general problems of the 2026 Tesla Model Y

I am reporting a suspected defect involving the front suspension or steering system of my Tesla Model Y. The vehicle produces loud popping, knocking, and rattling noises from the front end when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, particularly as the steering approaches full lock in either direction. The noise appears to originate from the front suspension or steering components and occurs consistently during normal operation. This issue raises concerns about potential premature wear, component failure, or loss of steering control, which could pose a safety risk.

Brand new car and its widely reported of front suspension noise, particularly with the rwd models. My car is the rwd model and I have the distinct and noticeable front suspension noise at non highway speeds.

I am reporting a suspected defect involving the front suspension or steering system of my 2026 Tesla Model Y awd. The vehicle produces loud popping, knocking, and rattling noises from the front end when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, particularly when the steering approaches full lock in either direction. The issue is most noticeable when entering or exiting uneven surfaces such as sloped driveways or parking lot entrances where the suspension is under load. During these conditions, the front suspension produces distinct mechanical popping or knocking sounds that appear to originate from the front wheel or suspension area. The noise does not occur while driving straight. It becomes significantly more noticeable when turning left or right at low speeds and worsens as the steering approaches full lock. In addition to the noise, a noticeable mechanical jolt or feedback can be felt through the steering wheel when the popping or knocking occurs. This issue began suddenly without any warning signs. One moment the vehicle was operating normally, and the next the popping and knocking noises began. Since that time the issue has continued consistently during turning maneuvers. The vehicle has not been involved in any collision and has been driven under normal conditions. Numerous other 2026 Tesla Model Y owners have reported similar front suspension symptoms, suggesting this may represent a broader pattern of potential suspension or steering component issues. Because the noise and feedback occur through the steering system while the suspension is under load, this raises concern that a suspension or steering component may be shifting, binding, or prematurely wearing. This condition raises safety concerns because abnormal movement or failure of steering or suspension components could affect vehicle control during turning or emergency maneuvers. I request that this issue be investigated for a possible defect trend affecting Tesla Model Y vehicles.

I am filing a complaint regarding a suspension defect on my new Tesla Model Y juniper. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, I began hearing a distinct knocking / clunking noise coming from the suspension when driving over small road imperfections and at low speeds. The noise is clearly abnormal for a new vehicle and sounds like loose or defective suspension components. I brought the vehicle to a Tesla service center, but the issue has not been resolved. Despite inspection and attempted repairs, the knocking noise continues to occur. This raises serious concerns about the quality and safety of the suspension system. Based on information from other Tesla owners, this appears to be a recurring issue affecting multiple Model Y juniper vehicles. A persistent suspension defect on a new vehicle may pose a safety risk and should be investigated. I request that NHTSA review this issue and investigate whether there is a manufacturing or design defect affecting the suspension system of the Tesla Model Y juniper. Vehicle information: model: Tesla Model Y (juniper refresh) 7saygdee9tf559226 issue: knocking / clunking noise from suspension condition: occurs at low speed and over small road bumps status: Tesla service attempted repair but the problem persists (left and right front upper control arm replaced) this problem should not exist on a brand-new vehicle and requires proper investigation.

I am submitting this complaint regarding a newly leased 2026 Tesla Model Y premium rwd, which I took delivery of on February 6, 2026 from Tesla watertown, MA. I am a returning Tesla customer and entered this lease after test driving the same model on January 24, which did not exhibit any issues. Immediately upon driving the vehicle off the lot (approximately 12 miles), I noticed a persistent rattling noise from the front suspension area. The noise occurs over normal road conditions and has been present since delivery, significantly affecting the quality and value of the vehicle. On February 9, Tesla watertown evaluated the vehicle and later replaced both front upper control arm (fuca) mounts. On February 10, before repairs were completed, multiple safety systems suddenly disabled while driving, including regenerative braking behavior, traction and stability control, lane safety features, and automatic emergency braking, creating a dangerous situation. I returned the vehicle immediately and was provided a loaner. I picked up the vehicle on February 13 and was told the suspension issue was resolved, but the noise remained. I then sought a second opinion at Tesla peabody, where a master technician conducted a ride-along and confirmed the condition. He verified that the latest fuca parts had been installed and the front structural “pencil braces” had been removed per Tesla guidance. I was informed the vehicle falls into a known noise category affecting 2026 rwd Model Y vehicles and that there is currently no repair or engineering solution available. This defect has existed since delivery and remains unresolved after multiple service visits and component replacements. I have contacted Tesla regional leadership and customer support multiple times without response.

One only needs to google or ask an ai about "Tesla Model Y juniper" front end suspension noises and you will find links to hundreds of complaints and at least two youtube videos now. Based on reports from recent 2026 Tesla Model Y owners, particularly those with the juniper refresh, the front-end noises over rough or bumpy roads at very slow speeds sound like a widespread suspension-related issue. It's often characterized as a clunk, rattle, or knocking from the front suspension, especially when the suspension compresses and unloads over uneven surfaces like driveways, speed bumps, or minor road imperfections. . Read more...

Front suspension makes knocking and rattling noise - Tesla's solution was to remove structural braces from the car that transmit the noise - the car has not been recertified with the braces removed, I am concerned about adverse safety, especially in small frontal overlap collision.

A structural chassis component (v-brace) was permanently removed from my vehicle by Tesla service during a service visit. The removal was performed under a Tesla-described engineering retrofit (Tesla service article 9188600). The component was not reinstalled or replaced, and Tesla stated that once removed it cannot be reinstalled. The service visit was originally initiated due to a persistent rattle/noise from the vehicle the safety concern arises from: •a permanent modification to a structural chassis component, performed without my authorization. •removal of a component originally installed for structural reinforcement and stability, creating uncertainty regarding vehicle rigidity, crash behavior, and handling. •the continued presence of an unresolved structural noise/rattle, which can be distracting to the driver and may indicate an underlying structural or mechanical issue. The vehicle was sold and delivered with this component installed, and its removal was not disclosed or approved prior to service. The noise/rattle was present prior to the service visit and prompted the service appointment. The structural component removal occurred during the service visit. The problem was reproduced and confirmed by Tesla service and they: •acknowledged the noise/rattle concern. •performed a structural retrofit involving removal of the v-brace. •marked the concern as “resolved”, despite the noise still being present. •later stated the noise is considered “normal”, even though it is not present in all Model Y vehicles, including the juniper variant. No warning lights or system messages appeared. The only symptom was a persistent rattle/noise originating from the vehicle chassis the vehicle was inspected and modified by Tesla service, acting on behalf of the manufacturer. The modification was performed under a Tesla engineering directive. No independent service center, insurance representative, or law enforcement agency has inspected the vehicle.

The defect involves the front suspension and/or steering system of a new 2026 Tesla Model Y long range awd. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Symptoms—persistent front-end clunking/thunking (primarily driver-side), steering instability, and vibration—began immediately upon delivery in late 2025, with Tesla notified same afternoon as delivery. The vibration now begins around 60 mph and intensifies with speed. Steering feel is excessively vague on-center (requiring constant correction to maintain lane position) yet overly twitchy and sensitive to inputs, creating inconsistent and unpredictable handling. The condition has progressively worsened and now renders the vehicle unsafe at highway speeds due to risk of loss of control. No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms have appeared prior to or since onset. Tesla service centers have had multiple opportunities to evaluate the vehicle under warranty. The problem has not been confirmed objectively by Tesla; during at least one evaluation, a technician drove only at speeds below complaint threshold (despite requests to test at the speeds where symptoms occur), stated he did not feel the issue, and performed no further diagnosis. Multiple appointments were canceled or rescheduled by Tesla (including one after I arrived). The vehicle was repeatedly returned without documented objective testing or repair addressing the complaint. During one visit, the Tesla app indicated an active “visual quality check” while the vehicle remained parked outside and not being worked on for an extended period (documented). To rule out tires, I installed a brand-new set; the vibration worsened afterward. Safety risk: unresolved steering/suspension instability increases the risk of loss of vehicle control at highway speeds, endangering occupants and other road users. Odometer at onset: 15 miles current odometer: 3596 miles.

Severe lateral swaying / side-to-side swaying (“boat-like” or “floaty” motion) at highway speeds (65–80 mph) on any concrete-surface interstate, especially grooved or slightly uneven concrete (typical on illinois highways such as I-90, I-294, I-55, etc. ). Description of safety concern: the vehicle continuously rocks side-to-side in a pronounced, pendulum-like motion that requires constant steering corrections to stay in the lane. The motion is severe enough to cause motion sickness in passengers within minutes and makes the driver tense and fatigued. In crosswinds or when passing trucks the swaying becomes even worse and feels unstable. I no amount of lane centering or driver input fully eliminates the sensation. Service history: December 2025 – schaumburg, IL Tesla service center • technician test-drove with me on I-90 and immediately felt the exact swaying I described. • service advisor and service manager both stated this is a “normal characteristic of the 2025 Model Y juniper” and that no repair or adjustment is possible. • loaner 2025 Model Y juniper provided exhibited identical swaying behavior. I do not believe constant, pronounced lateral instability at normal highway speeds is an acceptable “characteristic” in any passenger vehicle. It impairs control, increases driver fatigue, and creates a legitimate safety risk, especially in adverse weather or emergency maneuvers. Tesla refuses to acknowledge this as a defect. I am therefore requesting NHTSA investigate whether the 2025 Tesla Model Y suspension calibration and/or damper tuning creates an unreasonable safety risk due to excessive lateral instability on typical u. S. Concrete highways.

The vehicle exhibits harmonic oscillation in the steering column since the day I drove the vehicle home on the interstate. Even though tires had been balanced out of pocket due to long service center wait times with a road force balancer, balanced again at the service center, match mounted and road force balanced again out of my own pocket, noise reducing foam removed and balanced on an uncalibrated balancer that resulted in a same day bring back and final road force balance. Service center refused to troubleshoot further after lead tech drove vehicle after third attempt of repair. I asked whether the tech felt the vibration and the service advisors face turned red, and fed the line that it is normal nvh from the solid front drive unit mounts and that was Tesla's stance. This issue has been widely reported online to vehicles that are rwd as well. The bad wheel balance exacerbates the harmonic in the column. Exceptional wheel balancing with rvf down to 6lbs on the front wheels only made it less intense. When driving on any uneven road, or crossing bridge expansion gaps for example, the steering oscillation gets worse, as the uneven roads make it worse. Reasonably assumed at this point it is not caused by just a balance issue. Tesla refused to try a set of known good wheels on the vehicle. This is not normal nvh or general road feel; something in the front end of the vehicle gets into harmonic oscillation. I asked if Tesla would like to keep the car for a proper diagnostic and whether they had looked into other components of the front end, and if they were not going to diagnose further I'd request a buyback. The simple response was that a buyback request would be initiated. It could be a myriad of issues, none of which should be my responsibility to try and track down or fix on a vehicle that exhibited the behavior since day one and still does after 1500 miles. I've passed the account to the service center manager and district manager yet to no reply.

Hi, its not really an incident but I found what have happened suspicious. I got my Tesla from the delivery zone at the giga factory in austin, TX last Wednesday. Right after the delivery I found an issue with steering wheel alignment. Steering wheel was tilted right and car was pulling right in the road. I addressed this issue to Tesla and visited service center last Saturday Nov-22nd. Technician confirmed an issue. Wheels alignment was performed on the vehicle and it was returned to me on the same day. As soon as I got the the road I found that issue wasn't fixed. It went better but not fully fixed. I came to the service center again. Senior technician took a ride with me and confirmed the issue again. She also told me that they will probably will have to look into suspension because alignment didnt help last time and it could be more serious issue. The car was taken care of and returned to me in 90 min or so. Service advisor told me that suspension and steering were torqued and another alignment performed. When I took it to the road and I found that issue was fixed and I'm happy now but ifter that I recieved a message from the service center that I found suspicious. Despite the communication in person in the message afterwards was stating that no issues were found (see attach). I found this suspicious and decided to let you know as that may look like an attempt to hide some serious safety concern with steering. Please find screenshot in the attachment.

1. There is a constant thunking noise coming from the front suspension when traveling on slightly bumpy roads at low speeds. 2. Both front seats squeak and squeal as if they are loose and not bolted in correctly. 3. Front brakes screach and squeal when coming to a stop in cold or wet weather, escpecially pronounced during cold weather. (this is an active service bulletin in all vehicles made in their berlin factory but is happening in u. S. Built vehicles as well.

