Table 1 shows one common wheel related problems of the 2022 Tesla Model S.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Wheel problems |
My 2022 Tesla Model S is equipped with 21" arachnid cast alloy wheels. The wheel on the front driver side developed a structural crack under normal driving conditions with no road hazard impact or unusual driving events. The crack has caused a significant air leak, with tire pressure dropping from 44 psi to 34 psi over approximately 10 miles of normal driving. At 34 psi on a 265/35zr21 low-profile tire, there is meaningful risk of rim-to-road contact. The vehicle shakes noticeably during normal driving as a direct result of the pressure loss. The tires have approximately 13,000 miles on them. We are aware of multiple other Tesla Model S arachnid wheel owners reporting identical cracking under normal use on [xxx] , suggesting a pattern consistent with a manufacturing defect in the cast alloy wheel design. This is a safety concern as the leak rate is significant and the condition could deteriorate without warning. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
Complaint category: tires / suspension summary of issue: I am reporting a recurring and deceptive safety defect involving extreme inner-edge tire wear on my Tesla Model S. On three separate occasions, my rear tires have worn down to the metal structural cords exclusively on the innermost shoulder, while the remaining 90% of the tread appeared in excellent, near-new condition. Safety hazard: this defect creates a high risk of catastrophic blowout at highway speeds. Because the wear is hidden on the far interior edge of the tire, it is invisible to the driver during standard daily visual inspections. The vehicle’s non-adjustable rear suspension geometry (aggressive negative camber) places extreme stress on the inner shoulder, causing it to fail structurally while the rest of the tire looks safe. Tesla’s response: Tesla service has been unable to provide a permanent remedy, stating the vehicle is "within spec," despite the recurring nature of the failure. I am filing this to urge the NHTSA to investigate whether this suspension geometry constitutes a design defect that requires a mandatory recall or corrective hardware.
Since purchase, I have experienced nine tire-related failures, including four separate blowouts at highway speed, leaving the vehicle disabled on major roads multiple times. The most recent occurred on [insert date], when the car suffered another blowout and is now disabled at my residence. This pattern of failure has occurred despite tire replacements and service visits by Tesla. The issue began on the day of delivery, when a tire failed within 70 miles, and service staff admitted the car had not been safety inspected prior to delivery. Tesla has replaced nearly all tires, reimbursed a third-party shop once, and confirmed on a recorded call that the level of tire failure is abnormal. Still, no root cause has been identified. The failures have occurred under normal driving conditions and pose a serious safety hazard to me, my family (including children), and others on the road. My family now refuses to ride in the car. This issue is ongoing, unresolved, and I believe there is a systemic defect involving the vehicle’s suspension, alignment, or structural components that is contributing to abnormal tire wear and catastrophic blowouts. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this vehicle and Tesla’s cpo inspection process, and that appropriate safety action be taken before someone is seriously injured or killed.
Tire separation on the inside rear tires. I purchased my car new and had continued slight loss of air pressure at 12,000 miles. I inspected the rear tires and found one of the tires and begun to split open (at the seam where tread adheres to the tire), the other tire once sprayed with soap water had tiny pin hole leaks all the way around the same seam. I had tires replaced and filed a tire warranty claim. The original tires were michelin pilot sport 4s and the tires I replaced them with were the same. Now at 30,343 miles the same problem occurred, both tires show separation around the inside seam with the tread still remaining. If left uncorrected/addressed the tires would eventually blow out driving.
My car has 10k miles and rear wheels started to layer off. This is the same issue as many other reporting on the web. I tired to reach out to Tesla but they deny any responsibilities. Something needs to be done ASAP before people will get hurt. I am lucky that I noticed this issue.
Rear tires have alarming wear on the inside, where the inside sidewall meets the tread. This is identical to the other complaints that are logged on NHTSA about michelin pilot sport 4s rear tires on Tesla Model S plaid cars. Tires are: michelin pilot sport 4s 295/30 zr21 102y xl bsw. Specifically, the right rear tires loses pressure and needs to be reinflated. The left rear tire, according to inspection, actually looked worse, but is not yet losing pressure. This is impossible to see or know about without removing the tire or putting the car on a lift, since it is on the is inside sidewall/tread of the rear tire. There is high danger of a blowout because of some type of defect (camber/suspension or tire) which cannot be seen by the consumer. I would have never known about this if the tire technician had not alerted me, and probably would have had a high-speed blowout.
Factory oem tire separated on the driver side rear. This could have ended badly had I not noticed the difference in handling of the vehicle. It appears the rear camber of the vehicle causes strain on the inner side of the tire and there is zero calibration that can be made to help fix this. Tesla told me it’s a michelin issue and michelin says it’s a Tesla suspension issue.