Suspension Problems of Tesla Model S - part 1

2024 Tesla Model S. Repeated rear tire and rear wheel failures with abnormal wear and possible rear alignment or suspension-related defect. Tesla service history shows repeated rear tire replacements beginning at about 5,165 miles, a later four-wheel alignment, a right rear tire replacement for uneven tire wear under the basic vehicle warranty at about 21,594 miles, a documented bent left rear wheel at about 27,047 miles, a left rear wheel replacement due to crack after a low-pressure/pull over safely alert at about 30,489 miles, and then a right rear tire blowout at about 38,358 miles. In the same March 12, 2026 service record, Tesla also noted inner sidewall damage on the opposite rear tire. Concern is an unresolved recurring rear tire, wheel, alignment, or suspension defect creating blowout risk and unsafe operation. Tesla has replaced tires and wheels but has not identified or corrected the root cause.

See all problems of the 2024 Tesla Model S 🔎.

I pulled into a parking lot, and noticed that my passenger side rear wheel was leaning into the car. Luckily I was next to a firestone and the mechanic told me the rear control arm broke off. Had I have been driving even for 2 more minutes, the wheel would have came off completely. When I pulled in, there was no noise, vibration, or any other indication that something was wrong. I know for a fact I didnt hit any curbs or large potholes. It was a normal drive.

See all problems of the 2017 Tesla Model S 🔎.

I experienced excessive rear tire wear on both rear tires inner side the tire ended up blowing out on the rear passenger tire.

See all problems of the 2025 Tesla Model S 🔎.

I have started receiving airbag & seat safety issue alert but recieved appointment after a month even considering major safety concern. Some of 2021 vehicles are serviced under the recall Tesla sent. But told me mine doesn’t qualify for same issue for same year, same model cars. It seems like issue is with all Tesla Model S 2021 but Tesla charging big dollar amount to repair the safety concern. They have also mentioned there is on going concern with air suspension and all Tesla starts giving problem between 60,000 miles to 90,000 miles. It costs around $6000 to fix that issue and told me these are not safety concerns.

See all problems of the 2021 Tesla Model S 🔎.

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph and making a right turn there was an abnormal sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated then started to smell a burning rubber odor. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware that the front passenger’s side wheel had seized in a right turn position and was rubbing against the wheel well. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA action number: pe20020 (suspension). The failure mileage was 60,348.

See all problems of the 2016 Tesla Model S 🔎.

Upon purchasing the vehicle, I discovered multiple critical safety defects that were not disclosed at the time of sale and were confirmed by an independent ev specialist (electrified garage). These defects include worn and failing front and rear suspension components (control arms, thrust arms, and cracked/damaged bushings), a failing sway bar link boot, and a malfunctioning window that makes contact with the internal wiring harness. The suspension defects create instability over bumps and uneven roads, producing clunks, shifting, and vibration that affect steering control and overall stability. These issues present a risk of suspension failure while driving, which could cause loss of control. The window/wiring contact also poses a potential electrical hazard if the harness becomes damaged. The independent inspection documented that these defects existed before I took possession of the vehicle. The dealer did not disclose any of these issues, and the defects were not visible during a standard test drive. I am reporting this because the suspension defects directly affect vehicle handling, safety, and crash-avoidance capability. I want NHTSA to be aware in case similar defects appear in other vehicles of the same model/year.

I am reporting multiple safety-related defects on my 2017 Tesla Model S (VIN [xxx] ) that were present at the time of purchase but not disclosed by the selling dealer (starling Ford, titusville, FL). A certified independent ev repair facility (the electrified garage) inspected the vehicle on 11/17/2025 and documented the following safety defects: • failing/worn suspension components (control arms, thrust arms, cracked bushings) • torn sway-bar link boots • inoperative right-rear window regulator • driver window contacting internal wiring harness • moisture in the rear inner tail lamp • previous a/c drain blockage causing interior water intrusion these issues pose risks related to steering stability, electrical safety, visibility, and structural integrity. All of these conditions existed prior to the sale and were not disclosed. I am requesting NHTSA to log this complaint for federal safety review as these defects involve suspension, electrical moisture intrusion, and visibility issues that may impact the safe operation of the vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

See all problems of the 2022 Tesla Model S 🔎.

