NHTSA Closes Tesla Power Steering Probe Into 376,000 Model 3 and Model Y EVs

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has officially concluded its engineering analysis regarding the loss of power steering functionality in approximately 376,000 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles from the 2023 model year. Regulators initiated the review following reports of steering control failures that emerged during 2023, prompting significant safety concerns for owners of these electric vehicles.

The investigation stems from a preliminary evaluation launched in July 2023, which sought to determine the cause of recurring steering assist failures. Tesla subsequently addressed the software-related defect through an over-the-air recall implemented in early 2025, which provided a corrective patch for the affected steering assist systems.

The closure of this probe signifies that the federal oversight body is satisfied with the efficacy of the software-based remedy deployed across the fleet. While the primary focus remains on the domestic U.S. market, Tesla owners in India often monitor these global regulatory developments, as local safety standards frequently align with international protocols for imported and high-end vehicle technologies.