NHTSA campaign 18V204000 · Tesla campaign SB-18-32-002
Tesla Recall 18V-204: Loss of Power Steering Assist Due to Corrosion
NHTSA recall 18V204000 (Tesla campaign SB-18-32-002) was reported by Tesla, Inc. on March 29, 2018, with 70,421 vehicles potentially affected (per NHTSA). NHTSA's record lists the Tesla Model S for model years 2012–2016. Owners were notified on May 7, 2019, per NHTSA.
Updated daily from NHTSA's recall files
Is my vehicle included?
This page lists, by model year, the vehicles NHTSA's recall record names for campaign 18V204000 in the model years try.vin imports (1995 and later); NHTSA's own record can list more. A model year on the list doesn't mean every vehicle of that year is included, and some may already have been repaired.
To see whether a specific vehicle is included and still needs the repair, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Tesla VIN check: decode a VIN to see its year, make and model.
Key facts
- NHTSA campaign
- 18V204000 (also written 18V-204 or 18V204)
- Filed by
- Tesla, Inc.
- Tesla campaign number
- SB-18-32-002
- Report received
- Potentially affected
- 70,421 vehicles (per NHTSA)
- Component
- Steering — Electric Power Assist System
- Owners notified
Repair completion: 91.24% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated October 21, 2026)
NHTSA cautions against comparing completion rates across recalls or manufacturers. How try.vin reads them.
Vehicles listed for this recall
NHTSA's recall record lists these vehicles for recall 18V204000. try.vin imports model years 1995 and later, so NHTSA's own list can be longer. Model years with a try.vin recall page link to it. Build dates are NHTSA's range for a model year (per NHTSA); a vehicle built in that range is not necessarily included.
NHTSA's recall notice
As NHTSA's recall record states it for campaign 18V204000.
Defect description
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.
Safety consequence
Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add a corrosion-preventative sealer, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-32-002.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Sources
Official NHTSA notice for recall 18V204000
Campaign details come from NHTSA's recall files, which try.vin imports once a day. The plain-language subject and the completion rate come from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Recalls Data dataset. How try.vin reads recall data.