Obviously Tesla accepts the very serious problem that it is presenting in the vast majority of Model Y juniper 2026 specifically in the rwd line, they are making deliveries of these vehicles without having gone through a rigorous quality control that determines that the noise actually exists and that over time they could affect too many components of the suspension and end up compromising the stability of the vehicle, violating road safety issues, it is something unprecedented and absurd that they do not even take the task of checking the cars exhaustively and determining the root failure that this suspension problem implies, it is a noise as if the front shock absorbers did not work and were totally dislocated, out of their normal location.

Since I purchased my 2026 Tesla Model Y rwd, the vehicle has had a persistent mechanical noise and vibration issue coming from the front suspension and brake area. This issue has been ongoing since the first weeks of ownership and has not been repaired or properly diagnosed after multiple service visits. Details -component/system failed: front suspension/brake assembly (unknown exact component; may involve control arms, bushings, or brake rotors). -availability for inspection: yes, the vehicle and recorded videos are available for inspection upon request. -safety risk: the vehicle produces loud clunking or popping noises when driving between 10–20 mph or when turning and braking. It feels unstable and unsafe at times, especially on wet roads. This raises concern about potential front-end component failure while driving. -reproduction and confirmation: the issue has been reproduced and confirmed multiple times by Tesla service in vancouver, wa and portland, or. Tesla’s internal system shows that the issue was escalated for “in-car investigation by engineering,” but no permanent repair was completed. -inspection history: Tesla technicians and engineers have inspected the vehicle several times. I also recorded multiple videos with cameras mounted inside the fender to document the sound and provide visual proof of the problem. -warning lamps or messages: no warning lights appear. The issue is purely mechanical but noticeable during low-speed operation. The first symptoms appeared within the first month of delivery. -manufacturer contact: Tesla service centers in vancouver and portland are aware of the issue and have escalated it, but no resolution has been provided. This problem has continued for months despite repeated service visits. The vehicle was identified as needing further “factory-level investigation,” but I was told the local service centers cannot fix it. I believe the issue may be a manufacturing or design defect affecting suspension safety. My life is risk.

I recently purchased a new Tesla Model Y (juniper refresh). The vehicle has a loud clunking/creaking noise coming from the front suspension at low speeds, especially when driving over small bumps, turning into driveways, or when the road surface is uneven. The noise is noticeable inside the cabin and feels like a mechanical component is shifting. I brought the vehicle to Tesla service. They confirmed the noise and told me it is not caused by the damper assembly but is a known issue that Tesla’s engineering team is currently investigating. However, no permanent fix is currently available, and the issue has not been resolved. I am concerned that this may be related to a suspension component failure or premature wear that could impact steering stability or control over time. Since this affects a brand-new vehicle and others have reported similar symptoms online, I believe this should be monitored as a potential safety defect. I am requesting that NHTSA track this issue to ensure Tesla provides a proper correction and repair campaign if necessary.

Issue: a consistent rattling noise, noticeable while driving at speeds of 10-40 mph over bumpy roads or pot holes.

I recently purchased a new Tesla Model Y in July 2025 . The vehicle has a loud clunking/creaking noise coming from the front suspension at low speeds, especially when driving over small bumps, turning into driveways, or when the road surface is uneven. The noise is noticeable inside the cabin and feels like a mechanical component is shifting. I brought the vehicle to Tesla service twice the first time they could not replicate the sound, the second time they noticed it right away and replaced the front right and left dampers which did nothing at all, I think the noise is much worse after they did this. Then they said the noise is normal characteristic for this vehicle, I am sorry they should not be saying this in normal, especially for a brand new car. I am concerned that this may be related to a suspension component failure or premature wear that could impact steering stability or control over time. Since this affects a brand-new vehicle and others have reported similar symptoms online, I believe this should be monitored as a potential safety defect. I am requesting that NHTSA track this issue to ensure Tesla provides a recall and make the proper corrections and repair campaign as it is necessary.

The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving and exceeding 70 mph, the vehicle drifted to the right. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10.

After doing multiple search online came across multiple user complaints about new Tesla Model Y juniper 2026 lr awd you can feel vibration from steering wheel at highway speeds it is really specific at 80mph this is not a normal behavior especially vibrations took it to the service center and was told it was the wheels are not balanced properly so they fixed it apparently but is still doing it. I truly believe there is something Tesla knows but is not acknowledging it.