Tires wear excessivly due to incorect factory and non-adjustable camber settings causing extreme saftey concerns/blowouts, which are not visible without removal of tire or lifting of vehicle by average motorist. My vehicle experienced this within first 10,000 miles on new car with new tires. Fourtuneatly a flat led to further inspection and replacement before inccuring tragic or adverse consequences.

My 2015 Tesla model with less than 55000 mi had the front suspension broke on [xxx] when I pull out of the driveway. I heard a hard noise from passenger front tire that is scraping on the fender liner. The car was not drivable and had to be towed to a Tesla dealership in cherry hill NJ > quoted bill is $1800 to replace. With the low mileage , I never expected the suspension to brake unless there is a defect on the cars manufacturer front suspension fore link. I read on the nshtsa that there was an investigation for the several complain for the 2015 - 2017 Tesla Model S . The service car representative took a picture of the broken suspension fore link that is holding the suspension front tires. I forgot to ask him to forward the picture to me. Maybe I can ask him when I pick up the car. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2015 Tesla Model S 🔎.

Car was making a rattling noise and no indication on the car indicating that it was a suspension issue. Drove for a few months without realizing that it was a suspension and hence a safety problem. Took it to the Tesla service center and they diagnosed as a suspension problem and said that it was unsafe to drive the car. The repair at Tesla to replace the links (aft, fore, sway bar) and spring/damper assembly was $5809. 71;.

Vehicle information: 2014 Tesla Model S VIN: [xxx] incident date: [xxx] component affected: suspension / air suspension / ride height control problem description: on [xxx], while driving, my 2014 Tesla Model S suddenly raised itself to and/or beyond maximum ride height without any driver input. Immediately afterward, the front driver-side suspension collapsed completely, leaving the vehicle unsafe to operate. This appears to be an uncommanded overinflation event caused by Tesla’s suspension control system. It is not normal wear but a manufacturer-induced malfunction. If this failure had occurred at highway speeds, it could have caused catastrophic loss of control. The collapse of a suspension system without warning is a serious safety defect. Tesla’s service center in moraine, OH, has refused to review the vehicle logs (which would confirm this sequence of failure) and has instead classified the incident as a standard part failure. As a result, Tesla is attempting to push full financial liability onto the owner instead of addressing what is clearly a safety-critical defect. Safety concern: a sudden, uncommanded suspension height change followed by collapse could lead to total loss of vehicle control and a crash. This poses an ongoing risk to both Tesla drivers and the public. Requested action: I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this failure mode as a safety defect in Tesla Model S vehicles and require Tesla to address these failures appropriately. Service center involved: Tesla service center 1927 w dorothy ln moraine, OH 45439 owner information: [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2014 Tesla Model S 🔎.

I was backing out of a parking space and the front driver side fore link broke. Internet search reveals this is a known issue associated with Tesla Model S during the period mine was manufactured (February 2016), caused an investigation & service bulletin from the NHTSA, and a recall in china, hence I wanted to report this occurence.

Driver's side rear control arm failure. The outside knuckle of the control arm cracked and is missing a portion. Tesla agrees this is sb-19-31-001 and will not repair without payment, due to the age of the vehicle. Vehicle has been serviced by Tesla multiple times without comment that this should be replaced.

See all problems of the 2013 Tesla Model S 🔎.

On 5/20/25, I had my Tesla repaired as I had suspension issues. They repaired my car to rectify my suspension for both my front and rear tires. Then on 6/12/25, I was driving on the highway and going about 70-75 mph when I heard a huge pop. No warning indicators came on and something did not feel right. I figured nothing else came of it. I was about 30 miles away from home and when I got home, my tire was pushed inward. I was concerned on whether this was related to a bad repair since it was so soon to my previous repair and they indicated that they did not touch that area. After they saw my video, they indicated that the lower control arm of my rear tire broke and they indicated that this was just a damaged component. My biggest concern is that if this issue was not related to the repair work done a month ago, this could be bigger issue as I could have been very concerning that this part broke when I was driving at high speeds and I think it's warranted to check on the quality of the component. In my 40 plus years of driving, I have never experienced this happened to me. If you need documentation or video of how the tire and the axle looks, I can forward it to you. The vehicle has only been inspected by the Tesla dealership service center and as stated earlier, there weren't any warning signs or messages that showed as I specifically was looking for it when I heard the loud pop.

Getting warning ondash that says "adaptive ride control unavailable. Vehicle speed limited - proceed with caution". On the internet many reports are noted of the same problem w Tesla vehicles, especially Model S cars. These have occurred soon after to taking delivery of after 20-30 k miles. Mine occurred at about 31,000 miles in my Model S 2021. Tesla says the need "diagnostics done first " at $275 and then the fix for another $300. This does not seem right.

4 months after warranty and only 42,774 miles, I am being hit with a massive bill of almost $2,700 from Tesla service in lyndhurst, OH. This to correct right and left front end basic suspension issues that should not occur. Clearly the front end is not designed to handle the weight of car. The service manager told me that he sees this every day!! the car is not safe to drive until repairs are made. There was no trauma to the front end only normal wear and tear. The front end started making noise which had me take it to the dealer.

Premature tire wear. Inside edges of rear tires wore out in 10k miles.

Vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model S long range VIN: [xxx] I am reporting multiple safety-related defects that existed at delivery or developed shortly thereafter, and Tesla has refused to diagnose or repair them under warranty. These defects create an unsafe driving condition and risk of loss of control or collision. Defect summary: 1. Alignment defect at delivery: on the day I bought the car, the steering wheel pulled to the left and felt unstable. I reported this immediately to Tesla. They dismissed it as “normal. ” 2. Premature tire wear: within months, the left tire wore down to the steel belts on the left side while the right side had normal wear. An independent shop confirmed this was caused by suspension/bushing issues, not road damage. 3. Suspension/bushing failure: a third-party Tesla-certified shop confirmed that the suspension components are bent/tweaked and require replacement for safe driving. Tesla refused to inspect these components properly. 4. Unlatched rear seat at delivery: the rear seat was delivered unlatched, which is a major safety hazard during braking or collision. 5. Broken glass under rear seat: broken glass was found under the rear seat cushion at delivery, raising concerns about vehicle history and delivery inspection standards. 6. New defect while in Tesla’s custody: on Nov 17, 2025, moisture accumulated inside the left taillight while the vehicle was parked outdoors at Tesla’s stockton facility. This can cause electrical shorting or lighting malfunction. Tesla’s response: Tesla has repeatedly refused to inspect the suspension properly, dismissed my complaints, and produced an inaccurate service invoice that did not reflect what was discussed. They told me we are “at an impasse. ” these defects pose a serious safety risk (tire blowout, loss of control, lighting malfunction). I request NHTSA investigate these issues as they may indicate broader problems with Tesla’s suspension, alignment, and delivery inspection processes. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia),.

Inner tire wear, had alignment performed central but issue still persist.

See all problems of the 2023 Tesla Model S 🔎.

While driving approximately 45mph on a smooth dry road, the drivers side front lower ball joint broke in half. This caused the wheel to separate from the lower control arm and get lodged between the fender well and the front subframe. This caused the inner tie rod to bend and the cv joint to separate from the inner connection. The rubber brake line was torn in half and undercarriage damage due to it slamming to the pavement. I notified Tesla and scheduled an appointment. This happened on 02/26/2025 at approximately 7am. The vehicle did not drive abnormal or give any warning before the incident. All maintenance and services were up to date.

Experienced rattling while driving. Brought car in and was told this is a known problem. Obtained copy of the bulletin from Tesla saying this was a “fix upon notification” rather than a recall. Then was forced to pay for the repairs. Upon investigation, this has been reported consistently since 2016. This seems fraudulent as it should cross the threshold of a recall. I would like Tesla to cover the costs of my repair as they would do under a recall.

See all problems of the 2019 Tesla Model S 🔎.

In December of 2023, my right rear axle broke when I accidently hit a curb. The car was repaired at the Tesla collision center. On last Tuesday, November 12, 2024, I heard a noise while braking. I continued to drive, but next time I needed to use brakes, I had a sensation that the brakes were failing, and I wouldn't be able to stop. The brakes eventually engaged, and I was able to stop the vehicle. I went on an expressway and drove as slowly as possible, maintaining a long distance from the vehicles in front of me and using regenerative braking as much as possible, being aware of a possibility of brakes failure. I got home safely on that day, however, the next day, when I was backing out of the garage, I heard a screeching noise. When I inspected the vehicle, I discovered that the left rear wheel was misaligned, looking exactly like the right rear wheel after the right rear axle broke. Although this defect hasn't been inspected by a technician yet, I am virtually certain that it's the same problem that I had before, now occurring on the opposite side. This means that I was likely driving with a broken axle, which could've resulted in a serious accident. As I mentioned, this is the second instance of the same defect affecting my vehicle, which, in my opinion, is indicative of a serious manufacturing defect that needs to be addressed. The vehicle hasn't been repaired yet and is available for inspection. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure.

Driving on freeway when the rear tire tread peeled off the inside tire tread wheel/blow out almost causing an accident. The vehicle pulled hard while driving and almost lost control. The problem has been inspected and confirmed by the Tesla dealer. The tire warning did alert after the tire blew out. This is a very frequently reported incident with the Model S plaid. A defect in the factory camber causing the blowout. Extensive wear is seen on the very inside wall of the tire. You couldn’t see or measure the tire wear from the outside of the vehicle. This is a scary and dangerous problem that needs to be fixed. I bought this vehicle brand new from Tesla factory and the vehicle had less than 13,000 miles. The alignment was also measured when getting repaired and had bad results.

Failure part was drivers side front wheel "fore link assembly" which broke at the wheel connection on our driveway while turning left in reverse. I heard a loud thunk but hadn't run over anything and nothing irregular outside so I continued but now I could hear something scrapping. Turns out it was the front tire now rubbing the wheel well liner when turning left. Pulled the tire off and you could easily see where the fore link fractured. Fortunately this part didn't fail on the road as the outcome might have been bad considering the possible loss of control. Our car, 1985 purchased new with 68,450 miles was towed via required flatbed to a Tesla service center and repaired. I have all replaced parts including the fractured section that fell on our driveway. Outside of the repair personnel and myself no one has looked at the part but you can clearly see what used to be a circular opening was elongated and ,about a 90 degree section, missing.

There is a repeated issue with my vehicle and I looked it up online and it seems all Tesla Model S vehicles have this issue. This is the 2nd time I've had this same issue. As I go over any bumps, accelerate, or decelerate there's a clicking sound coming from the front wheels. While driving there's a whistling sound. Based on websites and videos I've seen all over the internet, it's the result of a loose nut and bolt. It apparently continually occurs because of the very high amount of torque these cars have and the quality of the parts used for this torque doesn't suffice. Tesla needs to fix this on all their Model S vehicles. Instead apparently all they do at service center is apply grease to the affected area to temporarily make the noise go away but that grease melts away annually.

I was slowly backing up to charge my car and heard a thump then my wheel was rubbing against the wheel well. When I looked under the wheel to see what was happening, I discover the metal suspension had snapped off. This was the front passenger side.

