Recall 22V818 covers 40,168 2017-2021 Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles for power steering assist loss. Tesla's OTA update is free.
Tesla is recalling 40,168 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles because the electronic power assist steering system can lose power steering assist on rough roads or after a pothole strike. The loss of assist can require greater steering effort at low speeds and increase crash risk; Tesla will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The electronic power assist steering system on 2017-2021 Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles uses software-controlled electric assist to reduce the effort needed to turn the wheel. The steering still has a mechanical path, but the assist helps the driver steer smoothly at low speeds, during parking, and over uneven pavement.
The problem is in vehicle firmware release 2022.36 through 2022.36.4. Those software calibrations can treat forces from rough roads, bumps, or potholes as unexpected steering-assist torque. When that happens, the system can reduce or remove power steering assist, so the wheel suddenly takes more effort to turn until the corrected calibration is installed.
When reduced or lost steering assist happens, the vehicle triggers an audio alert and shows a visual alert on the instrument cluster. Treat that alert as the warning sign, especially if steering effort increases after a pothole or rough-road impact.
Who's affected?
Spans Model S and Model X across the 2017-2021 model years, all tied to vehicle firmware for the power steering system.
| 2017 Tesla Model S | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Tesla Model X | power steering system |
| 2018 Tesla Model S | power steering system |
| 2018 Tesla Model X | power steering system |
| 2019 Tesla Model S | power steering system |
| 2019 Tesla Model X | power steering system |
| 2020 Tesla Model X | power steering system |
| 2020 Tesla Model S | power steering system |
| 2021 Tesla Model S | power steering system |
| 2021 Tesla Model X | power steering system |
| Units affected | 40,168 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of power steering assist requires greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, and increases the risk of a crash. An audio alert and instrument cluster warning appear when assist is reduced or lost. Drive cautiously if that warning appears and arrange the free repair. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2021 Tesla Model S or Model X is included in this recall.
- Install the free Tesla OTA software update that recalibrates the EPAS system.
- Contact Tesla service if the update is not available in your vehicle, and reference recall number 22V818 when you call.
- Drive with extra care until the update is installed. Avoid rough roads and potholes when you can.
What happens at the repair
Tesla released a free over-the-air software update that recalibrates the electronic power assist steering system. The update is the recall repair, so it does not require a normal shop visit once the software is installed. A Tesla technician can confirm the update status if the vehicle still shows recall work due. Tesla is not offering reimbursement for this campaign because the affected vehicles already received the software remedy free of charge.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| November 1, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 3, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| November 3, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 31, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 31, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 31, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V818?
Recall 22V818 covers 40,168 2017-2021 Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles with electronic power assist steering that can lose assist on rough roads or after a pothole impact. Tesla released a free over-the-air software update to recalibrate the steering system.
What should I do if my 2017-2021 Tesla Model S or Model X is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 22V818. If it is, confirm the free Tesla over-the-air software update has installed. If you need help, contact Tesla service and reference recall 22V818 or Tesla service bulletin SB-22-00-014.
Is the Tesla recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the remedy to be provided at no cost, and Tesla released the electronic power assist steering recalibration as a free over-the-air software update. Tesla customer service can confirm update status at 1-877-798-3752.
What is the safety risk?
The steering assist loss can make the wheel harder to turn, especially at low speeds. That extra steering effort increases crash risk. This recall does not include a do not drive order, but affected owners need the free Tesla software update completed.
When were owners notified about recall 22V818?
Tesla mailed owner notification letters on December 31, 2022. Used-vehicle owners or owners who missed the letter still get the free recall remedy. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Model S or Model X is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V818000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V818 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V818000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →