2020 TESLA MODEL Y Suspension Problems
27 complaints about Suspension
High Severity Issue
This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.
This Problem Across All Years
All Suspension Complaints (27)
I would hear squeaking/tearing/rattling noises, this was found to be due to malfunctioning/broken nuts and compliance arms and control arms. This happened three times so far, attached are two repairs that was required previously. Per report with Tesla staff, this has been a recurring issue. Per additional Tesla owners, this has been a frequent issue amongst many different Tesla forums. Now I have to get it repaired for the third time. I bought a used Tesla that was certified by Tesla, problems occured at 37876 miles, but car was bought at 34529 miles.
While driving at approximately 39,000 miles, the vehicle developed loud rattling and creaking noises from the front suspension when steering or backing out. A Tesla service center inspected the car and confirmed that both front lower lateral link assemblies were completely torn and required replacement. This failure placed safety at risk by compromising front suspension stability and steering control. The issue was confirmed and repaired by Tesla, and the replaced components are available for inspection. The defect, symptoms, and remedy match those described in NHTSA Recall 21V-835, which covers abnormal noise and damage caused by defective front lower lateral link fasteners. Despite this, the repair was classified as customer-pay instead of being covered under recall. No dashboard warning lights were displayed before the failure; the only symptom was abnormal noise when steering.
Steering became difficult to turn to the right with the wheel sticking to the right when trying to turn or drive the vehicle. Tesla claims we had some kind of a large impact. Maybe a pothole. Tesla claims well this is a heavy vehicle. Out of no where we had to replace the entire steering rack. I've never had to replace an entire steering rack for a pothole. Seems ridiculous.
Experienced a loud clicking noise from front wheels. Took into Tesla service and the front lateral link bushings are torn. There was a recall in 2021 of some Model Y and Model 3 Teslas, but not all. I am concerned that my car and others should have been a part of this recall and that cars that weren’t inspected could be driving in a dangerous vehicle. Here is the recall number: 21V83500, SB-21-31-003. Alternatively, I am concerned that this is a safety issue on its own.
Brought the vehicle in for tire replacement and alignment on 08/15/2024. Right front tire was wearing on the outside. Tesla service technician found bolt had backed out and jammed on rear subframe. This caused vehicle to pull to the right and presented a potential safety issue. The bolt secures a link between the wheel assembly and subframe. Tesla service center claims that I must have had an accident or hit a pothole etc. The vehicle has not been involved in any accident or hard bumps. I suspect this is an assembly issue . A properly installed bolt would not come loose.
Front suspension issues with lots of creaking and noise when accelerating and decelerating as well as turning. Tesla had previously greased my upper control arms but this issue is now back, worse than ever
While driving on the freeway the autopilot kept turning on, I would immediately turn the autopilot off. The autopilot came on and turned my steering wheel to the left into the highway barrier, thus causing me to take a corrective action. The weather on the freeway way wet and traffic was moderate. The monitor displayed autopilot, which I turned off many during my trip as I am not comfortable with autopilot . I have an insurance claim as there was extensive damage to my car.
I am writing to file a complaint against Tesla, Inc. for refusing to repair recurring suspension issues that were supposedly addressed through previous recalls. As an owner of a 2020 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX] ), I have experienced numerous problems related to the vehicle's suspension system, steering, and safety restraints, which I believe pose serious safety risks. My vehicle has undergone multiple repairs at Tesla service centers for issues such as squeaking noises when turning, vehicle shutdowns while driving, steering difficulties, and excessive tire wear. Many of these problems are related to the vehicle's suspension system, which has been the subject of several recalls by Tesla in recent years, including recalls [XXX],[XXX], [XXX], and [XXX]. Despite these recalls supposedly addressing the suspension issues, my vehicle continues to experience problems. Most recently, on [XXX], I brought my vehicle to a Tesla service center for a loud and distinct sound coming from the steering system. The service center diagnosed the issue and recommended repairs to the front half shaft assembly, front damper assembly, and front lower lateral links, with a total estimated cost of $3,670. These issues should be covered under warranty and are directly related to the previous suspension recalls. However, Tesla has refused to cover the repairs under warranty. Furthermore, I have experienced recurring issues with the front passenger safety restraint system, which required a retrofit of the Occupant Classification System (OCS) on two separate occasions. This suggests that the initial repair was ineffective and that the system may have an underlying design flaw. I request that the NHTSA investigate these issues and take appropriate action to ensure Tesla addresses these safety concerns and honors its warranty obligations. I have attached documentation detailing the repair history, invoices, recall notices, and correspondence with Tesla. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(
This is a 2020 Tesla model Y. At 55k miles, 3.5 years of ownership I was alerted by my tire dealer about broken bushings and control arms in both front tires. They mentioned that they see these early failures often in I have a 2020 Tesla model Y. I am a careful, risk averse driver who has used the car just on roads for daily commute. No extraordinary forces or events on the suspensions happened. At the service center, I was informed that this would be due to my driving and that it is not a Tesla quality issue. In the end, all bushings, all 4 front lower control arms and associated compliance links had to be replaced. Given the history of Tesla's suspensions and their failures I do feel that this is a significant quality and a potential safety threat to US customers. There were no warnings or alarms that have alerted me to this problem.
This year I was charged $650 to replace both upper control arms, lower suspension links that I now find out was a known quality problem with Tesla. No recalls were issued despite this being a safety concern for drivers since it affects steering. I read that Tesla told service employees to tell customers that they had "abused" their car and that was the reason for the failure. I drive on perfect roads and without any load in the car, so clearly I didn't abuse it. It began with a Creaking sound when making a sharp turn or parking from steering or front suspension They replaced: Replaced LH Front Upper Control Arm. Replaced RH Front Upper Control Arm. Replaced LH compliance Lower Front Suspension Link. Replaced RH Aft Lower Front Suspension Link. NOTE: I tried two different browsers buy your site has a bug that won't allow uploads of documents, so I could not include the receipt. When one clicks on "upload files" the button disappears, and it won't let you upload.
Vehicle is absolutely destroying tires at an alarming rate (every 10k miles we need new tires). We have had multiple 4 wheel alignments done and verified that the alignment is perfect. Despite this, the front and rear tires wear the inside leading edge down to wire while the outside edge has 80%+ tread remaining. The other issue is the creaking/groaning and premature wear the control arms display. This is a super common issue across all tesla models. This is alarming because the next step after the noise presents itself is total failure of the control arm due to lack of grease which results in the wheel falling off the vehicle. There are no grease fittings on the control arms like the vast majority of other manufacturers vehicles and the bearings and tesla won’t fix this despite knowing it is an issue and having our vehicle multiple times for service for this issue.
The front right passenger strut knuckle axel suspension was separated. We currently have the car at Tesla's service center. Our safety was put at risk when the tire locked up and we had no control of the steering. Driving at a higher speed could have resulted in a major traffic accident, or a fatality. The car is currently being inspected by the manufacturer (Tesla). There was a clicking/knocking noise that we heard one day before the incident. The noise was heard while turning the wheel. It got louder as the day went on.
Driving on a residential street around 20 mph as we approached a stop sign , heard a loud “thump.” It appeared to come from front wheel well area. Worried we hit something we circled back around back around but there was nothing. Car began making a loud noise everyone we turned the wheel. Got the car back home (we were only a few miles away) but it is sitting slightly lower on right side in front and from what I can see it looks like there is a holder for a bolt that is “empty” (i.e. I think a bolt fell off and cause the car to go lower to friend and turning the car toward that side is now noisy and impossible to turn —there is resistance). I see some 2020 Model Y’s had a recall for a suspension issue but when I plug in my VIN it appears it doesn’t apply to my VIN. I think you should investigate whether this recall needs to be expanded. What is described in the suspension recall sounds EXACTLY like what is happening to my car. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
I had taken my 2020 Tesla Model Y to have the rear tires replaced. The mechanic at the tire shop noticed a nut missing and a bolt about ready to fall out of one of the suspension rods on the driver side rear of the vehicle. The mechanic took a picture before fixing and then checked the rest of the nuts and bolts on the rear suspionsion on both sides of the vehicle. I had begun to notice a considerably shimmy with the rear of the car when going over railroad tracks, dips, and bumps in the road. I also thought it was odd that the rear tires were wearing faster and maybe this had something to do with that if the alignment was out of wack.
My wife made a left turn onto Agana Drive from Patterson Avenue in Santa Barbara, California a few blocks our home. After coming to a complete stop before making the turn, she drove about 150 feet when the car swerved to the right and the right rear passenger side of our Tesla Model Y hit left rear driver’s side of another car (BMW). I drove over to assist her and it appears from the AAA tow truck driver that a part of the axle on the right passenger side rear wheel broke later confirmed by my insurance agent and my auto mechanic. It was surprising since she was had completed the turn, was driving slowly straight on Agana Drive at approximately 25mph when this part broke. Apparently, nobody was seriously injured, the parked car had nobody in it and no real estate property damage appears to have occurred. was knocked up and over the curb due to the force of the impact braking the other car's rear axle and bending the frame. Our car is still being repaired a month later. Tesla appears to know about the problem since, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there is a recall scheduled for 2020-2021 Tesla Model Y cars with a recall date of 2021-11-20, recall no. 21V912000, recall notification stating Tesla, Inc (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The front and rear suspension knuckles may fracture, causing the suspension links to separate, recall consequence stating Suspension links that separate can reduce vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash and a recall action stating Tesla Service will inspect and replace the knuckles as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed 18 January 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-21-31-004. Contact for more details and information.
HERE IS ANOTHER MODEL Y IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39862499?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=65 THE BACK WHEEL HAS FALLEN OFF. ALL THE MONKEY METAL SUSPENSION GIBLETS ARE STRETCHED AND SNAPPED. ONE WHOMPY WHEEL CAN REALLY SPOIL YOUR DAY. WOULD IT BE TOO MUCH TROUBLE FOR YOU TO ISSUE A COMPULSORY RECALL? THANKS KEEF
Mileage: 15,000
HERE IS A BADLY SMASHED MODEL Y IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39229111?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=21 IT IS CERTAIN THAT OCCUPANTS WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR INJURED. BEARING IN MIND THE NUMEROUS MODEL Y CARS THAT HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO HAVE SUSPENSIONS SNAP OFF FOR NO GOOD REASON THERE IS A HIGH PROBABILITY THAT THIS CRASH WAS CAUSED BY A SUSPENSION FAILURE. THE BROKEN BALL JOINTS, PROTRUDING DRIVE SHAFT AND DETACHED WHEEL POINT TOWARDS THIS CRASH BEING CAUSED BY A WHOMPY WHEEL. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THIS CRASH AND OBTAIN DATA FROM THE BLACK BOX. THANK YOU. KEEF
Mileage: 1,000
HERE IS A 2020 MODEL Y TERDSLA IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/38946687?ROWNUMBER=12 THE BACK WHEEL HAS GONE WALKABOUT. THE HUB CARRIER HAS CRACKED OFF FROM THE BRAKE ROTOR. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING SUPPLY CHAIN FAILURE. THIS COULD EASILY HAVE CAUSED A FATAL CRASH. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ALARMING INCIDENT. IT IS UNLIKELY THAT THIS IS THE ONLY SUCH CASE. IN FACT IDENTICAL FAILURES ON TESLA CARS OF VARIOUS MODELS HAVE ALREADY BEEN REPORTED TO NHTSA. THANK YOU (FOR NOTHING) KEEF
Mileage: 1,000
THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT SYSTEMIC FAILURES IN TESLA SUSPENSION COMPONENTS THAT AFFECT ALL YEARS AND MODELS OF TESLAS ON THE ROADS. PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE USED THE VIN OF A RANDOM TESLA MODEL Y SINCE THE VIN OF THE CAR IN QUESTION IS UNAVAILABLE. HERE IS A LINK TO A VIDEO IN WHICH AN OWNER SHOWS HIS CAR BROKEN DOWN ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE THE FRONT CONTROL ARM HAS SIMPLY FALLEN OFF THE CAR. HTTPS://WWW.TIKTOK.COM/[XXX]/VIDEO/6904844653024054533 THIS FAILURE COULD EASILY HAVE CAUSED A FATAL CRASH AND IT IS MOST LIKELY THAT THE FAILED CONTROL ARM WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH. DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT THIS KIND OF THING IS ACCEPTABLE? ARE YOU JUST GOING TO LET LORD ELON CONTINUE TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER?? AM I REALLY THE UNHINGED ONE? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Mileage: 1,000
HERE IS A MODEL Y IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/38263120?ROWNUMBER=1 THE BACK WHEEL HAS FALLEN OFF BECAUSE THE HUB CARRIER HAS CRACKED OFF THE BRAKE ROTOR. IT LOOKS AS THOUGH THE CAST MONKEY METAL ASSEMBLY IS MADE TO THE USUAL TESLA QUALITY STANDARDS. THE BACK OF THE CAR HAS COLLAPSED LIKE A SOUFFL HIT BY A SLEDGEHAMMER.. I DON'T SUPPOSE YOU'LL BE TAKING ANY ACTION. WOULDN'T WANT TO UPSET LORD ELON WOULD YOU? HAVE A GREAT DAY. KEEF
Mileage: 6,000
NHTSA IS CONDUCTING INVESTIGATIONS INTO TESLA SUSPENSION BREAKAGES. HERE IS FURTHER EVIDENCE THAT THE BREAKAGES ARE NOT RESTRICTED TO CERTAIN MODELS AND CERTAIN YEARS BUT ARE GENERIC TO ALL TESLAS AND CAUSED BY LOW QUALITY SUSPENSION AND STEERING COMPONENTS. HERE IS A MODEL Y IN THE JUNKYARD: 2020 TESLA MODEL Y LONG RANGE HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/37686849?ROWNUMBER=3 THE ATTACHED PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS THAT THE BALL JOINT CONNECTING THE STEERING ROD TO THE KNUCKLE HAS SNAPPED IN HALF. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS FAILURES OF TESLA BALL JOINTS WHERE THE STEM HAS SNAPPED AND IT APPEARS THAT THE STEEL STEM HAS HAD A BRITTLE FRACTURE CAUSED BY FAULTY HEAT TREATMENT AND ANNEALING. THERE IS NO IMPACT DAMAGE THAT WOULD ACCOUNT FOR THIS BREAKAGE. IT IS A MATERIAL FAILURE INDICATIVE OF A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH TESLA'S SUPPLIERS AND TESLA'S QUALITY ASSURANCE. THIS COMPLAINT IS FILED IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY. PLEASE TAKE URGENT ACTION TO PREVENT FURTHER LOSS OF LIFE. THANK YOU KEEF
Mileage: 1,000
HERE IS A TESLA MODEL Y IN ITS NATURAL ENVIRONMENT THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/38164352?ROWNUMBER=7 THE FRONT WHEEL HAS FALLEN OFF. THE COMPLETE HUB AND WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY WHICH SHOULD BE SECURED BY 3 BOLTS HAS POPPED APART. THE SLIGHTLY MUTILATED WHEEL IS LYING ON THE GROUND AT THE REAR OF THE CAR. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE IF THE BOLTS HAD BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED BEFORE IT LEFT THE TENT FACTORY BUT HEY THIS IS A TESLA SO WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT. HAVE A NICE DAY KEEF
Mileage: 11,000
PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE SUBSTITUTED THE VIN OF ANOTHER DAMAGED TESLA MODEL Y IN ORDER TO MAKE THIS SUBMISSION. THIS IS NOT DONE WITH ANY FRAUDULENT MOTIVE AS HAS BEEN ALLEGED BY ELON MUSK IN REGARD TO SOME OF MY OTHER GENUINE PUBLIC SPIRITED COMPLAINTS. NOW, ON WITH THE SHOW. HERE IS A MODEL Y IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/56817590/PHOTOS/2020-TESLA-MODEL-Y-MI-DETROIT TO MISQUOTE OSCAR WILDE - TO LOSE ONE WHEEL MAY BE REGARDED AS A MISFORTUNE; TO LOSE BOTH LOOKS LIKE CARELESSNESS. THE LOSS OF THE BACK WHEEL IS CERTAINLY CARELESS. THE CAST MONKEY-METAL BRAKE ROTOR AND HUB ASSEMBLY HAS CRACKED IN HALF. THE FRONT WHEEL AND SUSPENSION HAS WHOMPED IN THE TRADITIONAL TESLA WAY. THERE IS A CLASS ACTION UNDERWAY - I HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR DAY IN COURT. HTTPS://WWW.PLAINSITE.ORG/DOCKETS/4ETIULZDR/CALIFORNIA-NORTHERN-DISTRICT-COURT/WILLIAMS-V-TESLA-INC/ KEEF
Mileage: 10,000
HERE IS A 2020 MODEL Y IN THE JUNKYARD HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/37686849?ROWNUMBER=56 IT HAS BEEN PARTIALLY DISASSEMBLED WHICH MAKES IT HARD TO DETERMINE WHY IT ENDED UP BEING WRITTEN OFF. HOWEVER. THE FRONT MOTOR AND SUSPENSION HAS BEEN REMOVED AS A COMPLETE ASSEMBLY AND IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THERE HAS BEEN A SUSPENSION AND STEERING FAILURE. BLOWN UP PHOTOGRAPH IS ATTACHED TO THIS SUBMISSION. THE TOP BALL JOINT HAS SLIPPED OUT OF ITS STUPIDLY DESIGNED SLOT. WORST OF ALL THE STEERING ARM BALL-JOINT HAS POPPED APART. IN A VIRTUALLY NEW CAR THIS IS JUST LUDICROUS. IS THERE ANY POINT IN ME CONTINUING TO REPORT THESE DEFECTS TO NHTSA? SHOULD I FILE MY COMPLAINTS WITH THE CHINESE SAFETY AUTHORITIES? THEY SEE TO BE MORE INTERESTED IN ENFORCING VEHICLE SAFETY REGULATIONS THAN YOU GUYS. HAVE A SAFE DAY. KEEP A LOOK OUT FOR ONCOMING TESLAS. REGARDS YOUR FRIEND KEEF
Mileage: 1,000
HERE IS A TESLA MODEL Y IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/37390387?ROWNUMBER=4 THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAS FALLEN OFF. IT IS HIGHLY LIKELY THAT THE REASON IT FELL TO BITS IS THAT THE NUTS CAME LOOSE. HERE IS THE FORUM THREAD THAT PROVES THIS BOLT FALLS OFF FAR TOO EASILY. HTTPS://TESLAMOTORSCLUB.COM/TMC/THREADS/BE-AWARE-TIE-ROD-SAFETY-LIFE-AND-DEATH-ISSUE.205014/ NATURALLY THE TESLA FANBOYS RUSH TO THE DEFENSE OF THE SACRED TESLA. I WOULD BE GRATEFUL IF YOU WOULD INVESTIGATE THIS AND ASK TESLA TO GLUE THE SUSPENSIONS ON A BIT BETTER. THANK YOU KEEF
Mileage: 2,000
HERE IS A LOVELY TESLA MODEL Y IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/37278352?ROWNUMBER=0 AND GUESS WHAT? THE BACK WHEEL FELL OFF! ALL THE SUSPENSION GIBLETS HAVE SNAPPED LIKE A PRETZEL. IT SEEMS HIGHLY UNLIKELY THIS IS THE RESULT OF COLLISION DAMAGE UNLESS IT WAS CHARGED BY A PYGMY HIPPOPOTAMUS. WOULD YOU KINDLY HAVE A WORD TO TESLA AND ASK THEM TO DO A BETTER JOB OF MANUFACTURING THE SUSPENSION GIBLETS. THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN. KEEF
Mileage: 500
PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE USED THE VIN OF A JUNKYARD MODEL Y TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT. THIS COMPLAINT AFFECTS EVERY MODEL Y ON THE ROADS. HERE IS A DISCUSSION THREAD IN WHICH SEVERAL OWNERS REPORT THAT VITAL NUTS ON THE SUSPENSIONS ARE VIBRATING LOOSE AND FALLING OFF. HTTPS://TESLAMOTORSCLUB.COM/TMC/THREADS/BE-AWARE-TIE-ROD-SAFETY-LIFE-AND-DEATH-ISSUE.205014/ SEVERAL OF THE POSTERS INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD BE REPORTING THIS PROBLEM TO NHTSA BUT THEY WILL PROBABLY NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE "SUPPORTING THE MISSION! THE MANUFACTURERS OF THE LOCK-WASHER HAVE EXCELLENT VIDEOS THAT EXPLAIN WHY THE NORD-LOCK WASHER IS LIABLE TO FAIL IN THIS APPLICATION AND THAT A MUCH BETTER CHOICE WOULD BE THE NORD-WEDGE. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=VINYUXFTNW0&FEATURE=EMB_LOGO HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=CDLMBMV9ICU&FEATURE=EMB_LOGO THIS WOULD BE A VERY LOW COST IMPROVEMENT AND WOULD SAVE LIVES. THE PHOTOGRAPHS ON THE THREAD PROVE THAT THE NUTS ARE VIBRATING LOOSE AND FALLING OFF. TESLA DEFENDERS ON THE THREAD ACCUSE THE ORIGINAL POSTER OF FUD! PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL. THANK YOU
Mileage: 1,000