-the front suspension half shafts or cv joints produce a known vibration through the accelerator pedal, steering wheel at 25-40 mph during cold starts for the first 3-5 minutes of driving. This is a factory new vehicle. The problem is regularly addressed on Tesla owner forums, noting it is present in all new Tesla Model S vehicles 2019 through 2024. -cv joint vibration is typically caused my misalignment that can ultimately lead to premature wear and failures in the suspension system and potentially the vehicle pulling to one side unexpectedly, potentially wobbling, and ultimately leading to a failure resulting in a potential impact with another object/vehicle. -Tesla dealership acknowledged that the vibration concern is coming from the cv half shafts but did not have a solution and described the condition as a known issue that is just "inherent to high performance vehicles. " in the past, tsbs were posted guiding users to lower the vehicle to reduce the misalignment, but it ultimately did not solve the problem. However, the TSB highlights/indicates that Tesla is aware of cv misalignment, which causes vibration.

When driving my vehicle the rear axle snapped causing the vehicle to fishtail. When checked by insurance company for repairs they found the air suspension and rear axle snapped. It took out the air ride suspension, and bent 2 rims. It caused damage to the front fender as well as both interior wheel wells on the driver's side. Due to the suspension issue it caused a rock to come up and cracked windshield. The issue caused my vehicle to leave the road as I could not control the vehicle.

2016 Model S started making clunking sounds when turning and braking. Tesla service center inspected the vehicle and observed visible defects on the front left and right fore and aft links. Tesla recommended replacement of and quoted almost $2000 for parts and labor, including inspection fee. Vehicle only has 89000 miles and never had high impact incidents over obstacles.

Backing out of a parking spot, my car made a loud "thunk" and stopped. I put the car in park and got out, looking all around and under the car. I did not see anything. I backed out of the spot and circled the lot to see if there was anything in the parking spot I may have run over. Nothing. When exiting the parking lot, the car made the same "thunk" and again ground to a halt. I again exited the car and looked all around. This time, I could see that the front driver's side tire was not in the correct position. It was shifted toward the back of the wheel well. I knew something had physically broken. I had the car towed to a service center. They checked the car and said a suspension fore link had broken. They recommended replacing all of them, not just the one that broke. They blamed the age of the car (95,000 miles). I was incredibly lucky that this occurred in a parking lot given that the vehicle came to an immediate stop. There were no prior warning signs. The car last had a scheduled inspection at 87,500 miles.

Drove out of my driveway and 2 minutes later I hear a metal clink and my steering wheel pulled to the left. I was going 15-20 mph. Pull over and see the right rear wheel angled inwards. And see a metal piece broke off. Turns out the rear control arm broke for no apparent reason. Many others reported same issue and there was a recall on this for 2013-2014 sb-19-31-001 [xxx] but not years going forward even though many of the newer Tesla’s have same issue. Luckily I was going g slow but it seems it is just a matter of time before this happens to someone on the highway or at faster speeds to cause some serious damage and injuries. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The universal joint that connects the steering to the wheels is exposed to the elements and causes the steering to be difficult and/or stop working.

The lower control arm on my left rear tire broke. Specifically, the aluminum of the knuckle joint snapped. This occured in my driveway while backing up. This caused extensive damage to the rest of the rear left suspension.

Air suspension system throws an error. Car attempts to lift but it feels like a limit switch or some upper bound is not working properly, as the car lifts in the rear, then suddenly kicks back down before trying to lift again. This process repeats 5-6 times before stopping. Initially, I could hear a motor or compressor running for about 30 seconds while initially driving the car. Since then, I've not heard any sounds from the suspension and it consistently says that the suspension is either not available or not functional in the driver heads up screen. Tesla is forcing me to pay for this repair, it is uncertain or unclear whether this should be covered under a recall, especially considering the issues on suspension faced in china. Tesla has ridiculous wait times at their service centers - it will take me at least until late July to get this fixed.