2020 Tesla Model 3 suspension problems

Related recalls

• Recall 21V835000Oct 25, 20212,791 vehicles
  SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS · SUSPENSION:FRONT

  Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.

  Risk: A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-003.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 10, 2026WASuspension

   Lower Lateral Link Fronts and front lower compliance link assembly for both right and left. There have apparently been on going issues for the Tesla Model 3 suspension links. I first started hearing noises from the suspension last month, I was booked for a weekend service and then rescheduled for today. I stopped by for a formal comprehensive inspection and was informed that there is tearing in the suspension. I already had this vehicle brought in for warranty earlier this…

   NHTSA complaint #11763382 · source
2. Filed Sep 7, 2026VASuspension

   I own a 2020 Tesla Model 3. Over approximately the past 2–3 weeks, the vehicle has developed a noticeable rattle/creaking noise coming from the left-front suspension area. The noise was not previously present and appears to be getting my attention as a potential suspension-related safety issue. I am concerned because my vehicle falls within the model-year range of Tesla Model 3 vehicles associated with reported front suspension/lateral-link issues. I understand NHTSA is…

   NHTSA complaint #11762629 · source
3. Filed Aug 11, 2026NYSuspension

   I was told my car is unsafe to drive after taking it to the mechanic for a routine tire balance and rotation. I currently need both rear control arms replaced. I had them replaced in the past. In addition, I have had the front control arms replaced more than once, the lower lateral links replaced, numerous hubs repaired, forelinks and knuckles all replaced not too long ago, so this news comes as a shock. The first control arm failure occurred when the car was only a year and…

   NHTSA complaint #11756378 · source
4. Filed Aug 4, 2026CASuspension

   I own a Tesla Model 3 and have been experiencing concerning front suspension and steering issues that appear to be worsening over time. While driving and especially during low speed turns, parking and maneuvering, the front suspension produces loud screeching, squeaking, and rubbing noises. The steering has also become noticeably stiffer that normal at times, and the noises can be felt through the steering wheel. The sounds are coming from the front suspension area and occur…

   NHTSA complaint #11754693 · source
5. Filed Aug 4, 2026WASuspension

   The front upper control arms. Causing poor steering and unbearable loud creaks when turning wheel. Mobile tesla tech confirmed upper control arm

   NHTSA complaint #11754639 · source
6. Filed Aug 3, 2026NYSuspension

   Component that failed was the lower lateral link. There was no loss of control but there was a sound going over any uneven surface. Upon bringing the vehicle to the Tesla dealership they recommended a replacement of the upper and lower control arm on both the driver and passenger side. This greatly increased the cost of the repair to a total of $2356.84

   NHTSA complaint #11754443 · source
7. Filed Aug 1, 2026CALightingSuspension

   Suspension is grinding. I had it replaced once at Tesla and it began grinding again in less than 18 months. I took it to Tesla and was informed the lower control arm failed and the price had more than doubled from the prior replacement. No warning lights have come on regarding this issue. The original replacement was 3/7/2024. I noticed the grinding between 12-18 months later. Also, the rear brake light gets condensation in it somehow. I had noticed this about 1 year ago.

   NHTSA complaint #11754235 · source
8. Filed Jul 31, 2026VASuspension

   In Jan, 2026, the front suspension in the 2020 Model 3 started making a cracking, catching, grinding and/or popping noise as I turned the steering column while parked or driving slowly. When investigating, it sounded like it was coming from bearings in the front suspension. It continued to get worse, making the catching / grinding / popping noise when driving on the highway, turning or not turning, to the point that it felt like the suspension would completely tear apart,…

   NHTSA complaint #11754038 · source
9. Filed Jun 24, 202640,000 miARSuspension

   The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a clinking sound coming from the front of vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted, and a repair was pending on the lower lateral link. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V835000 (Suspension). The contact associated the failure with the recall. The manufacturer was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11746313 · source
10. Filed Jun 13, 2026WASuspension

    This was not an incident. Instead I’d like to report it as a design flaw. I discovered low speed noise and got it fixed at Tesla service center. Upper control arms and lower control links have both been replaced at ~70k miles and the cost to repair was over $2k at Tesla service center in Feb 2026. Later in May 2026 Tesla published a service bulletin acknowledging this is a design flaw

    NHTSA complaint #11743946 · source
11. Filed Apr 30, 202646,124 miTXSuspension

    The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound while turning the steering wheel. The messages "Traction Control Disabled", "Lane Departure Avoidance Feature Disabled", "Automatic Vehicle Hold Disabled" and "Stability Control Disabled" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was discovered that the lateral link was not attached to the control arm due to a defective…

    NHTSA complaint #11734843 · source
12. Filed Feb 4, 2026CASteeringSuspension

    Sunday [XXX] downtown Sacramento, driving about 25 mph. Heard a loud bang—bolt sheared off front subframe. Steering felt lagging upon making a right turn vehicle proceeded in a very wide turn, pulled into parking lot. Wheel locked right as I exited [XXX] parking spot; steering went slack, brakes scraped rotor. Two witnesses saw hardware hit pavement. AAA tech removed tire: lower control arm bolt missing, no Loctite, subframe raw. Second bolt loose—single point of failure.…

    NHTSA complaint #11715438 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology