Tesla Model S Recall R/2018/093: Loss Of Power Steering Assistance, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 30 Mar 2018
- Launched
- 3,243
- vehicles in the UK
- SB-18-32-002
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Tesla recalled Model S vehicles built between 31 May 2012 and 9 April 2016. Potential failure of steering gear motor bolts when exposed to long term high corrosive environment. The dealer will replace where necessary the steering rack. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s 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.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE Defect: 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. Remedy: 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.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could lead to loss of power assistance to the steering which would result in additional effort from the driver to steer the vehicle.
The Fix
The dealer will replace where necessary the steering rack.
Are You Affected?
Model S built between 31 May 2012 and 9 April 2016 may be included. Tesla estimates 3,243 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Tesla, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Tesla.
- Book with any franchised Tesla dealer, quoting the campaign code SB-18-32-002 or the DVSA reference R/2018/093. See how to get a Tesla recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model S, Model XUpdate vehicle firmware to restore Post-Crash eCall functionality | Book soon | R/2025/075 | |
| Model SMisalignment of the hood latch may prevent latching of the secondary latch | Book soon | R/2022/009 | |
| Model S, Model XWhen the emmc reaches accumulated lifetime wear the customer may experience a blank centre display | Low | R/2021/031 | |
| Model SThe propellant in the front passenger airbag inflator may degrade over time | Urgent | R/2019/006 | |
| Model SPassenger airbag may not deploy as intended | Urgent | R/2018/057 |
This is one of 26 Tesla recalls in DVSA’s data. The Tesla recall launched before it was R/2018/057 on 31 Jan 2018, for passenger airbag may not deploy as intended. The one launched after it was R/2019/006 on 11 Jan 2019, for the propellant in the front passenger airbag inflator may degrade over time. You can also see every Tesla recall, the Tesla Model S recall history, all recalls launched in 2018 and loss of power recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2018/093, launched 30 March 2018. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.