Tesla, Inc. has issued a safety recall affecting approximately 376,241 vehicles in the United States. The recall, announced on February 19, 2025, targets certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles manufactured between February and October 2023.
While no crashes, injuries, or fatalities have been linked to the issue so far, the recall is about Tesla’s electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, a feature designed to make driving easier by reducing the effort required to turn the wheel. For most drivers, EPAS is practically invisible—it just works. But for a small percentage of Tesla owners, there’s a potential hiccup.
According to Tesla’s official report submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), certain vehicles equipped with software releases prior to version 2023.38.4 may experience an “overvoltage breakdown” in the motor drive components of the steering rack’s printed circuit board. In plain English? A glitch in the system could cause the power steering assist to fail—but only when the car comes to a complete stop.
Here’s the silver lining: Tesla’s engineering team designed the system with safeguards. If the issue arises while the vehicle is moving, drivers won’t notice any change in steering performance. Instead, they’ll see a visual alert on their dashboard warning them of reduced steering assistance. However, once the car stops and then starts moving again, the EPAS might not kick back in, requiring manual steering effort from the driver.
While manual steering remains fully functional, the sudden increase in effort could catch some drivers off guard—especially if they’re parking in tight spaces or navigating busy urban environments. And as anyone who’s parallel parked without power steering knows, it’s not exactly a walk in the park.
So why issue a recall if the problem seems relatively minor? It all boils down to safety—and customer trust.
Tesla voluntarily decided to address this condition globally after discussions with a regulatory authority in a non-U.S. market. That authority expressed concerns about the potential for increased steering effort to surprise drivers, particularly in situations where precision matters, like parking lots or narrow streets. Even though Tesla’s design prevents EPAS loss while the vehicle is in motion, the company opted to err on the side of caution.
“Increased manual steering effort could surprise a driver,” the report notes, adding that such surprises might elevate the risk of collisions in specific scenarios. By issuing a recall, Tesla aims to avoid confusion among its global customer base and reinforce its commitment to safety.
This proactive approach aligns with broader trends in the auto industry, where recalls are often initiated not because accidents have occurred but because manufacturers want to mitigate potential risks before they become real-world problems. According to data from the NHTSA, automakers issued over 900 recalls in 2022 alone, covering more than 20 million vehicles in the U.S. T
Now for the good news: fixing the issue doesn’t require a trip to the dealership. In fact, many affected Tesla owners may already have the solution installed without realizing it.
Beginning October 19, 2023, Tesla rolled out an over-the-air (OTA) software update—part of release 2023.38.4—that addresses the root cause of the problem. As of January 23, 2025, a whopping 99% of affected vehicles in the U.S. had received this update. For those few remaining vehicles, the fix is simple: install the latest software version via Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
No service visit is necessary, and no further action is required once the updated software is in place. This seamless resolution showcases one of Tesla’s key advantages: its ability to remotely diagnose and repair issues through software updates. Traditional automakers typically rely on physical repairs, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient for customers. Tesla’s OTA approach saves both time and resources—a win-win for everyone involved.
If you own a 2023 Model 3 or Model Y, don’t panic. Chances are your vehicle already has the fix installed. However, Tesla plans to notify affected owners officially via mail starting March 25, 2025. Dealerships will also be informed by January 28, 2025, so feel free to reach out to your local service center if you have questions.
For peace of mind, check your vehicle’s software version by navigating to the “Software” tab in your touchscreen settings. If it reads 2023.38.4 or higher, you’re good to go. If not, simply download the update wirelessly.
What are your thoughts on this recall? Share your perspective in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
