Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2026 Tesla Model Y owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Description of Incident: While operating the vehicle with FSD engaged, the system was traveling at the posted speed limit of 25 mph. Without warning, it suddenly made a sharp left turn onto the sidewalk and accelerated during the maneuver. A pole on the left side struck the vehicle, damaging the driver-side mirror, scratching and denting the body, and leaving the left rear door unable to open properly. This was the third time FSD had been used since purchasing the car less than 24 hours prior. The system did not allow manual override of the wheel at the time of the incident. After the impact, once the vehicle returned to the road, it came to a stop and FSD disengaged on its own. Notes: No pedestrians or other vehicles were in the immediate area, preventing further harm. No system warnings or alerts were issued before or during the incident. …
On the morning of October 1, 2026, at approximately 9:30 AM, I was driving my 2026 Tesla Model Y forward out of my townhouse garage with FSD (Supervised) engaged. Immediately upon exiting, the vehicle steered toward a pillar located right at the garage door and struck it with the left side mirror, breaking off the entire lower mirror cover and leaving the mirror assembly crooked. There was no time to react or intervene - the impact occurred the instant the car cleared the garage. This happened the morning after a software update was installed. No injuries; damage is limited to the left exterior mirror. Tesla classified it as "external damage" (customer pay) with a $1,027.50 repair estimate. I am reporting this because the vehicle made an uncommanded steering maneuver toward a fixed obstacle in a low-speed residential setting with no opportunity for driver intervention.
The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with Self-Driving assist deactivated, the steering system became unresponsive. The vehicle unexpectedly accelerated and passed another vehicle on the right. The contact noted that with autonomous driving features turned off, the steering wheel continued to apply automated pressure. Upon releasing the wheel during a turn, the steering wheel locked in place without returning to center, requiring counter-steering effort to maintain vehicle control. The contact stated that the vehicle continued to provide autonomous steering assistance while automated driving modes were fully deactivated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 800.
I was driving the car inside the parking garage of the UCLA Medical Plaza in Westwood at around 3:10pm on [redacted], looking for an appropriate parking spot. When entering the second basement floor and turning the steering wheel right, to follow the road, the steering wheel was unresponsive and the car felt as if in neutral gear. As the car was on a downward slope, it went straight into the car parked in front. It happened so fast, but it seemed as if the brakes were ineffective. The air bags on the sides were deployed. On the front, the airbag in the steering wheel came out but did not inflate. [redacted]
INCIDENT INVOLVING FSD (SUPERVISED) v14.2.2.4. On February 15, 2026, while the vehicle was operating under Full Self-Driving (Supervised) v14.2.2.4, the system failed to detect a stationary curb. The vehicle initiated a trajectory that resulted in a collision, causing a structural gouge in the passenger-side rear tire sidewall. Per MA 540 CMR 4.04, this damage renders the vehicle unroadworthy. I have saved Dashcam/Sentry video footage as proof of the system's failure to navigate the obstacle.
My Tesla Model Y FSD (Full Self Driving mode) malfunctioned when it unintentionally accelerated and swerved dangerously to avoid what it concluded as potential collision with a merging truck. By the time the driver intervened the vehicle had made contact with road barricades damaging both passenger side front and back door and tire fenders. No warnings were issued. - Component or system failed or malfunctioned - Full Self Driving (FSD) - Safety - FSD malfunctioned causing a crash
The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving and exceeding 70 MPH, the vehicle drifted to the right. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10.
On [redacted] 1512PM. Drive on [redacted] with auto pilot driving. Seen on construction and hit some object driver side by front bumper , fender, Side mirror,Door and Wheel. Couldn't avoid crash by control handle. There is none of airbag action. All deployed.
Tesla took off from a parking lot and was uncontrollable, went through the grass, crossed the street and construction before hitting the barricades and fell into a sewer as the road ended there. There were 2 passengers in the car and luckily both passengers came unharmed. But FSD needs to be investigated on why this happened.
When using cruise control (traffic aware cruise control and autosteer) the car acts dangerously and stops for no reason. I've been driving on open roads with no traffic in front of me on regular roads, the car will slam on the brakes and it causes the people behind me to need to slam on their brakes as well. I feel like I'm going to get into an accident constantly... I was on the freeway and no one around in front of me and the car slammed on the brakes to almost a stop on a 70 mph speed limit road. Today the same thing occurred in high traffic on a 55mph road, luckily the driver behind me wasn't to close and was able to stop in time ... There is no option to use regular cruise control or disable enough features to prevent this from occurring... It's incredibly terrifying. If they can't do traffic aware cruise, there should be the option to do regular cruise... …
Steering complaints in other Model Y years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2026 Tesla Model Y?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the steering of the 2026 Tesla Model Y, 12% of the model year's 411 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2026 Tesla Model Y steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2026 Tesla Model Y, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2026 Tesla Model Y steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 1,000 miles, and 100% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.