Suspension Problems of Tesla Model Y - part 1

The suspension either bent and warped, or the bolts were not installed properly and the sway arm (piece running from tire to frame) came loose or was on its way to coming off.

See all problems of the 2024 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

I own a 2021 Tesla Model Y. During a [xxx] safety inspection in xxx, the vehicle was found to have deteriorated front suspension components. Tesla documented torn bushings in the front lower suspension links, including the lateral links and compliance links, and the vehicle failed the [xxx] safety inspection. Tesla recommended replacement of the affected front suspension components. I subsequently took the vehicle to an independent repair facility experienced with Tesla vehicles, auto scandia in [xxx]. The technician confirmed the suspension problems and replaced the affected front lower suspension links. The repair was completed xxx, and I paid $1,807. 44, including the suspension repair and alignment-related work. I am reporting this because I understand NHTSA is investigating front lower lateral-link failures involving 2021–2023 Tesla Model Y vehicles. My vehicle experienced deterioration of components in this same area of the front suspension and required replacement. My lateral link did not detach while driving, and I did not experience a crash. The problem was discovered during inspection before a more serious failure occurred. I have Tesla’s original diagnosis and estimate as well as the paid independent repair invoice and can provide both if requested. I am concerned that these suspension components may be failing prematurely and could present a safety risk if the deterioration progresses to separation or loss of wheel control. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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The front suspension bushing has torn prematurely at only 31099 miles. There is no history of external impact, accident, or modifications to the suspension assembly. This vehicle displays the exact premature structural breakdown targeted by the active NHTSA office of defects investigation case number pe26006. It was found out during Tesla service inspection to replace 12 v battery. Tesla service declined to offer a goodwill repair due to calendar age (6 years), forcing an out-of-pocket replacement. The mechanical part failed silently without triggering any electronic dashboard alerts or system warnings to notify the driver of the safety risk. ".

See all problems of the 2020 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

I was park and then I could feel the Tesla is shaking and went to Tesla because I have a service that day and they told me the suspension to change but I learned for 2023 Tesla Model Y there’s a problem in suspension.

See all problems of the 2023 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

Cut to 1,423 characters — fits with room to spare. Same facts, same careful framing, nothing lost. I'm reporting a recurring suspension/control-arm problem with 2026 Tesla vehicles. My 2026 Tesla developed suspension squeaking. Tesla fixed it under warranty. The same noise is back. While Tesla had my vehicle, they gave me a 2026 Model Y loaner — it makes the same noise. The problem is in multiple 2026 vehicles, not just mine. Tesla service bulletin sb-25-31-005 (may 8, 2026) covers rattling/knocking from the suspension on 2025+ Model Y, including front upper-control-arm mounts. Tesla has also documented upper-control-arm ball-joint creaking on model 3/y/x from water ingress and corrosion. Nhtsa recalled 2020 Model Y for improperly secured front upper-control-arm hardware, stating separation could reduce steering ability and increase crash risk. I am not claiming my vehicle has that exact defect. I am asking NHTSA to determine whether these recurring symptoms indicate another suspension/control-arm defect. I transport a baby in this vehicle. A control-arm failure causing loss of steering could cause a crash with serious injury or death. Tesla now refuses warranty inspection unless I pay a diagnostic deposit first, even though they fixed the same issue under warranty before and the car is under the 4-year/50,000-mile warranty. I ask NHTSA to review this with other Tesla suspension complaints for a defect trend. I can provide vins, service records, Tesla communications, and noise recordings.

