general problems of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 - part 1

I drove over a bump in the road and all of a sudden the car started making a very loud clunky noise in the front suspension. I was close to home so I turned around and drove it back home for inspection. I found the lower control arm on the suspension is completely disconnected because the bolt is backed out of the joint. The steering had occasionally made some creak sounds in the past but it never felt loose. Seeing the lower control arm disconnected could have severely limited the steering of the vehicle thus this seems like a serious safety issue. I have scheduled an appointment for repair with Tesla service.

Heard a clunk noise when the vehicle turned at a low speed. Inspected the vehicle but nothing seemed amiss. No digital warnings either. Started driving but the steering was weird and pulled to the left. Then the front left tire started shredding and the wheel was displaced. The tow truck guy said that the suspension seems to be the culprit. The car is now on just the wheel. Tesla collision has still not looked at it but gave a quote of 5-6k to start and going up to 12k or more (if the hv battery got damaged). Fyi, tire pressures were normal when this happened.

Amendment / supplement to voq #11763975 regarding pe26006. Following my initial report of a catastrophic lower lateral link detachment, Tesla service center santa rosa has provided a highly sanitized and misleading repair report. The official invoice completely omits the physical structural detachment and missing subframe nut, recharacterizing a severe mechanical failure as a simple 'steering alignment adjustment. ' furthermore, the technician took misleading photographs (omitting the damaged side of the vehicle or using obscuring angles). I possess dated photographic evidence of the complete link separation prior to tow-in on a flatbed, which directly contradicts Tesla's service records. This is submitted to alert investigators that field incidents for pe26006 are actively being mislabeled and obscured in Tesla's internal repair databases.

There was a clicking noise that was heard as my wife (along with our [xxx] son) was driving on the freeway. She reached her destination and once she parked and tried to move out of the parking lot, she could not turn the wheel. The suspension control arm (specifically, the inner mounting eyelet and bushing of a front lower link) has detached and dropped down beneath the underbody shield. After taking it to Tesla collision, it is reported that the front lateral link completely disconnected from the subframe while driving. Tesla has acknowledged this as there is an active bulletin (service bulletin sv-23-31-001) for torque check on this component. This issue is also identical to the htsa recall 23v-235, however, our VIN is not included in the batch. Tesla is quoting around $7k for repairs. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My suspension is the issue that was under recall 23v-235. Suspension could completely fail at any time. Currently I hear creaking when turning. Tesla has confirmed the problem but said my car is out of recall which is very narrow and should include my car.

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).

While operating 2018 Tesla Model 3(odometer: ~174,489 miles)the vehicle experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure when the front suspension lateral link detached/separated from the subframe. The collapse of the right upper/lower suspension immediately rendered the vehicle non-drivable and non-rolling, Tesla quoted $4803 in customer-pay repairs, specifying complete replacement of the front subframe structure, front compliance links and front lateral links. Prior service & warning symptoms presented to Tesla:on xxx (invoice #xxx; odometer: 89,939 miles), I brought this exact vehicle to the Tesla service center in [xxx], specifically complaining of a front-end steering issue (clicking noise when steering wheel turns right)Tesla technicians noted could not duplicate and performed no diagnostic torque checks or structural inspections of the lateral link fasteners correlation to known safety defect / recall 23v-235 (sb-23-31-001) safety recall 23v-235 (Tesla bulletin sb-23-31-001)Tesla acknowledges that front suspension lateral link fasteners on 2018–2019 Model 3s can loosen and back out over time, leading to lateral link separation from the subframe while driving. Crucially, Tesla’s defect report explicitly highlights that "abnormal noise from the front suspension when steering" is the primary early warning indicator of loosening fasteners before total separation occurs defect summary & remedy denial:we previously brought the vehicle to Tesla service reporting the exact warning symptom front-end steering noise associated with loosening lateral link fasteners the issue was left uncorrected, directly resulting in eventual fastener detachment lateral link separation and severe consequential damage to the front subframe structure Tesla service management refused recall remedy or goodwill coverage on the grounds that this specific VIN was excluded from the narrow VIN list for recall 23v-235 despite the vehicle exhibiting the identical defect information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.

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).

