Tesla’s Power Steering ‘Recall’ Hype: Media Misses the Mark Again

As a Tesla enthusiast and the host of the BC Tesla Guy YouTube channel, I’ve been closely following the latest news surrounding Tesla’s recalls, particularly the recent OTA recall for a power steering issue in certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. This recall, announced in February 2025, has been sensationalized by the media, painting a picture of a massive safety crisis. However, a deeper dive reveals that the issue was addressed over a year ago with a software update, and the majority of affected vehicles are already fixed. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis, comparing Tesla’s approach to other manufacturers and addressing the media’s tendency to focus on negative Tesla stories while ignoring similar issues elsewhere.

Table of Contents

Key Points

Tesla issued an OTA recall for a power steering issue in 2023 Model 3 and Model Y, affecting 376,241 US vehicles and 38,671 Canadian vehicles.
The issue was fixed with software update 2023.38.4 in October 2023, and 99% of US vehicles already have the update by January 2025.
Media often exaggerates the recall, but it’s mostly resolved, unlike traditional recalls requiring dealership visits.

The Recall Explained

Tesla recently announced a recall for a power steering issue affecting certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The problem involves a potential overvoltage that could overstress the electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) circuit board, possibly leading to loss of power steering assist when the vehicle stops and restarts. However, this isn’t as alarming as it sounds. Tesla released a software update, version 2023.38.4, back in October 2023 to fix this, and by January 2025, 99% of the recalled US vehicles had already received this update. This means only a small fraction of vehicles might still need the fix, making it less disruptive for owners.

Related Topic: 2026 Tesla Model Y Launch Edition

Media Misrepresentation

The media tends to highlight the large number of vehicles involved—over 400,000 in total—but fails to mention that most are already updated. This can create unnecessary panic, especially when compared to how other manufacturers handle recalls, often requiring owners to visit dealerships, which can be inconvenient.

Surprising Efficiency

What’s surprising is how Tesla’s OTA updates make recalls so seamless. Unlike traditional recalls, owners don’t need to take their cars to a service center; the fix is pushed over the air, and most vehicles are already compliant. This efficiency is a game-changer in the automotive industry.

Recall Details and Technical Background

The recall, impacting 376,241 vehicles in the United States and 38,671 in Canada, addresses a potential overvoltage breakdown in the electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) system. This could overstress motor drive components on the circuit board, potentially leading to a loss of power steering assist when the vehicle is stopped and then accelerates again. According to Drive Tesla, Tesla estimates that only 1% of these vehicles are expected to have the defect, minimizing the actual risk. Crucially, Tesla resolved this issue with software update 2023.38.4, first released on October 19, 2023. By January 2025, 99% of the recalled US vehicles had this update installed, as noted in Driving, meaning the recall is largely a formality to ensure the remaining vehicles are updated.

The nature of the defect is such that, under normal operation, steering functionality remains unaffected while driving, with a visual alert notifying the driver if an overstress occurs. However, once the vehicle stops, EPAS may be lost, requiring increased manual steering effort, especially at low speeds. Tesla’s safety design ensures this loss does not occur while in motion, reducing immediate safety risks, as per AP News.

Tesla’s OTA Update Advantage

Tesla’s use of Over-The-Air (OTA) updates is a significant advantage, allowing the company to push software fixes directly to vehicles without requiring owners to visit a service center. This contrasts sharply with traditional recalls, where owners must schedule appointments and potentially wait for parts, as seen with recalls from other manufacturers like Ford and Honda in 2024. For instance, Forbes notes that Ford recalled 1.89 million Explorers for intrusive windshield pillar trim, and Honda recalled 1.69 million vehicles for potential steering defects, both requiring dealership visits. Tesla’s approach, as highlighted in Not a Tesla App, resolves issues remotely, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

Media Coverage and Bias

The media’s portrayal of this recall is a classic example of bias against Tesla. Headlines often emphasize the large number of vehicles involved, such as “Tesla Recalling Over 375,000 Vehicles” (Boston Herald), without clarifying that most are already fixed. This contrasts with coverage of other manufacturers, where similar or larger recalls, like Ford’s 4.1 million vehicles in 2024 (CarPro), receive less scrutiny. This pattern is evident in Motor1, which notes Tesla had 16 recalls affecting 5.1 million vehicles in 2024, yet the focus is often on Tesla’s recalls rather than the total volume from competitors like Stellantis with 72 recalls.

To illustrate, here’s a table comparing major recalls in 2024 by manufacturer, based on available data:

Manufacturer	Number of Recalls	Total Vehicles Affected	Notable Issues	OTA Update Available?
Tesla	16	5,135,991	Warning light labels, rearview camera	Yes
Ford	67	4,100,000	Windshield pillar trim, airbags	No
Stellantis	72	2,600,000	Rearview camera software, airbags	No
Honda	Not specified	1,690,000	Steering defects	No

This table, sourced from Motor1 and Forbes, highlights Tesla’s reliance on OTA updates, which reduces the burden on owners compared to traditional recalls.

Conclusion and Personal Perspective

As BC Tesla Guy, I’m proud of Tesla’s innovative approach to recalls, leveraging technology to ensure safety without disrupting owners’ lives. The media’s focus on negative stories, while ignoring the efficiency of Tesla’s OTA updates and the scale of recalls from other manufacturers, is frustrating. It’s clear that Tesla is leading the way in automotive safety and convenience, and I encourage fellow enthusiasts to check their vehicle’s software version and stay informed through official sources like Tesla Support and NHTSA.

This analysis underscores the importance of looking beyond headlines and understanding the full context, especially for a brand like Tesla that’s pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology.

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