On [xxx], I brought my 2022 Tesla Model Y (VIN [xxx]), with approximately 31,000 miles, to Tesla service in owings mills, maryland. During the inspection, Tesla identified significant deterioration of the front suspension bushings. Tesla’s written estimate states: “recommend to replace lateral links and compliance links due to bushing being torn and dry rotting. ” Tesla recommended replacement of the front lower lateral link assemblies and front lower compliance links. The estimated repair cost is $1,548. 80. I was not aware of this condition before Tesla’s inspection. I am reporting it because deterioration of front suspension/lateral-link components could potentially affect vehicle handling or steering if the components deteriorate further or fail. Components failed/deteriorated: Tesla diagnosed the bushings as torn and dry rotting and recommended replacement of the affected front suspension links. I have not experienced an actual component detachment or complete suspension failure. Warning lights: I did not have a warning light indicating this suspension condition before Tesla’s inspection. I am aware that NHTSA has opened an investigation involving reported front lower lateral-link failures on certain 2021–2023 Model Y vehicles. I am not claiming that my vehicle has the same defect, but I want this condition documented and evaluated for possible relevance to that investigation. Tesla also verbally told me that goodwill assistance was denied because the vehicle had been driven “too little. ” I asked Tesla to provide the technical basis for this explanation, including whether limited vehicle use can cause or contribute to suspension bushing deterioration. Tesla’s subsequent written response did not address this explanation and instead only stated that the vehicle’s warranty had expired based on time. I believe this information may be relevant when evaluating why these suspension components deteriorated at only approximately 31,000 miles. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia),.

See all problems of the 2022 Tesla Model Y 🔎.

During normal operation, the driver-side front lower lateral link connection became unsecured. There was no collision, curb strike, pothole impact, accident, or other known impact associated with the failure. The vehicle had been operating normally. When I reversed into my driveway, I heard a loud abnormal noise from the driver-side front suspension and the vehicle became effectively undrivable. Inspection underneath the vehicle showed that a bolt securing the lh front lower lateral link to the front subframe had backed substantially out of the mounting connection. The bolt appeared intact and had not fractured. I photographed the vehicle and suspension before repair or manipulation and had the vehicle transported to a Tesla service center. Tesla inspected the vehicle. Tesla's written diagnosis on the repair estimate states: “lateral link became unsecured and damaged. ” Tesla is proposing replacement of the front lower lateral links, associated bolts/nuts, and a wheel alignment. Tesla also confirmed that campaign bulletin sb-25-31-004 r2 applies to the inspection of my vehicle. That bulletin specifically includes inspection of the two bolts attaching the lh front lower lateral link to the front subframe and provides procedures for inspecting associated components for damage and replacing fasteners/components when necessary. My safety concern is that a critical front suspension bolted connection became unsecured during normal vehicle operation without a collision or known impact. The failure rendered the vehicle undrivable. If this connection had progressed to this condition at highway speed, it could potentially have resulted in loss of vehicle control. The vehicle and affected components are currently at a Tesla service center and are available for inspection. I have photographs of the failed connection, Tesla's written diagnosis and repair estimate, and Tesla service communications available.

On xxx my 2021 Tesla Model Y, VIN [xxx], was taken to Tesla service in west covina, California, at 69,097 miles. While turning, a front suspension bolt fell out and the car knocked. Tesla estimate 3000-009-0039917905, service sv02f26ab8, dated xxx, quotes replacement of both front lower lateral links, part 2188341-00-d, and four nylon-patch lateral-link bolts, part 1109912-00-b, plus the front subframe, both front halfshafts, both lower compliance links, the front valance, and the front aero shield. The estimate is $8,237. 58 with tax and is marked customer-pay. I have not signed it. This is the same joint as NHTSA recall 21v-835, Tesla sb-21-31-003: the front lower lateral-link fastener can loosen and let the link separate from the subframe. My VIN is not in that campaign. A Tesla manager said a recall letter was mailed to me in xxx, he said I did not bring the car in, and I am therefore liable. I have no such letter. No xxx NHTSA campaign covers this 2021 VIN for this bolt. I asked him to provide to proof of that letter. He said he doesn't have proof because he doesnt work in that department but he told me the date and that's his proof. The failed part is the recalled bolt. The estimate does not show that the subframe, both axles, both compliance links, and the fascia were damaged by it. I am reporting this for the open lower-lateral-link investigation, pe26006. The car had a sudden suspension separation while turning, which can cause a loss of control. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

During a highway drive, I heard a loud noise from the front of the car, as if something had fallen off. It turned out that the fasteners for the front suspension lateral link had loosened and fallen off. I was really scared and went to dealer service center right away. Technician found the front lower lateral link bolts on the passenger side have become unsecured and required updated hardware with thread lock applied to bolts. Recommending replacement of lower lateral link and hardware. This was really scary moment in my life.

I am reporting a front suspension mechanical failure on my 2023 Tesla Model Y. The vehicle developed a clunking/clicking noise from the left-front/front suspension area, most noticeable when turning the steering wheel at low speeds or while stationary. The noise was first noticed around December 2025. It was intermittent, more pronounced in colder temperatures and after the vehicle had been parked for an extended period. It sometimes also occurred during larger steering inputs after driving straight for a while. The vehicle had previously needed wheel alignment correction, including abnormal left-front alignment values. I took the vehicle to a Tesla service center. A Tesla technician reproduced the noise and inspected the front suspension. The final repair record states: "technician verified a clunk from the front when steering back and forth at low speeds. Inspection of the front suspension indicated loose lateral links or worn bushings, and subframe nuts were broken. " Tesla replaced the following parts under the basic vehicle limited warranty at no charge: - front subframe assembly (p/n 1044531-00-c) - front lower lateral link assembly, pair (p/n 1188341-00-c) - front lower compliance link assembly, rh (p/n 2188359-10-b) and lh (p/n 2188354-10-b) - associated bolts and nuts Tesla also checked and adjusted the four-wheel alignment, followed by a post-repair validation test drive. This was not a subjective noise complaint. The fault was physically reproduced by the technician and confirmed by disassembly and inspection, which found broken subframe nuts and loose/worn lateral link bushings, requiring replacement of the entire front subframe and both front lower suspension link pairs. No crash, fire, injury, or component separation occurred. I am concerned that had this connection continued to deteriorate, it could have affected front suspension geometry and vehicle control. I request that NHTSA include this case in any related safety defect investigation.

While driving and making a left turn the wheels pulled hard to the left and a major grinding noise started and at the same time the steering wheel locked up. I was just shy of crashing into a curb area and sitting in oncoming traffic lane. I pulled on the steering wheel and it broke free but still had a grinding noise and this happens a handful of times. I took to Tesla service and they said the lower steering link was completely hanging free. No advance notice just major failure.

I began hearing a squeaking noise coming from the front of my 2023 Tesla Model Y. While pulling out of a parking lot at a low speed, the front left control arm failed and the bolts came out. When the failure occurred, the vehicle suddenly steered to the left. Fortunately, I was traveling at a very low speed when this happened. I am concerned that if the same failure had occurred while traveling at freeway speeds, I could have lost control of the vehicle and potentially been involved in a serious accident. Tesla has since repaired the vehicle. After this incident, I researched similar failures and found multiple reports from other Tesla Model Y owners describing control arm/suspension components or associated fasteners coming loose or separating. I am reporting this because I am concerned this may represent a broader safety issue with the Model Y suspension system.

After only 34,306 miles, the front lower forward suspension control arms (left and right) and front lower rearward csuspension control arms and ball joints need to be replaced. I discovered this when having the tires replaced. This seems to be a common issue with this model, but failure of these parts is very premature. There was no accident or incident, but the replacement of these parts is critical to the safety of the vehicle.

