Table 1 shows one common wheel related problems of the 2020 Tesla Model 3.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Wheel problems |
I am writing to formally report a critical safety incident involving my 2020 Tesla Model 3, where the bumper detached while driving through a puddle of water on oct 9th, 2025. This occurred on a busy street, and fortunately, another driver alerted me just in time, averting a potentially serious accident. Following the incident, I arranged for my vehicle to be towed to a Tesla-authorized collision center and opened a claim with my insurance company. I have since learned that this issue is recognized internally by Tesla, as they have created a service incident regarding it, but have failed to communicate this to customers effectively. Tesla's lack of accountability is concerning. Despite repeated attempts to address this with their support and service teams, they have deflected responsibility and continue to downplay the seriousness of this matter, insisting I must rely on insurance to cover the costs. This situation raises significant safety concerns, not just for myself but for all Tesla Model 3 drivers. I urge NHTSA to take the following actions: 1. Investigate this safety issue regarding the bumper detachment on Tesla Model 3 vehicles. 2. Pressure Tesla to publicly acknowledge this known issue and take immediate corrective action to prevent future occurrences. 3. Ensure that affected customers are compensated for damages and repairs due to this defect. I appreciate your attention to this serious safety issue and look forward to seeing NHTSA hold Tesla accountable to protect all consumers and ensure vehicle safety. I have attached proof of diligent efforts on my part to get this resolved: - claim number with progressive - communication with Tesla giving them proof of this issue - earlier NHTSA bulletin acknowledging the issue and the Tesla internal service incident created for this issue. Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.
I am experiencing persistent front suspension issues with my Tesla Model 3 performance. The vehicle has been taken to a Tesla service center three times, yet the problem has not been resolved. The issue includes: unusual noises (clunking, knocking, or creaking) from the front suspension. Instability or poor handling at various speeds. Repeated failures of suspension components despite repairs. Each time, Tesla service has attempted repairs, but the issue continues to persist, raising serious concerns about the safety and durability of the suspension system. The vehicle is currently at Tesla service center as of March 4th 2025 and they are working on the same problem for the 3rd time.
Upper control arm is creaking, extremely common problem, we need to demand a recall.
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, when he heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to drive to his destination. The contact stated he parked the vehicle, he noticed large parts of the front passenger side rim was missing. The contact filed a complaint on the Tesla application and made them aware of the failure. The contact purchased the front passenger side rim from Tesla website. The contact took the vehicle to independent mechanic and had the front passenger side rim replaced. The contact stated the vehicle to still driving to the right. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been attempted to contact but has not been able to speak to anyone. The failure mileage was approximately 28,500.
Driving home at 60mph when the right front wheel fell off the vehicle causing damages to the whole right side on the car.
Friday June 26th, 6:00 p. M. Public roads. Sunny, dry. Something snapped while driving 5 mph at the moment I started a slow left turn. The car lurched to a halt. The right front wheel was angled left at about a 35 degrees, while the left wheel pointed straight. Tesla sent a flat bed. The truck technician reported by phone that the wheel was separated from the suspension and a Tesla bolt was available for him to temporarily hold alignment for safe loading. I understand he left a note and the bolt inside the car. I believe the bolt was part of the broken suspension. The car had 3,300 miles. During my ownership, I noticed a light clicking (or clunking) when the car passed over a 3 inch change in road elevation, such as occurs during repaving when striking a man hole cover or new layer of asphalt. I took this to be a peculiarity of the Tesla suspension combined with the 18 inch wheels. The sound was rare, as most roads are quite smooth and I made it a point to drive slowly over sudden bumps. More recently, as our town is repaving, I heard the click more frequently. On father's day, while a friend was test driving the car, he being a car geek, heard the click, called it a "clunk," and told me to get it looked at. I had not yet made the appointment when something snapped on June 26th. Over the weekend I left voice mails and sent to Tesla service an email stating Tesla should consider giving me a replacement vehicle, but I wished first to hear their report on what had occurred. Tesla service in milford is not open on weekends. Tesla called on Monday afternoon seeking my input on what had occurred. Later that day they reported it appeared to them that a critical bolt had not been welded onto the sub-frame. Tesla service in milford ordered a new sub-frame, part number 1044521-00-r, from California. Tesla is researching what occurred.