--- title: "The “Tesla Worm” Is Still There on Replacement Steering Yokes" description: "Even after replacing steering yokes for peeling faux leather, the \"Tesla worm\" still remains on the airbag cover." date: "2023-08-13" modified: "2023-08-13" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-tesla-worm-is-still-there-on-replacement-steering-yokes" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Tesla News" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" - "model s" - "Tesla" --- # The “Tesla Worm” Is Still There on Replacement Steering Yokes ![]() *\Peter Holderith\* When Tesla first replaced the steering wheel on the[ Model S]() and Model X with a yoke, it was mainly criticized over its functionality or lack thereof. And rightfully so, as [yokes have no business in cars](). But Elon's yokes actually have another oddity now known as the "Tesla worm" and it's starting to frustrate owners. It isn't as gross as it sounds but it is weird. For some reason, almost every Tesla owner's yoke has an odd worm-shaped bump in the airbag cover between the "L" and "A." Model S and Model X owners on *[Reddit ]()*claim that Tesla is not only aware of these so-called Tesla worms but won't replace any yokes with them because they all have it. There's no official answer as to what the "worm" is but some owners seem to think that it's the airbag cutaway that can be seen through the faux-leather cover. Since the worm is exactly the same on every yoke, that explanation seems likely. Some are more subtle than others, with some looking like a wrinkle in the material and others looking like a full-on Snickers vein. Either way, it's unacceptable in a six-figure electric luxury car. ![]() **Peter Holderith** What's interesting is that the worm is still there even after Tesla developed a new version of the yoke to replace faulty ones. Many owners of the original version F yoke noticed[ peeling faux leather]() on the grips, some of which after just 10,000 miles. So Tesla developed a newer version H to replace those peeling yokes but the worm still remains. Obviously, a little visual wrinkle in the steering wheel isn't the biggest of deals but it must be frustrating to spend almost $100,000 or more on a luxury car and have strange, almost gross-looking quality issues. Especially when the automaker is telling customers that there's nothing to be done about it. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()