recall 18V204. If it is, contact a Tesla Service Center to schedule the steering gear bolt replacement and sealer application. Reference recall 18V204 or Tesla service bulletin SB-18-32-002 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Tesla's remedy states that Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add corrosion-preventative sealer free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is higher steering effort if power steering assist is reduced or lost. That matters most at lower speeds, where the driver needs more force to steer, and it increases crash risk. The repair addresses the corroding and fractured bolt condition.
What if I bought my Tesla Model S used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Model S is included, then contact a Tesla Service Center and reference recall 18V204 or Tesla service bulletin SB-18-32-002.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V204000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V204 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V204000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →