general problems of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 - part 2

Left and right upper control arms failed, as did both front lower lateral links. . Read more...

The front right lower control arm, sub frame, and bolt(s) failed causing unsafe driving conditions while myself and my kids were in the car. There is a recall on this part for many of the exact same year, make, and model as my car: NHTSA campaign 23v235000. Tesla recall sb-23-31-001 (info pulled from ntsb site). My VIN wasn’t on the recall, but there is clearly an issue, so I was forced to pay for this. Please add my VIN so I can be reimbursed and also get the other side repaired for safety reasons.

Full service history is detailed below. Since purchasing the Model 3 in April 2018, we have had three different instances of issues with control arms/suspension system. The most recent instance occurring this week (February 12, 2024) required the whole suspension system to be replaced with only 63,900 miles on the vehicle. The suspension system should not need replacing on a vehicle with only 63,900 miles on it. ?we have now had to pay Tesla $1,357. 57 to continuously fix the issue with the suspension system on a car that is not even 6 years old with less than 64,000 miles on it. During an interaction with a Tesla technician for the second instance noted below, we were told that Tesla undersized the control arm leading to failures. He commented that they replace control arms on Model 3s on nearly a daily basis. This is clear negligence by Tesla and we would urge the ntsb to take immediate action. I know we are not the only Tesla Model 3 owners that have experienced control arm/suspension issues. Car purchase date: 4/7/2018, ~25 miles on vehicle service visit 1 on 7-23-2021 odometer 42,790 cause for visit: creaking noise when turning or going over bumps items replaced: 1) front upper control arm left parts = $0 (under warranty) labor = $0 (under warranty) service visit 2 on 8-25-2022 odometer 51,321 cause for visit: creaking noise when turning or going over bumps note: was told by service technician that Tesla undersized the control arm leading to failures. Commented that they replace control arms on Model 3's on nearly a daily basis. Items replaced: 1) front upper control arm right parts = $92. 48 labor = $0 service visit 3 on 2-12-2024 odometer 63,898 cause for visit: car violently shudders when turning and felt like the front end side was going to collapse one time on a turn items replaced 1) 2x lower lateral link front - 2) 2x lower compliance link - 3) front upper control arm left parts = $1019. 99 labor = $245. 10.

Car was making clunking sound, so made an appointment with service center. Before appointment, clunking sound stopped. Around the same time the clunking stopped we found a bolt in the driveway. Took into service and was told a bolt was missing from the lower lateral link which sounds quite concerning. I'm told by others had both bolts fallen out the wheel would have tipped inward or outward and damaged the fender and possibly caused an accident. I searched recall notices and I found recalls and/or bulletins with the same problem in similar but not the same VIN range as our vehicle and have read of others with similar problems not covered by recalls. There had been no previous work done on the front suspension.

Clunk and popping sound while driving, especially while turning the wheel or going over bumps in road. Maneuverability and control of vehicle felt impacted which could have resulted in an accident, damage to property, and injury and/or death of people. The issue was reproduced at the vehicle's service center and identified as a lose bolt that connects the front suspension lateral links to the subframe. This issue sounds very similar to a previous recall for the same make, model, and year of this vehicle, but the VIN for this particular vehicle was not included in that recall.

When seated in my car, I turned the steering wheel and I heard a clunk noise by the driver side. After trying to turn it back, my car dropped and I checked outside and it looks like something related to the axle or arms caused the issue. My axle seems to have separated and fell off and a bolt came off. This is a safety issue and I could’ve died if I was driving at higher speeds like on a highway.

This vehicle has had steering squeaks for a really long time. I've had ball joints sealed, control arms replaced and now lateral links replaced for damaged bushings. This has cost me a significant amount of money and the bushings show tears that could have resulted in loss of control.

My steering wheel on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 long range, began to groan louder and vibrate periodically when the steering wheel was turned, especially at lower speeds. At speeds roughly under 50 mph, the front wheel fender area would vibrate frequently, and more often when I encountered speed bumps or dips in the pavement surface. I contacted Tesla early 2024 through my Tesla app, explained what I was experiencing. Tesla determined I may set a mechanical appointment for 01/14/2024 with a "repair estimate" that was approximately $175. 00. Upon preview by the service-intake representative (I do not remember name), he pushed down on my front fender area, heard the "groan" and informed me that my vehicle's issue was "very common and easily correctable, that should not cost me more than $200” in his estimation. A couple hours after dropping off my car, I got a call from another representative from the berkeley Tesla service center, informing me that the damage was more extensive and would be approximately $2100 (labor included), which involved a broken control assembly, replacing front upper control arm assembly, right hand and left hand, front lower compliance link assembly right and left sides, lateral lower front links right and left sides, an alignment, and various bolts & nuts parts. . Or if I choose to not move forward with repair, I can come back to pick up my vehicle without repair costs. On the phone, I brought up that I read the NHTSA and Tesla issued a recall on some vehicles within the same year as my vehicle, however, I was informed over the phone, since I was not notified nor was "on the list," I was not covered. I was very concerned with vehicle operating safely so I paid for these repairs out-of-pocket. If my front suspension failure / safety matter is very similar to over 400 Tesla recalled vehicles whose vehicles experienced the same issues, I am hopeful my vehicle can be included in this matter and be reimbursed for my paid repairs.

This seems to be related to NHTSA campaign number: 23v235000. My front right hand lateral link bolt managed to back itself out and broke off the nut that contains the bolt. This is confirmed by Tesla service center in burbank. This is a huge safety risk as the front end was not properly fastened and at highway speeds could have caused an accident risking injury and death. The only warning of the issue was a knock sound being heard when the car is turned fully at slower speeds. There was also a slight rattle heard while driving over uneven roads. The result was an out of pocket charge of $3000+ to the car owner. The car was never included in the original recall or the subsequent expansion of the recall. Clearly the issue is more wide spread and should be fixed by Tesla.

Front suspension components need to be replaced due to loud creaking noise, vehicle is out of warranty and has only 42687 miles. There are several bulletins on related suspension issues, sb-18-31-005 sb 20-31-006. Testa did replace the controls arms in this car on 09/09/2021 but it seems like the same defective parts were used. They replaced defective parts under warranty with the same type of defective parts but are refusing to warranty the repair since their parts only have a 1 year warranty.

At just over 50,000 miles, my Model 3 experienced a failure of its upper control arm on the drivers front wheel; the suspension was exhibiting loud creaking noises over bumps and road imperfections. While Tesla refers to this issue as "noise, vibration and harshness" and has previously applied a service bulletin to my vehicle where sealant was applied to prevent water ingress into the joint, continued driving on a failing component as critical as the suspension could cause an accident. Furthermore, they consider the repair something the customer has to pay for. My vehicle is currently sitting at Tesla service with no feedback as to the final cost of repair or even when they will complete the repair.

After taking in my Tesla Model 3 for a loud creaking noise coming from the front right suspension, the Tesla service specialist said the suspension control arms are cracked and the car is dangerous to drive. I asked how this is possible. The Tesla specialist said the suspension is made of aluminum and cannot support the weight of the car. He said this is a known issue. However I was told I need to pay $2,300 for the repair because the car is out of warranty by 1 year. Since my car has under 29,000 miles, and this is a known flaw that is not the fault of the driver, I feel Tesla should pay for the repair. At this point I cannot afford to pay for the full repair (I paid for only the creaking fix which cost $400), so I am forced to ground my car until I earn enough money to pay for the repair. In my view this is wrong, and ask for NHTSA to investigate why such a dangerous flaw is allowed to persist, with consumers forced to pay for its repair - even on a car with less than 30,000 miles. Thank you for your attention. Ps, this webpage does not allow me to load any files (I am using safari). I would like to upload the detailed Tesla service estimate.

Driver side compliance link bushing and lateral link bushing were both torn and required replacement of entire lateral and compliance links. Major suspension components failing when the vehicle has only 27k miles is unacceptable and unsafe, potentially effecting drivability. Obviously poor quality parts were used during manufacturing and replacements should be covered by recall or goodwill regardless of whether the vehicle is under warranty or not. I found several online articles describing this problem and it is a known issue. Https://m. Youtube. Com/watch?v=uaqrr1um_58 https://enginepatrol. Com/Tesla-model-3-common-problems/ https://axleaddict. Com/auto-repair/common-problems-with-Tesla the Tesla service manager admitted the problem, stating he sees a lot of control arm and bushing problems. Yet Tesla refused to stand behind their product, and charged nearly $1500 for the repairs.

The front suspension lateral link fasteners on the driver side wheel came loose and fell off the car in my driveway when I was backing up the car. There is an active recall for this issue - 23v235000, but my VIN wasn't included in that recall.

Front left tire control arm completely separated from suspension with no obvious warning. Fortunately happened while backing out of driveway otherwise could have been catastrophic on street/freeway.

My car has has very loud creaking sounds coming from stabilizer links and upper control arms. This is a known defect and there are already service bulletins about this. Those bulletins are: sb1831005r1, sb-20-31-006 r3, sb-18-31-005 unfortunately, when I took my vehicle into be repaired, they said that my VIN isn't covered by this recall. . . Yet, I am having the same issue. Tesla charged me $2,186. 46 to fix it when it should have been free.

First occurrence (5 oct 2023): on 5 oct 2023, as I was backing my 2018 Tesla Model 3 into a parking spot, I heard a loud metallic sound as I turned the wheels. I stopped the car to investigate and found a large bolt (about four inches long) under the front end of the car. Further inspection revealed that a similar bolt was partially backed out of the steering linkage. I also noticed the left front wheel was no longer aligned with the right front wheel. I determined the car was not drivable and I had it flat-bedded to the nearest Tesla service center. The service center diagnosed that the bolt had fallen out of the left lateral link and the other bolt had partially backed out. Inspection of the bolt that was recovered under the car showed no sign of wear and tear with the threads being in good condition. After the repair was completed, I asked for this bolt back for the record, but the service center said they no longer had the bolt. Before the repair was performed, I asked the Tesla service manager to try to determine why this bolt may have fallen out and the other bolt partially backing out. He inspected the car as well as investigating past Tesla service history and there was no evidence of damage or a repair that would have caused this issue. Second occurrence (20 oct 2023): on 20 oct 2023, just 9 days after the repaired car was returned, I heard the same loud mechanical sound and scrapping noises while parking the car. I looked under the car and found the bolts on the right lateral link had started to back out. I returned the car to the service center on 21 oct 2023 for a second repair. I voiced concern that this was a continued safety issue as bolts on critical steering and alignment components should not just back out. Fortunately, the bolts fell or backed out in a parking lot and not while travelling at 70 mph ---- potentially resulting in a serious accident and injury. Nhtsa recall 23v-235 should be expanded to more vins.

While traveling approximately 20mph, I heard a loud noise from the front of the vehicle. It sounded like I hit a road hazard, but the road was clear. I inspected the front of the vehicle and there was no visible damage. However, from then on, the vehicle would make a loud clunking noise whenever I made a turn, no warning lamps or messages. I was able to drive to a Tesla service center and they diagnosed it as a failure of the front lower lateral link. There have been recalls associated with the lower lateral link (sb-21-31-001) for 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles, but my VIN was not part of that recall. It should have been part of recall.

I noticed noise coming from the front driver's side wheel especially when turning. Upon inspection, I found that a nut was missing from the front suspension lateral link that fastens the link to the sub-frame. Also, the 2nd bolt fastening the link was very loose. This is exactly what happened as noted in the NHTSA part 573 safety recall report - 23v-235. Tesla service says that "there are no open campaigns for your vehicle for nuts missing". Well there needs to be as this is very dangerous.

Same exact issue as NHTSA 23v235000 but for some reason my VIN is not part of the recall. Had to get it repaired by Tesla and paid out of pocket.

The front suspension started making a lot of loud noises, the service center acknowledged that it's a control arm issue potentially however my VIN is not listed in a recall that was conducted for this manufacturer and they're doing more recalls on it but the manufacturer says that I have to pay for the repair despite it being a safety issue for the control arm not being tightened to the frame and suspension and potentially dislodge.

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 25 mph, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the front upper control arm, and the shifter cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 39,000.

Front suspension arm dislocated while driving (at 15mph). Could have been fatal had I been on the highway. Bolt connecting suspension was not broken, must have just come loose. I believe this is similar to the recall notice 21v-835, but that only covered years 2019-2021. My car is a 2018, one of the first ones released. This should have also been included in the recall. Tesla told me my car is out of warranty and to take to a body shop.

Only when driving on hwy speeds 65 mph and above the steering pulls, while correcting to drive safely the car jerks and is very unsafe during hwy speeds as if I'm fighting to keep straight on the road. Tesla confirmed it was the lower lateral links which was replaced but did not fix the issue. The vehicle continues to have the same issue and now telsa is saying the steering rack may need to be replaced. Seems this is a common issue with this car!.

A bolt in the control arms of my Model 3 broke. I took it in for repair. They blamed me for hitting the bottom of the car. They changed both upper and lower control arms and charged me about $500 for it. This is a major safety problem that Tesla doesn’t accept the blame for, even though I have seen many complaints online about this issue. They should recall all the affected models and fix it before it causes dangerous situations on the road.

The passenger and driver side bolts connecting the shock strut to the lower control arms have come loose. The passenger side nut is missing and the bolt has almost fallen out, just hanging on by a thread. Can make driving dangerous by increasing instability.

The driver side front left suspension lateral link fasteners (bolts and nuts) completely fell off, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame. This occurred at low speed attempting to turn into my home driveway and resulted in the front left fender resting only on the tire. Significant body damage was incurred, with the fender and the driver door coming in contact and obstructing initial exit of the vehicle. Tesla claimed that my car was not included in any recall, even after escalation within the service department and my insistence that they cover the costs of the repairs. They refused repeatedly. I ended up paying $2037. 08 for the suspension repairs, and additional $3000 for body repairs. This would have been a catastrophic incident and failure had I been at highway speeds, which I was literally 5 minutes prior to the suspension failure.

Bolt connecting lower control arm to the sub frame fell out as it wasn’t torqued/fastened properly during manufacturing. This caused suspension to rattle and cause wheel alignment warnings to go off.

Vehicle owned since December 2018. Squeaking noise from suspension June 2023 with no precipitating event or incident . No alert or messages. Previous front control arm replacements done. Per Tesla service inspection, correction: links - compliance - lower - front - rh/lh (remove and replace) & correction: links - lateral - lower - front - lh/rh (remove & replace). Suspension issues.

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed over a speed bump, he heard a rattling sound emitting from the front passenger-side suspension. Upon visual inspection, the contact observed what appeared to be a bolt dethatched from the suspension. No warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined a damaged frontal lower lateral link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the issue, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v235000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 56,000.

Front suspension lateral link fell off from subframe while driving. No warning was given. Unable steer vehicle.

Left lower lateral control arm failure: one of the bolts attaching the control arm to the subframe had loosened and fallen out. The increased stress caused the other attachment point on the control arm to break resulting in complete failure. Luckily, this happened in a parking lot; on the road this would amount to an extreme safety risk. The vehicle has been inspected by Tesla and the incident occurred with out warning. There is currently an extremely limited recall for this problem (recall # 23v-235), but my Model 3 is not included in this.

Front suspension components needed to be replaced, vehicle was out of warranty and had only 43000 miles. These parts should last for much longer the 4 years and 43000 miles. No incident, but car squeaked at all speeds. Repair cost was $1600.

My car has started making squeaky noise in the front of the vehicle. Upon getting it inspected I was told the suspension links will have to be replaced. I told the rep at Tesla that 2018 Model 3 Tesla is under recall for suspension. Links as this problem is a common found problem amount this model of the Tesla. And therefore it’s under recall. But they refused and said my car is not flagged for that recall so I will have to pay to fix the problem.

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that upon reversing out of a parking lot, an abnormal clunking sound was coming from the vehicle while turning to the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving and the steering wheel became loose, and an unknown object detached from the vehicle upon entering her driveway. Due to the failure, the contact decided to have the vehicle towed; upon arrival, the tow truck driver discovered that a bolt had fallen out of the vehicle. Once the vehicle arrived at the service center, the mechanic replaced a lower front lateral link and half shaft assembly. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 23v235000 (suspension); which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 70,950.