368 of the
7,665 complaints filed about the Tesla Model 3
are about the suspension —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2018.
My 2018 Tesla Model 3 suffered a catastrophic detachment of the right front lower lateral link from the subframe, while merging on the freeway, causing an immediate risk of a collision or injury. My VIN is not listed under the Recall 23V235000, but this failure matches the exact safety risk currently being investigated by the Office of Defects Investigation under Active Investigation PE26006. The manufacturer must extend the recall coverage to this VIN block.
NHTSA complaint #11763975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lower Lateral Link Fronts and front lower compliance link assembly for both right and left. There have apparently been on going issues for the Tesla Model 3 suspension links. I first started hearing noises from the suspension last month, I was booked for a weekend service and then rescheduled for today. I stopped by for a formal comprehensive inspection and was informed that there is tearing in the suspension. I already had this vehicle brought in for warranty earlier this year, how was this not brought up to me during that time frame? Did the suspension suddenly start tearing after 6 months?
NHTSA complaint #11763382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing an official safety complaint regarding a severe, premature failure of the front lower suspension system on my 2023 Tesla Model 3. While operating the vehicle, the front lower compliance links (Part numbers: 2188359-10-B, 2188354-10-B) and the lower lateral links (Part number: 1044341-00-G) suffered critical mechanical bushing degradation and structural wear, rendering the front suspension unsafe and compromised.This mechanical breakdown occurred at only 63,584 miles on a three-year-old vehicle under completely normal, standard highway and suburban driving conditions. There has been absolutely no external impact, wheel strike, curb strike, or collision to explain a simultaneous, symmetrical breakdown of multiple heavy suspension components on both the left and right sides of the vehicle. My tires show zero sidewall damage and the wheels have no structural bends, proving the issue is an inherent component lifecycle defect rather than a road hazard.This issue directly correlates with NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE26006, which investigates nearly 1.2 million Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles for front lower lateral and compliance link failures. When seeking service, Tesla Service Center personnel attempted to classify this wear due to structural degradation but deny warranty or goodwill coverage. This component vulnerability represents an acute safety risk, as a total failure or detachment of these specific lower links while traveling at high speeds could cause a catastrophic, immediate loss of steering control. I request that the NHTSA include this vehicle in its ongoing investigation to push for a mandatory safety recall.
NHTSA complaint #11763517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
During a routine inspection by an independent mechanic, it was discovered that the front lower compliance link (control arm) bushings are severely cracked on both the left and right sides of my 2018 Tesla Model 3. Both the compliance links and the lateral links require immediate replacement to prevent a catastrophic structural failure. Tesla Service has provided a repair estimate of $2,012.00 to fix the issue, which they are refusing to cover under warranty or past recalls. Safety Consequence: Cracked and failing compliance link bushings compromise the structural integrity of the front suspension. If these suspension links completely separate or fail while driving at highway speeds, it could cause an immediate loss of steering control, severe wheel misalignment, or a wheel detachment, creating an extreme risk of a high-speed crash. Relevance to Active Investigations: I am filing this complaint specifically to be included in the NHTSA's active Preliminary Evaluation (PE26006) regarding front lower suspension link detachments on 2018–2020 Model 3 vehicles. The failure of my vehicle's compliance links demonstrates that the front suspension components on early Model 3 production units are experiencing premature structural degradation and wear that goes well beyond the scope of Tesla's previously limited lateral link recalls (23V-235 and 21V-835).
NHTSA complaint #11762903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2020 Tesla Model 3. Over approximately the past 2–3 weeks, the vehicle has developed a noticeable rattle/creaking noise coming from the left-front suspension area. The noise was not previously present and appears to be getting my attention as a potential suspension-related safety issue. I am concerned because my vehicle falls within the model-year range of Tesla Model 3 vehicles associated with reported front suspension/lateral-link issues. I understand NHTSA is investigating reports involving front suspension component failures that could potentially affect vehicle control. I contacted Tesla through the Tesla app and requested that the vehicle be inspected because of the suspension noise and my safety concern. Tesla provided an estimate requiring approximately $240 for diagnosis/inspection before determining the cause. At this time, I have not experienced a suspension separation, crash, injury, or loss of vehicle control. However, because the vehicle is producing a new and persistent noise from the left-front suspension area, I am concerned that this could be an early indication of a suspension component problem. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA has a record of the symptoms on my vehicle and can determine whether they may be related to other reported front suspension failures. I am also requesting that this complaint be considered in connection with any ongoing investigation involving front suspension/lateral-link failures in 2020 Tesla Model 3 vehicles. I will retain Tesla service records and any inspection findings and can provide additional information if requested.
NHTSA complaint #11762629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BOTH FRONT TIRES ON MY 2024 TESLA MODEL 3 PERFORMANCE DEVELOPED STRUCTURAL BULGES ON THE INBOARD SIDEWALL AT UNDER 19,000 MILES. THE TIRES ARE THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT PIRELLI P ZERO 235/35R20 DELIVERED WITH THE VEHICLE ON 12/07/2024. ON 08/05/2026 AT 18,951 MILES, TESLA SERVICE IN DORAL, FLORIDA INSPECTED AND ROAD-TESTED THE VEHICLE FOR A METALLIC RUBBING NOISE THAT INCREASES WITH SPEED AND ALSO OCCURS AT LOW SPEED AT FULL STEERING LOCK UNDER ACCELERATION. TESLA'S OWN REPAIR NOTES ON INVOICE 3000S0017877728 STATE THAT THE NOISE WAS DUPLICATED ON THE ROAD TEST AND APPEARS TO ORIGINATE FROM DEFORMED FRONT TIRES. TESLA TOOK NO ALIGNMENT MEASUREMENT AND THE INVOICE CONTAINS NO CAMBER, CASTER OR TOE READINGS. THE SAME INVOICE RECORDS TIRE PRESSURES OF 40.2, 39.9, 40.6 AND 39.9 PSI, SO UNDERINFLATION IS NOT A FACTOR. THE FAILURES ARE SYMMETRIC: SAME AXLE, SAME INBOARD FACE, BOTH SIDES, AT THE SAME TIME, WHICH IS NOT CONSISTENT WITH ISOLATED INDEPENDENT ROAD HAZARD IMPACTS. THE BULGES ARE ON THE INNER FACE AND ARE NOT VISIBLE DURING A NORMAL WALK-AROUND INSPECTION. TESLA STATES IT PROVIDES NO WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR TIRES AND DECLINED ANY VEHICLE-SIDE DIAGNOSIS. A SIDEWALL BULGE IS A SUDDEN BLOWOUT RISK, AND TWO OF THEM ON THE STEERING AXLE OF A HIGH PERFORMANCE VEHICLE CAPABLE OF HIGHWAY SPEED IS A SAFETY DEFECT CONCERN. OTHER TESLA OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THE SAME INBOARD SIDEWALL BULGE PATTERN AT LOW MILEAGE ON 20-INCH WHEELS, SOME AS EARLY AS 7,000 MILES. I REQUEST THAT NHTSA REVIEW WHETHER FRONT SUSPENSION GEOMETRY OR THE TIRE AND WHEEL PACKAGE ON THIS VEHICLE CONTRIBUTES TO PREMATURE INBOARD SIDEWALL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE REMAINS UNDER ITS 4-YEAR/50,000-MILE BASIC VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #11761946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This is a follow-up to a previously submitted complaint regarding the same issue. I am submitting this update to reference NHTSA's recently opened investigation into 2018-2019 Tesla Model 3 suspension failures. Previous complaint ID is 11732882.
NHTSA complaint #11761140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2018 Tesla Model 3, VIN [XXX], approximately 58,736 miles. Front lower suspension lateral link (fore link) separated from the subframe on the right (passenger) front. The fastener that attaches the link to the subframe backed out and is missing. The link is hanging down and the right front wheel sits at a visibly different angle compared to the left, indicating the alignment has shifted. I discovered the hanging component while the vehicle was parked; there was no impact or off-road use. The vehicle is not being driven and is being towed to service. This is the same failure mode addressed in NHTSA recalls [XXX] and [XXX] (Tesla [XXX]) and currently under investigation in [XXX]. My VIN is not included in either recall per the NHTSA VIN lookup. Photos of the separated link and wheel angle are attached. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11759927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving normally and drove in a dip in the road. The vehicle went completely into auto drive, leaving me helpless behind the wheel. It spun and swerved wildly for 30-45 seconds on a neighborhood street resulting in the left rear tire and the rim being mangled. When it was spinning out of control, the left rear tire was seemingly stuck, dragging in whichever direction it chose. Thankfully, no one, pedestrians or other vehicles were injured or damaged. This was a truly terrifying experience.
NHTSA complaint #11758873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On July 10, 2026, while driving, I started to hear a rattling metal noise coming from under the right front side of the car. When making turns, the noise gets louder, less when driving straight. When I got home, I looked under the car and found a large metal piece hanging down adjacent to the right front tire. When the Tow Truck came to pick up the car, the right front tire started to get loose aiming to the right. Took the car to a Tesla Service Center and a new Correction Links - Lateral - Lower Front - Pair (Remove & Replace) Remove and Replace.
NHTSA complaint #11758101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a front suspension failure on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor, that appears relevant to NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE26006 and similar to Recall 23V-235. While driving slowly in a parking lot, I heard a clunk and felt the front wheel/steering alignment become slightly skewed. After entering the highway, the vehicle developed severe vibration and became unstable and difficult to control. I exited and stopped as soon as safely possible. While attempting to park it at a curb, during reverse, the suspension entirely collapsed and left front wheel was then severely displaced and the tire was rubbing the wheel well. Tesla inspected the vehicle and confirmed: “The left lateral link was found detached with missing hardware.” Tesla also found the left front halfshaft detached from the drive unit. Tesla replaced the front subframe, both front lower lateral links, both front lower compliance links, the left front halfshaft, and performed an alignment. Total cost was $6,328.96. The failed parts were replaced by Tesla; I do not know whether they remain available for inspection. This failure created a serious risk of loss of vehicle control at highway speed and could have endangered me and surrounding traffic. The problem was confirmed and inspected by Tesla Service. There was no collision or other discrete impact event that I recognized as causing the failure. There were **no warning lights, warning messages, or other vehicle alerts before or during the failure**. The first noticeable symptom was the clunk in the parking lot, followed by the skewed steering/wheel position and later severe highway vibration. I have pre-repair photos showing the displaced wheel, tire contact, and detached suspension component, as well as Tesla’s final repair documentation. I request that this incident be considered in connection with PE26006 and Recall 23V-235.
NHTSA complaint #11757214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2021 Tesla Model 3 with approximately 70,000 miles developed front suspension problems. It began with squeaking, creaking and groaning, similar to a rusty playground swing, especially while turning or when the suspension moved. The noise was worse in hot weather and progressively became extremely loud and constant during normal driving. I also began hearing intermittent knocking/"bonking" or clunking. I could even hear the suspension when the vehicle compressed as I sat in the driver's seat. There were no warning lights or messages. Tesla inspected the vehicle and diagnosed both front lower lateral links and both front lower compliance links as needing replacement, along with an alignment. Tesla estimated approximately $1,960. CPR EV Repair replaced the diagnosed lower suspension components. After removal, the bushings showed significant visible deterioration, including cracked, torn and separated rubber around the inner sleeves. CPR EV also advised that the front upper control arms were worn and would need replacement. I was concerned for my safety because failure or separation of a deteriorated front suspension component while driving could affect steering or vehicle stability and potentially cause loss of control. Although I did not experience a complete separation or crash, the rapidly worsening and eventually constant symptoms made me concerned about continuing to drive. I have Tesla's estimate, CPR EV documentation and photographs of the deteriorated components after removal.
NHTSA complaint #11757148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
the suspension lower lateral links bushings are wearing down without much usage. my car had 31k miles and the bushings already need to be replaced. this is very dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11756922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am the owner of a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The front control arms on this vehicle are defective as manufactured. From the factory, these components have demonstrated premature failure, abnormal noise, loosening, and/or separation risk that is not consistent with normal wear on a low-mileage vehicle of this age. Symptoms experienced include [describe your exact symptoms clearly and factually — examples: progressive clicking, clunking, popping, or creaking from the front suspension/wheel area; especially noticeable during low-speed turns, reverse, or over bumps; any feeling of looseness, pull, or change in handling; any actual detachment or near-detachment]. These symptoms began at approximately 75000 miles on July 27th 2026. This is not isolated wear. Front control-arm and related suspension-link failures (including lower lateral links that can detach from the subframe) have been the subject of multiple owner complaints, prior Tesla recalls (including NHTSA campaign 21V-835 for improperly torqued lateral-link fasteners on certain Model 3/Y vehicles and the later 23V-235 expansion), technical service bulletins addressing water intrusion and noise in upper control arms, and a current NHTSA preliminary evaluation (opened 2026) into front lower lateral-link detachment on a large population of Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. Owners report that failures can occur with little or no prior dashboard warning, only possible audible cues, and can render the vehicle undrivable or cause sudden changes in alignment and directional control. A sudden separation or failure of a front control arm/lateral link while the vehicle is in motion creates an unreasonable risk of loss of vehicle control, crash, or injury to the driver, passengers, and other road users. Because the condition appears to originate from factory assembly, design, or component durability issues rather than owner abuse or ordinary high-mileage wear, and because similar failures are widely reported across Tesla owners.
