Known APK problem
Tesla Model S: steering
On the Tesla Model S the APK inspector finds steering problems 18.7× as often as on cars of the same age: at 7–8 years 4.6%, against about 0.2% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
Play or leaks in the steering rack, tie rods or power steering.
How to check it at the viewing
Turn the wheel while stationary: no play, knocking or heavy spot. On the test drive the car should keep running straight.
Ask the seller: Has any work been done on the steering rack or tie rod ends?
By age
Share of inspected Tesla Model Ss with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.
| Age | Type | Model S | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 – 6 years | A | 1.7% | 0.1% | 13.9× |
| 7 – 8 years | A | 4.6% | 0.2% | 18.7× |
| 9 – 10 years | A | 2.3% | 0.4% | 6.3× |
| 11 – 12 years | A | 2.7% | 0.8% | 3.5× |
A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.
Comparable cars at 7–8 years
| Model | Steering | Vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model S | 4.6% | 18.7× |
| Volvo V90 / S90 II | 1.1% | 4.7× |
Looking at a Tesla Model S? Check that car
Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Tesla Model Ss of the same age.
All weak spots of the Tesla Model S · Steering: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the Tesla Model S often have steering problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 7–8 years the inspector found a steering defect on 4.6% of inspected Tesla Model Ss, against about 0.2% of all cars of the same age (18.7×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the steering on a used Tesla Model S?
Turn the wheel while stationary: no play, knocking or heavy spot. On the test drive the car should keep running straight.
Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.
Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know