This is to serve as a registered complaint in conjunction with the premature component failure and degradation of front lower lateral links and suspension parts under NHTSA investigation pe26006. In August 2026 while operating my 2018 Tesla Model 3 while driving at all speeds experienced a failure of the front suspension system. There was an intense creaking/groaning/clunking noises from the front wheels and/or front suspension that we felt extremely uncomfortable operating the vehicle fearing for the safety of the passengers. Upon taking the vehicle to the Tesla service center, technicians diagnosed the vehicle with severely degraded and failing front lower arms, compliance links, and control arm bushings. My vehicle only had a little over 29,000 total miles on the odometer. This premature degradation represents a critical component failure rather than standard wear and tear. A failure or detachment of the lower lateral link at highway speeds presents an immediate safety risk due to potential loss of directional steering control. This failure is directly identical to the conditions outlined in the NHTSA office of defects investigation preliminary evaluation pe26006, opened on July 29, 2026, targeting front lower lateral link failures on 2018–2020 Model 3’s. The issue has since been repaired by Tesla service on October 6, 2026. I am filing this complaint to formally document this premature safety component failure for the ongoing pe26006 federal investigation. We stopped driving the vehicle and used our other cars, waiting for appointments at Tesla, as well as waiting for the parts to arrive, which took quite a while. Thankfully, we had a couple other cars that we were able to use while we were waiting for the repair to be performed.

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.

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.

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 * 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.

Lots of creaking and grinding noises coming from both front upper control arm bushings. Steering starting to become less stable.

On August 6, 2026, my spouse was driving our 2018 Model 3 at low speed while making a u-turn out of the village at pacific highlands ranch when she heard a clunk from the front of the car and the car felt as though it had dropped down. Steering was not affected. The car began to slow, and she drove it at low speed into a nearby parking lot, where it stopped and would not move forward even with the accelerator pressed. It had to be towed. She did not strike a curb, pothole, debris, or any other object, and there was no impact of any kind. Inspection at the scene showed that the driver's side front lower lateral link had separated at its inboard, subframe end. The link was hanging down and resting on the pavement, still attached at the wheel end. A close-up photo shows the bushing inner core with two bolt ears and empty bolt holes: no fastener present and no broken fastener remnant. The link is not bent, gouged, or scraped. The left front wheel was pushed rearward in the wheel arch and was pressed against the rear edge of the fender, which damaged the fender and a brake line. The tire and wheel have no curb rash or impact marks. The vehicle was not included in recall 23v-235, and Tesla's VIN recall lookup shows all recalls issued for it as completed. Mileage at the time was approximately 108,043 miles. The vehicle was declared a total loss and has since gone to salvage. This failure appears to match preliminary evaluation pe26006.

Component affected: suspension: front: lower arm: lateral link / compliance link description of defect and incident: I am reporting an issue regarding my Tesla Model 3's front lower suspension components, specifically the front lower lateral link and the compliance link. The vehicle experienced an out-of-warranty failure requiring immediate replacement of both lower arms to restore structural integrity and driving safety. Due to the failure, I was forced to pay entirely out of pocket for the replacement parts and labor. This specific failure mirrors the exact conditions currently being monitored under the active NHTSA preliminary evaluation into Tesla Model 3 and model y front lower lateral link detachment. Despite the severe safety risk associated with sudden structural failure or detachment of these critical suspension components while driving, my vehicle’s specific VIN is not currently covered under Tesla's existing, highly limited recall campaigns (such as recalls 21v-835 or 23v-235). I am submitting this complaint to request that NHTSA expand the scope of its current suspension investigation to ensure owners who have already paid out of pocket for these premature structural failures are officially included in a mandatory manufacturer recall and eligible for retroactive reimbursement.

As I was backing out of the driveway I heard a strange noise and the steering started feeling crunchy. I parked the car and when I got out I saw a very large bolt on the ground that appears to have dropped out of the car. This seems to be the same issue as described in safety recall 23v-235. Tesla is saying my VIN isn’t included and not covered despite the safety recall expiring including this manufacturing date range.

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.

My car experienced a loud clunking noise when turning for the past few weeks. After doing some research and inspecting behind the front right tire, I found a front suspension lateral link bolt nearly falling off. It was only being held on by a few threads. It was so loose I could unscrew it completely or tighten it more by hand with no resistance. It sounds related to an existing recall for 2018 Tesla Model 3’s (my year and model), but my car is not included in the recall. The other joints around it appear prematurely worn as well. See picture to show exactly how loose it was upon inspection. Requesting to review and likely expand the existing recall to more 2018 Tesla Model 3s.

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.