NHTSA complaint #11756842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving, I noticed that the vehicle suddenly began pulling to the right. There were no warning lights, warning messages, or alerts displayed on the vehicle's screen before I noticed the problem. I took the vehicle to the Tesla Service Center and reported that the vehicle was pulling to the right. The service center determined that the issue was likely related to the front suspension and recommended replacement of the front lower lateral links, front lower compliance links, and front upper control arms, along with a four-wheel alignment. The vehicle had approximately 80,000 miles at the time of the repair. The service center explained that these suspension components can wear at higher mileage, particularly because of the weight of the vehicle and its battery. I paid out of pocket for the recommended suspension repairs and four-wheel alignment. The repair invoice is available for inspection upon request. Before the repairs were completed, I was driving the vehicle without knowing that there was a potential problem with the front suspension. The vehicle pulling to the right affected its handling and steering and created a safety concern for me and others on the road. There were no warning lights, messages, or other indications from the vehicle alerting me to a potential suspension problem. I was also not warned by the Tesla service center that the issue could be related to a known or potentially widespread suspension problem. A few days after having the repairs completed, I became aware of an NHTSA investigation concerning front suspension issues involving Tesla vehicles, including the same make, model, and model year as my vehicle. I had already paid out of pocket to have the affected front suspension components replaced. I am submitting this complaint to document the suspension problem, the safety risk I experienced, and the out-of-pocket expense I incurred to correct the issue. I am concerned that I was placed at risk by a potential su
NHTSA complaint #11756533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was told my car is unsafe to drive after taking it to the mechanic for a routine tire balance and rotation. I currently need both rear control arms replaced. I had them replaced in the past. In addition, I have had the front control arms replaced more than once, the lower lateral links replaced, numerous hubs repaired, forelinks and knuckles all replaced not too long ago, so this news comes as a shock. The first control arm failure occurred when the car was only a year and a half old with very little milage. I have all of the service records in my tesla app vehicle repair history. They are in a pdf format and I would be happy to send them in, if helpful.
NHTSA complaint #11756378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car randomly gave me alerts that my steering alignment fault then came the following two days later Automatic Emergency Braking is unavailable Feature may be restored on next drive 20:55 | DI_a246 Automatic vehicle hold disabled Use brake pedal when stopping 20:55 | DI_a223 Traction control disabled Drive with caution 20:55 | APP_W264 Lane Departure Avoidance features unavailable Features may be restored on next drive 20:55 | DI_a222 Stability control disabled. I take my car to a mechanic and they show me that my lower control arms are damaged. Tesla is more than 2 weeks out for something that has caused my car to act completely unsafe and not normal.
NHTSA complaint #11755384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased my car on 3/23/26. Since delivery I have noticed that the car bounces at low speeds 20-30mph and the steering wheel vibrates at highway speeds 65 - 80mph. I have had the car to tesla service center 6 times since march. They have replaced all 4 tires, found and replaced a bent wheel (rim) on the passenger side. Then this last visit they replaced the passenger right wheel hub. They claim that when comparing it to the 1 other car available to road test my car was the same even though it still has the wheel vibration at highway speeds. they claim it falls within specs and is safe. I do not feel this is acceptable because they dont know what else to do. Now if I want them to check the car they say I must pay for any diagnosis and repairs if needed because they say they fixed the car. I do not feel safe driving at highway speeds as I am not sure what may happen which could endanger myself or passengers
NHTSA complaint #11755161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Creaking noise coming from front of car when going over speed bumps or driving through a dip at low speeds. Tesla SC says normal but many others have replaced lateral and compliance links and issues has been solved. Known issue and raises a safety concern over safety of suspension.
NHTSA complaint #11754875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.