Vehicle recall R/2018/093

Tesla Model S recall: Loss of power steering assistance

DVSA recall R/2018/093 names the Tesla Model S. It was launched 30 March 2018. It covers vehicles built 31 May 2012 to 9 April 2016.

Recall data updated 22 September 2026

Recall: R/2018/093
Launched: 30 March 2018
Issued by: TESLA
Manufacturer reference: SB-18-32-002
Vehicles: 3,243 across the lines below

What can go wrong

Potential failure of steering gear motor bolts when exposed to long term high corrosive environment. This can lead to loss of power assistance to the steering which would result in additional effort from the driver to steer the vehicle.

The fix

Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the aluminium bolts with stainless steel bolts. Where necessary the steering rack will be replaced.

Models and build dates

As listed in the DVSA recall file. Vehicle numbers are DVSA figures for each line.
Model	Built	Vehicles
Tesla Model S	31 May 2012 to 9 April 2016	3,243

Is a specific car affected? A recall lists models and build dates, not individual vehicles, so these pages cannot tell you whether one car is included. Enter the registration on the DVSA vehicle recall checker on GOV.UK, or give the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the manufacturer or one of its dealers. Buying used? Ask the seller for proof that any recall work was done.

Other recalls for these models

R/2018/057 Passenger airbag may not deploy as intended 31 January 2018, Tesla Model S
R/2019/006 The propellant in the front passenger airbag inflator may degrade over time 11 January 2019, Tesla Model S
R/2017/182 Parking brake may not release correctly 19 April 2017, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X
R/2015/233 Seatbelt may not perform correctly 20 November 2015, Tesla Model S
R/2021/031 WHEN THE eMMC REACHES ACCUMULATED LIFETIME WEAR THE CUSTOMER MAY EXPERIENCE A BLANK CENTRE DISPLAY 1 February 2021, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X
R/2022/009 Misalignment of the hood latch may prevent latching of the secondary latch 18 February 2022, Tesla Model S

Found one you might buy?

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Source

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: DVSA vehicle recall records (RecallsFile.csv), recalls launched 1992 to 2026. Recall data updated 22 September 2026.

Recall wording is DVSA's, with capitals and punctuation tidied and American spellings such as tire, center and windshield given in British English. We list a recall when its make and model match a car or van family with at least 1,000 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2025, and when the maker of the vehicle issued it.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by DVSA. Methodology · Data sources