Suspension Problems of Tesla Model 3 - part 1

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.

See all problems of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

My Tesla Model 3 is experiencing premature suspension failures involving the lower lateral links and stabilizer links. These components were already replaced once, and they are failing again in less than 30,000 miles. This is not normal wear for suspension parts on a modern vehicle. These failures cause clunking, instability, and looseness in the front end—conditions that affect the vehicle’s ability to track straight and maintain control, especially over uneven pavement or during emergency maneuvers. This isn’t an isolated case. There are extensive reports from other Tesla owners across multiple models (model 3 and model y in particular) showing the same premature wear on these suspension links. Many owners have parts failing even earlier. Once the car is out of warranty, Tesla charges thousands of dollars to replace these components, despite clear indications that the suspension was under-engineered for the weight of the vehicle. Tesla knows this is a recurring issue but refuses to issue a recall or goodwill repairs. A repeated failure of critical suspension links in such low mileage suggests a defect. These parts should not be wearing out this fast, and the resulting instability poses a real safety risk. I’m requesting NHTSA investigate these premature failures.

See all problems of the 2020 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

The two bolts that hold the front lower control arm on fell out (driver side). Luckily this happened when we were backing out of the driveway and not at speed. There were no warnings lights, just a loud noise from the wheel when it failed. There is already a recall about this problem for the same year and model of my car, but the dealer is saying my car is not part of the recall. Here is a link to the recall. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2019 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

Lower lateral link , and front lower compliance link and upper control arm assembly all broken and needed repair. Tesla service shop confirmed lower links were broken on both side, causing major safety concerns. They said it needed to be fixed or car could not be driven. This is a well documented issue all over the internet. The shop confirmed and said this repair is made all the time, and typically needs to be performed every 30,000-50,000 miles. The car has not been abused, only normal driving. The problem started as a squeak coming from the upper control arms and turned into a clunk when accelerating. How has a recall not been issued? people have been talking about this issue for years. Tesla acts like the front suspension is a consumable part like a spark plug in a ice car. Really? the front suspension should be rebuilt as often as every 30k miles?.

I am reporting a safety issue involving my 2025 Tesla Model 3 performance. My steering wheel began shaking while driving, and the vehicle felt unstable, especially at speed. I brought the vehicle to Tesla service in las vegas. Their inspection found that the outer tie rod nut on the passenger front side was loose, which created steering play and caused the steering wheel shake (documented in Tesla invoice #xxx). A loose tie rod nut is a serious steering safety defect that can result in loss of steering control. Tesla performed a four-wheel alignment and tightened the components but stated the issue is “maintenance” and not covered under warranty, despite the vehicle having only 12,890 miles. Tesla also stated the steering rack had “no issues,” but they did not perform any repair on the steering system beyond tightening the loose tie rod nut and charging me for alignment. They also did not explain how a nearly new vehicle could develop a loose steering component. A loose outer tie rod nut should never occur on a new car unless there is a defect or improper assembly from the factory. This poses a significant safety hazard, especially at highway speeds. Tesla did not treat this as a steering safety defect and only attributed it to alignment. They declined warranty coverage and did not fully address the root cause. I am filing this complaint because steering components should not loosen on a 2025 model vehicle, and the situation could have resulted in loss of control or an accident. I want NHTSA to be aware in case this issue appears in other vehicles of the same model year.

Compliance arm bolt securing it to the subframe is fractured. Tesla has dismissed my ongoing concerns of vibration and instability while driving. Stating they performed an in depth inspection of all suspension and subframe components and found nothing of concern during last service appointment. I did my own inspection and found the fractured bolt. Sent photo to service and they are trying to play it off as normal and safe to drive. Contacted several manufacturers and mechanics stating otherwise. Told this will end in catastrophic failure and loss of vehicle control but apparently Tesla wants me to drive it to the service department for next service.

See all problems of the 2023 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

I purchased this used Tesla Model 3 (VIN: [xxx] ) from a licensed dealer on July 15th, 2025. The vehicle is still under the original manufacturer warranty. Since ownership, I have experienced a persistent metal-impact noise coming from the suspension and steering area, especially when going over speed bumps, uneven road surfaces, or low-speed turns. The noise sounds like loose metal parts making contact. Tesla service has attempted repairs multiple times, including a recent visit that lasted several weeks. Although some minor issues were addressed, the abnormal metal impact noise continues and has never been fully resolved. The repeated unresolved noise raises concerns about structural integrity and potential failure within components related to steering, wheels, or suspension. While the vehicle remains operable, the issue affects driving confidence, comfort, and concentration. Over time, the repeated metal noise has caused stress and anxiety because I am unsure whether a part will loosen or fail while driving. Since the problem remains after multiple attempts to repair, I am reporting this as a potential safety-related defect. Thank you. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

1. During summer months the wireless charger does not work and heats up the phone to hazardous levels, when I take it to service while under warranty, they are saying its a known issue and want to charge customers for replacing charging pad 2. The suspension of the car is making sounds, Tesla wants me to pay labor charges for fixing it under warranty. The suspension issue happened in almost all the Tesla cars of my friends and neighbors. It needs to be a recall.

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!.

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.

Suspension shakes car at 65mph and causes cupping of tires of the inside which states suspension is clearly off.

Travelling south on [xxx]just south of [xxx] on [xxx] at [xxx]. Climate was medium-rain. Car began to hydroplane due to regenerative breaking. Lost control and began to swerve between lanes. Completely swerved 180 degrees so that car was facing wrong direct. Swerved back to right way on highway. No cars around and did not hit anything. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

The vehicle has loud creaking and groaning noises when turning the wheel at low speed or at a standstill, I’ve taken it to a Tesla service center where they claimed that this is just a characteristic of the vehicle yet I myself and a mechanic and understand that the fundamentals of suspension are the same regardless of what type of vehicle it may be and know that this is actually a known issue with Teslas especially with Model 3s. My vehicle is at 10,683 miles and still within the warranty, on Friday, September 26 at 8 am. I dropped off my vehicle for repairs later that day at around 1645 or as known as 4:45 pm. I was messaged saying that my vehicle is ready for pick up as I read the service notes, I saw that they did not do any repair on my suspension. This is concerning to me because this is a safety issue and I highly believe that the vehicle needs to be repaired. The service center is located in santa clarita, California.

My car has same symptoms as previous recall and Tesla is denying repair.

Front suspension has lost lower lateral link and bolt. There was a recall on this back in 2023 for our year and model but our car was no selected. Clearly it should have been as the suspension has failed. Please see invoice from Tesla attached. This should be taken care of by Tesla as it is a known issue.

The front passenger side upper control arm is squeaking and causing vehicle to drift to right, vehicle only has like 60k miles and the upper control arms have been replaced by Tesla before.

During driving, Tesla car spontaneously stated multiple active safety features and regenerative braking were no longer available and stopped working during driving with multiple warnings appearing. Driver safety at risk during this as well as others safety due to the lack of functioning. The car was taken to Tesla service center and was explained that front lower lateral suspension links were damaged by "impact" although the car was never in an impact or accident preventing proper alignment and functioning of the car. The part has been since repaired and currently undergoing further investigation for warranty dispute.

The contact owns a 2025 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating while driving at 60 mph, and the vibration was going to the contact's head. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local Tesla service center, where it was diagnosed with needing the four tires balanced, and the passenger’s side rear tire was replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local Tesla service center at 9950 NW 25th st, doral, FL 33172) on four occasions. The dealer determined that the tires were unbalanced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the Tesla service center, where the suspension torque was adjusted. The tires were rebalanced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the service center, and it was determined that the failure was related to the front suspension. The vehicle was taken to the same service center, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column was the cause of the failure. The electric steering column and steering wheel were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,434.

The vehicle’s front suspension began making loud squeaking noises and felt unstable while driving, especially when turning or going over uneven surfaces. At times, the vehicle does not make a proper turn and almost feels like it loses grip, which is extremely unsafe. I brought the vehicle to a Tesla service center. After inspection, Tesla provided a service estimate and documentation confirming the failure of the front lower lateral links — the exact part and condition described in NHTSA safety recalls 21v835000 and 23v235000, which cover defective front suspension lateral link fasteners on this vehicle make, model, and year. Despite the clear match, Tesla did not recognize the repair as recall-related and categorized it as a customer-pay service. This raises concern that some affected vehicles are being excluded from proper recall coverage, despite experiencing the same safety defects. There were no warning lights or alerts prior to the failure. The issue was confirmed by Tesla and the part is available for inspection upon request.

I have experienced multiple tire failures on my 2022 Tesla Model 3, with at least 7 tires needing replacement due to air bubbles. These issues have occurred on both front and rear tires, and currently I have 3 more tires with visible bubbles and one tire is actually leaking air. Most of these tires failed within 2,000-6,000 miles of use, which is far below normal tire lifespan of 25,000-40,000 miles. Despite repeated service visits, no alignment or suspension inspection has ever been performed by Tesla to determine why this keeps happening. The tires are just replaced at my cost, with the problem recurring again and again. Despite the pattern, Tesla service advisors continue to blame road conditions or driving habits. I want to be clear: I actively avoid potholes, drive cautiously, and have never experienced anything like this with any previous vehicle. Something is clearly abnormal here. In addition, I have noticed strange clicking and popping noises while driving, which seem to come from the chassis or steering area. It worries me that there may be a deeper mechanical or build quality issue. The vehicle often feels unstable, and I am genuinely concerned that a failure of a suspension component, battery mounting, or other structure could lead to a fire or loss of control. No warning lights have appeared, but the pattern of repeated air bubbles showing in my tire after just driving not even 1,000 miles and abnormal noises makes the vehicle feel unsafe to operate.

See all problems of the 2022 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at slow speeds, after completing a right turn, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front passenger’s side suspension. The contact stated that increased effort was required to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the passenger’s side control arm had disconnected. The contact was informed that two bolts that secured the control arm to the frame were missing. The contact also stated that the bolts were found by the tow truck driver while loading the vehicle for towing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.

The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that a creaking noise was emitted from the area where the front suspension would be. The noise would be louder when turning the vehicle either left or right. The passenger air bag light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the seat sensor had failed. The seat was replaced with a new modular seat. After the repair was completed, the air bag warning illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who performed the same repairs. The warning light persisted. The dealer was contacted and then informed of the creaking noise and the air bag warning light remaining illuminated. An appointment was made with the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

My car started having loud noises and suspension on both side of my car started making noises and both control arms along with sway barrings and struts are gone bad.

Car is disengaging full self driving because of steering becoming difficult at slow speeds in a turn. Fsd disengages and the car drive straight instead of staying in the turn, crash could be likely.

The bolt/fastner holding the control arms almost backed all the way out. I was driving and heard metal sound it got worse on the drive home. I also noticed the alignment to get worse and when I got home I looked and the bolt/ fastner almost came out. There is a Tesla recall for only a small percent for my year with that issue. Tesla wants 4k to replace it. It is a huge safety issue. I have a family and it could have been serious if it detached not only to me and my family but other vehicles other pedestrians.

Front suspension creaking & rattling going over bumps Tesla took days & days & never called me w/ problem I kept calling in!! finally decide it is a known recall problem w/ suspension bolts & sub frame! they told me they torqued them & would test drive for noise & I never heard from them! I had to call in. Suddenly I had a $4200 estimate for repairs including $322 1. 24 hours of diagnosis??? a known problem other 2018 Tesla’s have been recalled for ??? very suspicious?? how do I know they didn’t torque it too far & strip bolt themselves??.

Front upper control arms replaced. Vehicle only has 24,000 miles.

Front lower and upper control arms started generating noise around 100,000 miles. This was confirmed by an independent service center. So far, have spent $1400 on the lower control arms, only to find out that the noise is still there and the upper control arms need to be replaced as well.

The first time the lower lateral links on the front right side just broke and luckily it didn't happen on the highway with passengers right now I hear the same noises again coming from the driver's left side from the lower lateral links I am afraid that it will happen again and that’s really scary I drove many cars before and never felt so unsecured I don't understand how such a safety problem is not being addressed. I hear and read that other Tesla owners are also reporting the same problem.

The front upper control arms on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 have failed multiple times, producing loud clunking, popping, and binding noises during steering. The issue has worsened and poses a serious risk of loss of control while driving. Tesla replaced these parts under goodwill in the past, but the failures have returned. The most recent incident occurred around 03/05/2025 at approximately 106,867 miles. The failure has been confirmed and documented by Tesla service centers, and I have multiple invoices showing repeated replacements of the same components. The problem directly affects steering and suspension safety.

Needs whole suspensions system fixed and is only 4 years old. Was told by the service center employee that other customers with the same year and model have had the same issue. Suspension has been noticeably affected for the past year (uneven tire wear so I had to get new tires and a bumpier ride), but just took it in today and had it officially diagnosed.

See all problems of the 2021 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

The front suspension is failing. I have already replaced the upper control arms. Now I need to replace the bushings on compliance and lateral linksare tearing. There have been recalls for this model and year, for this issue. My VIN, is not included in the recall. I was notified of the aditional needed repairs when I had the upper control arms replaced.

Front suspension is making very weird and loud noises. Issue is associated with the front suspension links becoming loose.

Right front upper control arm began making noise and was replaced under warranty at 42k miles in sept 2019. Left front upper control arm failed around 50k miles and caused a wreck resulting in $8,365 in damages in April 2021. When fixing one side it is standard to replace the other and Tesla was negligent. Upon fixing the left side suspension at blue ash auto body in 2021, the brake caliper came loose while driving on the highway while on a vacation. This caused an additional $1500 or so in charges. Both of these incidents put my life and my son's life in danger. About a week or two after the caliper problem, Tesla issued a recall for that part stating that it is now single use only.