My vehicle should've been included in a recall. While exiting my garage to pick up my son from school, a loud mechanical banging noise came from the front of my car. I abruptly stopped and proceeded to reverse back into my garage to inspect my vehicle. While inspecting my vehicle and the surrounding area, I discovered a large bolt on the ground. A quick image search says "on a Tesla Model 3, this specific high-strength 10. 9 class metric hex flange bolt is a critical structural component that almost certainly backed out of [my] front suspension lower control arm/ lateral link assembly or the front subframe structural mounts. " so the loud banging noise came from my suspension falling apart after the bolt fell out. Upon further inspection, I confirmed that this was the issue and that a second bolt on the same side had partially backed out as well. My vehicle was not safe to drive, so I had to have my vehicle towed to the nearest service center for repairs. I took photos and video of the areas, as well as the bolt, which showed no signs of any damage to the head or threads - so the bolt simply backed out and appears to be a manufacturing/ assembly issue. After a quick search, we learned that there were previous NHTSA recalls (ie part 573 safety recall report 23v-235) for this particular issue, including for my same vehicle make, model, year (2018 Tesla Model 3) and production dates (Jan 5, 2018 - Mar 30, 2019). Unfortunately, I never received a recall notice. I barely drive my car, so bolts shouldn't just be backing out on their own. Unfortunately, my car is no longer under warranty, but was advised by the service managers to file a report and to get reimbursed thru ncds. This is a huge safety issue. I had no warnings or alerts from the car. My alignment was checked a year ago. My wheels and tires get checked often and are well maintained, so I didn't even need air or rotation, yet my suspension just fell apart on its own before 60k miles.

Tesla Model 3 2018 long range 86k miles. While driving 50mph on freeway the lower control arm link separated from the frame. No impact, no damage, and no pothole/bump. Lost steering and was able to get to side of road. When I got out and look at vehicle the control arm was disconnected from the frame. The frame showed no damage and the control arm showed no damage. The mounting holes for each here intact and no damage. Appears that bolt fell out or sheared off and the control arm disconnected. This is a safety failure and was scary. I towed to Tesla and they claim that failure was form worn parts and tolerances. I stated how could this be worn parts when mounting holes are in excellent condition. They are refusing to help with cost of repair and quoted me $2800. They are not taking responsibility and I believe that others should know of this failure. I believe I am being wronged and would like to report. Thanks.

Clunking noise when in reverse and turning.

Following a professional suspension repair at a Tesla service center, critical underbody fasteners (bolts) became loose, causing the aero shield to sag and creating a potential road hazard. Upon inspection, the service technician confirmed the bolts were unsecured. The failure of these fasteners on a safety-critical system poses a risk of parts detaching while in motion or loss of vehicle control. The service center refused to acknowledge this as a workmanship failure under the 12-month repair warranty, despite the fasteners being last serviced by their technicians.

Lower links replaced ~69k miles due to squeeking.

The front lower lateral link (rearward lower control arm) fastener/bolt completely backed out and fell off the vehicle while in motion, causing the lateral link to separate entirely from the subframe. This is the exact mechanical failure described in Tesla recall campaign 23v-235 (service bulletin sb-23-31-001), however, my specific VIN was not included in that recall. The vehicle and components are currently at an independent ev repair facility and are available for inspection upon request. Photographic evidence of the missing bolt and separated control arm has been retained. The separation of the lower lateral link caused an immediate and violent collapse of the front passenger-side suspension geometry. The affected wheel was no longer anchored to the vehicle frame, causing it to fold backward and grind heavily against the wheel well. To keep the vehicle moving straight, the steering wheel had to be turned to an extreme 45-degree angle. This resulted in a near-total loss of steering control. Had this fastener failed while traveling at highway speeds instead of low speeds, it would have resulted in an uncontrollable, catastrophic collision. Yes. The problem was physically confirmed and documented by an independent, ev-certified repair facility (evfixme/shocker motors in costa mesa, CA) once the vehicle was placed on a lift. The vehicle was physically inspected by an independent service center. The manufacturer (Tesla) was contacted via the Tesla app; however, they refused to perform a physical diagnosis without pre-authorization of a $2,600+ comprehensive suspension replacement estimate and stated the vehicle was out of warranty with no open recalls. There were no dashboard warning lamps, digital alerts, or error messages from the vehicle's computer system prior to the failure. The failure presented suddenly as a loud, painful metal-on-metal grinding noise accompanied by immediate, severe steering misalignment. Currently waiting on invoice from indy shop.