Repeated creaking from the front suspension over bumps, speed bumps, and railroad tracks on nearly every drive. The noise was present by about 66,800 miles; exact onset unknown. No warning lights or messages appeared; the noise was the only symptom. On 09/14/2026, at 68,092 miles, a Tesla service center inspected the steering and suspension and found worn ball joints on both front lower lateral links, torn bushings on both front lower compliance links, and worn ball joints on both rear knuckles. Tesla recommended replacing these parts plus a 4-wheel alignment. The parts are still on the vehicle and available for inspection. The front lower lateral link is the component under NHTSA investigation pe26-006 (lateral link detachment on 2021-2023 Model Y). Worn ball joints on that link at under 70,000 miles raise the risk of it separating while driving, which could cause a loss of directional control. No detachment, crash, or injury has occurred. I asked Tesla to cover the front lateral link repair because of the open investigation. Tesla declined, calling these wear-related items outside warranty or campaign coverage, so the repair will be at my own expense. I believe this premature wear may be an early stage of the detachment NHTSA is investigating.

My garage-kept 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced a premature failure/tearing of the front lower lateral link and compliance bushings at only 31,930 miles under normal driving conditions. The service center identified severe degradation requiring immediate replacement. This component failed prematurely without any severe impact or road hazards, posing a potential safety hazard regarding vehicle control and alignment. This issue appears to be part of the ongoing suspension defect under NHTSA investigation (pe26006). Funny thing is that my dad's Model Y also has the similar issues on the rear suspension. Sigh. . .

I brought the vehicle to a Tesla service center for a front suspension noise. During the alignment portion of that repair, the technician found a crack in the left side of the rear subframe casting, the structural member that locates the rear suspension links and supports the rear drive unit. The subframe required full replacement. There was no impact event. The vehicle has never struck a curb, pothole, or object, and Tesla's own written finding confirmed there was no evidence of any side impact. Tesla attributed the crack to stress transmitted from failed front lower control arm bushings, which were replaced at the same visit. The front lower lateral links and their subframe fasteners were also replaced during this repair. The Tesla technician stated he had not seen this subframe crack so severely at this mileage, and that he normally sees this failure only on vehicles over 100,000 miles, or vehicles that have hit severe potholes or fallen off steep curbs, none of which applies here. A rear subframe cracking under normal driving loads at 68,000 miles is a structural failure with safety implications. The subframe controls rear wheel alignment and retains the drive unit. Progressive or sudden failure could cause loss of alignment, instability, or loss of vehicle control. I am reporting this so NHTSA can determine whether premature rear subframe cracking, potentially linked to front suspension link failure, represents a defect trend on these vehicles.

At approximately 62,600 miles, my 2023 Tesla Model Y developed a creaking noise from the front suspension during low-speed turning, especially when turning right. Tesla inspected the vehicle and found that the front suspension bushings were cracked and torn. Tesla recommended and performed replacement of the front lower lateral links and front lower compliance links. The vehicle was repaired at my expense. Tesla advised that the worn suspension components could have been the source of the noise.

The driver's side lower lateral link assembly and half shaft failed and made the car undrivable. The front driver's side wheel turned in and would not straighten out. My wife drove the car on the highway where she could have seriously injured herself or someone else when the car started to show signs of distress. The Tesla dealer confirmed this problem and fixed the hazard. The car has only 52, 327 miles at the time so Tesla refused to cover the failure. I know this is a known issue and Tesla didn't help with the expense. There was zero warning messages prior to failure. The car started to make a knocking sound in the late afternoon and finally broke down that same night.

Every little bump or weight shift my car makes, the rear suspension makes a creeping slide. I've already had to replace control arms in tube front suspension for a loud clunking noise.

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the babysitter was attempting to park the vehicle, the front driver’s side control arm detached from the vehicle with a loud pop. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent the tow service. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.

I am submitting this safety complaint regarding premature suspension failure on my 2021 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [xxx]), specifically concerning the front lower suspension links. During a dealer inspection at a Tesla service center on xxx, with 72,758 miles on the odometer, technicians diagnosed that the vehicle’s front lower lateral links and front lower compliance links suffered from severely torn factory air-gap rubber bushings. The degradation of these critical structural components required immediate, full replacement of the entire arm assemblies to ensure safe operational handling, resulting in an out-of-pocket repair quote of $1,976. 57 (Tesla invoice #xxx). A compromised or torn bushing in the lower lateral link assembly compromises structural integrity, increasing the risk of mechanical detachment or fracture while in motion, which poses a severe loss-of-control safety risk at highway speeds. This issue directly correlates to the high failure rates and premature degradation profiles currently being investigated by the office of defects investigation under active NHTSA probe pe26006. I request that this case data point be reviewed as further evidence to transition this active preliminary evaluation into a mandatory, formal safety recall for the protection of all affected owners. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Front lateral control arm bolt spontaneously loose and about to fall out causing front tire noise and unstable drive/steering. May have caused severe damage/accident if happened at high speed but fortunately we discovered this while driving at low speeds. Car only has 33k miles. No warning lights. Upon inspection other front control arm bolts loose and not tight. Dealer inspection scheduled and pending.

Driver-side front suspension is creaking and popping when turning the steering wheel, particularly at low speeds. Noise appears to be coming from the left-front suspension. Vehicle needs inspection of the driver-side front upper control arm/ball joint, lateral and compliance links, bushings and associated suspension components for wear or excessive play. ”.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the front driver-side control arm came loose after two bolts fell out. The vehicle had no prior accidents, and the failed area can be inspected if needed. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the front driver side of the car suddenly dropped onto the wheel while I was backing into a parking spot. If this had happened at highway speed, it could have caused a very serious accident, loss of control or potential death. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? the problem was confirmed after the vehicle was inspected and the two missing control-arm bolts were identified. The car was not safe to drive after the failure. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? the vehicle was inspected after the incident by a service center or mechanic. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance unless otherwise noted. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? there were no warning lights, messages, or noticeable symptoms before the failure. It happened suddenly while I was backing into a parking spot.

2022 Tesla Model Y - premature inner rear tire wear due to excessive negative camber from factory. Both rear tires worn to cords on inside edge at 17k miles, outside tread 6/32 still. Alignment specs show rear camber out of spec caused by short factory rear camber arms. This is a known defect, creates blowout risk at highway speed. Vehicle never modified, never in accident. Mileage 113,136. I have photos. Bronx NY.

While my wife was driving on a flat straight road, she heard a loud bang noise from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle made a loud grinding noise. Upon inspection, it was found the bolt securing the front right damper to the suspension had snapped and come loose. The nut fastening the bolt was lost on the roadside.

Both the right (April 2024) and now left (Aug 2026) upper control arm bolt became loose. The left created damage. Now I routinely check the bolts and now on a check on the right it loosen naturally freely spinning by hand. Caught the right bolt early before damage and serious safety issue. Note this is a wide issue and NHTSA should issue a wider recall as Tesla argues about repairs and doesn’t take this seriously. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Defect summary: front suspension lower lateral link bolt backing out / stripped internal subframe weld-nut threads. Incident description: while driving, the vehicle developed front-end suspension instability / clunking. Upon inspection by Tesla service, technicians determined that the lateral link attachment bolt stripped the internal subframe threads, requiring a complete $4,599 subframe assembly replacement. Safety risk: lateral link bolt separation causes a complete loss of suspension alignment and wheel control without prior warning or dashboard alerts, creating an immediate crash hazard at highway speeds. Manufacturer response: the defect manifested immediately prior to logging the ticket at 20 miles past the basic vehicle limited warranty limit). Tesla refused warranty coverage, treating a known structural fastener defect as customer wear-and-tear and demanding $4,599 for subframe replacement.

A front bar on the lower front left of the car collapsed leaving 2 screws on the groung and steerling wheel not usable.

I experienced issues with the handling and suspension of this vehicle beginning in September 2024. I made an appointment and took it to Tesla in October 2024 at 10,484 miles, and the Tesla service center refused to look at the suspension because they were “unable to replicate” the crunching noise I was hearing on their test drive. In November 2024, I had a total control arm failure resulting in the vehicle needing to be towed to the Tesla service center. The repair was a retorque, but I still experienced issues I was told were “normal” because of the vehicle’s weight. The issue became worse in July 2026. Please see August 2026 invoice for very concerning notes regarding the vehicles state after Tesla told me it was “normal. ” invoice indicates “the right hand lateral link bolt was held by a few threads and the top nut was no longer welded on the subframe. ” this could have caused a deadly accident when steering at highway speeds, but Tesla said the noises I was hearing when turning were normal. I urge NHTSA to investigate this as it seems to be a common issue with 2020-2023 Model Y’s suspensions. How many others have been turned away by Tesla because they were unable to replicate an intermittent sound that they deemed as “normal” that could ultimately lead to essential components being held onto by “a few threads?”.

Creaking noise when turning at low speed or going over a bump.

Yesterday, my Tesla Model Y 2022 suffered a catastrophic failure. The front lower forward control arm completely detached from the subframe due to a missing/fallen-out factory bolt. For the past couple weeks leading upto last night's incident, I've been hearing a "small thump/thud" sound whenever I accelerate the vehicle. I reported this issue to Tesla and arranged a service appointment for coming wed Aug 12 2026 but unfortunately the catastrophic failure occured last night 5 days before the scheduled service appointment.

Tesla was in fsd and had the latest software update installed on 8/6/28 which included the new fsd version released. On 8/7/28 on the way to work that my wife takes every time she goes to work the fsd ran over a large pot hole which it had never done before on the previous fsd version. The car started having rattling of the steering wheel and a rattling noise from over the rear driver wheel area. The next available Tesla service appointment was on 8/27 but we walked in and Tesla offered to do an alignment and found that the driver front and rear rims were bent from the pothole and we had to be pay close to 1800$. Thereafter, the rattling over the rear wheel well is louder but Tesla has not accommodated us with an earlier service appointment and refused to make any accommodations for the fsd update resulting in this damage.

My 2023 Tesla Model Y suffered a critical factory safety defect: under-torqued front suspension lateral link bolts, causing dangerous clunking noises under autopilot. The official Tesla invoice verified the defect and noted it was re-torqued to spec. Crucially, a close friend owning an identical 2023 Model Y in [xxx] experienced the exact same suspension noise. Upon inspecting his car, the littleton facility attempted to exploit his lack of information by issuing a deceptive out-of-pocket diagnosis estimate of $240. 00 instead of honoring the active bumper-to-bumper warranty. Tesla only backed down and waived the fee to $0. 00 after being confronted with my personal repair invoice as leverage. This proves Tesla is actively executing predatory billing and hiding a systemic batch safety hazard from uninformed consumers. Regulatory investigators can verify this pattern by auditing the littleton service center's internal torque check logs and warranty waiver histories for 2023 Model Y vehicles. Furthermore, after touchless app-pickup on xxx, Tesla staff omitted any key card communication. Two weeks later, after discovering my physical key cards were missing, I initiated a brand-new service request to inquire, and agent tony admitted they were left at the front desk, exposing that advisor luis rodriguez falsified records on xxx by logging that the vehicle was retrieved on xxx. This constitutes bad-faith warranty denial, record alteration, and predatory consumer deception. I formally reported this severe failure directly to Tesla global compliance on xxx, but have received absolutely zero response to date. Full pdf report of my personal logs provided. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I took my vehicle to Tesla service for battery not charging. Service did a vehicle inspection and noted the following concern: upon vehicle inspection, found front suspension control arms worn and at a charge to me repaired with the below notes. . Repair notes: correction links - lateral - lower - front - pair (remove & replace) - remove and replace also repaired correction links - compliance - lower - front - pair (remove and replace) - remove and replace.