2016 Tesla Model S suspension problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 16, 2026108,000 miAZSuspension

   The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that approximately six days after purchasing the vehicle, while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump in the road, and a grinding sound was heard coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that after driving over a bump in the road, the vehicle felt different while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who reportedly observed significant corrosion and rust affecting the…

   NHTSA complaint #11744540 · source
2. Filed May 8, 2026CASuspension

   Driver side rear control arm broke in half propagating along what appears to be a weld seam line for this hollow aluminum suspension part. It is incredible that a critical safety component holding a 5,000 pound curb weight vehicle was allowed on the car. The potential situation of a complete lower control arm break while driving at highway speeds is beyond imagining. Not only would such a situation endanger occupants but all other vehicles in the vicinity. This vehicle has…

   NHTSA complaint #11736676 · source
3. Filed May 6, 2026MASuspension

   On a side street approximately 1/4 mile before we were going to enter a highway the car suddenly resisted motion substantially and I had to immediately pull to the side. I tried reverse and the resistance was higher, I put it back in forward and it released. However, I immediately but slowly headed for my service station 2 miles away. A warning message appeared just as I brought the car to a stop at the station, but I did not notice what it said as I was being directed to…

   NHTSA complaint #11736109 · source
4. Filed Dec 1, 202560,348 miCATowedSuspension

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11702321 · source
5. Filed Oct 6, 2025CASuspension

   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;

   NHTSA complaint #11691703 · source
6. Filed Jul 26, 2025CASuspension

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11676368 · source
7. Filed Jun 14, 2025ILOther / UnknownSuspensionWheels & Tires

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11666935 · source
8. Filed Nov 14, 2024ILSuspensionWheels & Tires

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11625206 · source
9. Filed Sep 9, 2024TXSuspension

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11613653 · source
10. Filed Sep 6, 2024CASuspension

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11612959 · source
11. Filed Aug 17, 2024CASuspension

    while parking the vehicle, a loud shot gun like noise eminated from the front of the car. The car was being driven at less than 5 mph. After this there was loud noises from the front of the cars suspension. The car seemed unsafe to drive farther. I took it to the tesla service center the next day driving at a very low speed. they replaced the right and left front contol arms and charged me $1204.98 on October 26, 2023. The vehicle had 77,626 miles at that point. I queried…

    NHTSA complaint #11609149 · source
12. Filed Jun 27, 2024MASuspension

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11597203 · 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