The front left and right lower link assemblies suffered premature structural failure and required immediate replacement at 74,068 miles due to a loss of steering stability. The repair was completed at a Tesla service center out-of-pocket for a total cost of $1,564. 04.

2018 Tesla Model 3 front chassis subframe welded nut to the chassis is come off now left side control arm keep getting loose.

The control arms on all make and models of Tesla have a horrible design that all water off of the car flows down the sides of the front hood and down onto the control arm bushing. This could be a simple fix for Tesla to out a boot on it to cover the bushing. The control arms start to fail at any given time. This is costing owners thousands of dollars. I have had to had them replace once under warranty and now they want me to pay 2000 since I am out of warranty. Owners with newer vehicles sometimes start to have problems within the first year. This part design needs to be recalled and all persons have free repairs. According to sources, driving with severely worn control arm bushings can lead to a fatal accident. While bushings often start as a minor nuisance, complete failure compromises the structural integrity of your vehicle's suspension. Don't wait till deaths start happening. Protect the customer and others and send a recall on this. Yiu can google Tesla control arm issues and and see over and over in videos and forums that this is a major issue.

The front lateral links, compliance links, and stabilizer bar link on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 long range failed and required replacement in January 2026. Prior to failure, abnormal creaking and clunking noise from the front suspension began appearing weeks before the repair — no warning lights illuminated at any point. The failed components were replaced by a Tesla-certified service center and are no longer available for inspection. The failure was confirmed and repaired solely by the Tesla service center; no police, insurance representatives, or other parties inspected the vehicle. I was charged out of pocket for this repair. The lateral link separation risk directly endangers vehicle safety — if a fastener loosens sufficiently, the lateral link can detach from the subframe, causing sudden wheel misalignment and loss of steering control, which could result in a crash at any speed. Tesla issued recall 23v-235 (NHTSA campaign 23v235000) in March 2023 for this exact condition on 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles. My vehicle's VIN was not included in the recall population, yet experienced the identical failure mode. I am requesting this complaint be considered for recall expansion under 23v-235 and seeking reimbursement for out-of-pocket repair costs for a defect Tesla has already acknowledged in identical vehicles.

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.

The front suspension control arm was completely detached due to unfastened bolts. While this happened on the parking lot at low speed, such detachment at highway speed would certainly lead to major damage, loss of control and injuries or death to the driver. Pictures attached show that the bolts did not have any thread lock applied and simply unscrewed themselves due to vibration. The vehicle was brought to Tesla service, where the owner was charged $3700 for repairs. The customer's complaints that this is a structural/manufacturing problem were ignored by Tesla representatives.

I purchased this car new in 2018 and recently replaced the front lateral suspension arm due to worn bushings. During the process, I discovered that one of the 14 mm bolt threads on the right side of the suspension arm had a helicoil inserted. While removal was straightforward, reinstalling the bolt proved difficult. I spent several hours reattaching it to the new suspension arm, but did not apply full torque, as I was concerned about damaging the helicoil or stripping the thread. My main concern is that the factory has stripped the original thread and used a helicoil instead of replacing the affected part. Although the repair has held so far, I am unsure if this is a safe long-term solution, as the helicoil could fail while driving. I contacted Tesla, who advised me to visit their service center. At the centinela location in los angeles, the supervisor informed me that, since the warranty has expired, they can only perform a visual inspection.

The front control arms are creaking and I’ve read that many of models built in 2018 have this problem as well. It is unknown if it is a safety concern or not.

We noticed that one of our tires was leaning inwards and the alignment was completely shot. There was no event that caused this but just noticed it one day driving. After having to replace two new tires, we took it into the Tesla dealership and they found that the control arm and suspension as well as the frame underneath is broken. The car has a clean tittle and this problem use to be covered by Tesla but for some reason now is not and this is a big steering and safety issue! we should not be responsible for the cost to fix the car if this has happened so often in the past!.

Front suspension creaking noise, took in for service, techs ultimately found the front subframe captive welded nuts that secure the front links had sheared off, requiring a replacement of the subframe and some other suspension components. Nuts, which were initially welded to the subframe during assembly, were loose on both sides. No associated damage or impact, normal use over 7 years of ownership. This is also a common issue, and is already associated with a very limited recall (21v-835) but for whatever reason, this failure is still occurring quite often in the wild - normally with far more extreme consequences than in my case.