Teslas with potentially fatal power steering fault recalled

Hundreds of cars of a popular Tesla model have been recalled over an issue which could cause “serious injury or death”.

A recall of two popular Tesla models has been issued, with hundreds of cars affected.

Owners of Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles are warned that a steering fault could cause an increase in “the risk of an accident causing serious injury or death”.

Tesla Model X vehicles are included in the recall. Picture: Liam Kidston

More than 1000 Model S vehicles are involved in the recall. Picture: Transport Department

“Due to a recently changed software calibration issue, the Electronic Power Assist Steering system (EPAS) may not operate as intended,” the recall notice said.

“This may result in a reduced or loss of power steering assist and could require greater steering effort from the driver, particularly at low speeds.

‘A reduced or loss of power steering assist while driving increases the risk of an accident, causing serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users,” the recall notice said.

“Upon experiencing reduced or lost power steering assist, an audio alert will trigger, and a visual alert will appear on the instrument cluster.”

The recall by the Transport Department says all vehicles and variants within the models manufactured between 2017-2020 are affected.

There are 1012 Tesla cars which are affected by the issue, the department says.

Owners are advised to download new software (2022.36.5) to fix the issue or to contact their authorised Tesla dealer to organise having the firmware updated.

Originally published as Teslas with potentially fatal power steering fault recalled