2016 Tesla Model X suspension problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 5, 2026SCSuspension

   The failure follows the same pattern every time. At first there is a loud noise from the compressor when the car starts. Over time the noise lasts longer. Eventually the compressor can no longer raise the vehicle, and it sits at its lowest ride height, nearly on the ground. In that condition the vehicle cannot be driven, and I have had to have it towed to a Tesla service center. The nearest one is about 2.5 hours from my home. After the first replacement I set the vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11768972 · source
2. Filed Jun 17, 2025COSteeringSuspension

   In March of 2025, my steering of the model X became really stiff. As time went on, the problem became worse and no longer able to turn left or right without major force. I made an appointment with Tesla and took it in for servicing. At this time they changed the steering bolts and steering shaft April 23, 2025. This cost $489.70 (I will attach invoice). As soon as I picked up the vehicle my steering wheel was about 30% stuck to the right. I immediately sent a picture to…

   NHTSA complaint #11667556 · source
3. Filed May 16, 2025FLSuspension

   Sudden and catastrophic shearing of the driver side rear suspension arm (control arm). My understanding is all these cars from Tesla have aluminum suspension arms which causes identical and catastrophic failure of the vehicle during driving due to choice of Aluminum instead of stainless steel(SS). Aluminum has an ultimate tensile strength of only 90 MPa while SS can exceed 500 MPa. Since my car got disabled completely (motor gets disconnected from the wheel) I almost lost my…

   NHTSA complaint #11661421 · source
4. Filed Mar 27, 2025CASuspension

   I was parking my car at home when all of a sudden there was a violent/sudden drop in the front of my car. I initially thought I got a flat tire, but when I took a look the entire front suspension was shot and dropped as low as possible. The Model X feels and is very unsafe to drive and has a grainding sound like the car is about to fall a part.

   NHTSA complaint #11651182 · source
5. Filed Nov 2, 2024CAOther / UnknownSteeringSuspension

   Steering Stuck: It happened several times that the steering wheel completely locked up while driving on the road. Today it happened again. It does not move, cannot turn left or right. I was in the middle of the road, the only thing I could do was to back up. I had to stop in the middle of the road and reboot the car. Luckily the cars behind me were able to stop before crashing into me. In May 2024, I addressed the same issues, but it happened again. I think it is their…

   NHTSA complaint #11623222 · source
6. Filed Aug 14, 2024CASuspension

   subframe bolt was broken off without external impact, caused loud noise when driving, and potential safety concern. I suspect the bolt has proper quality control. One year ago, the front suspension(fucas) has to be replaced due to strange noise at low speed.

   NHTSA complaint #11608596 · source
7. Filed Aug 1, 2024ORSuspension

   What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rear driver's side control arm failure during slow left-hand turn (~20 mph) from one road to another. A "clunk" noise was heard from underneath the car, like that of a rock striking the vehicle, and then the vehicle reported several errors regarding drive unit failure, brake failure, and stability failure. The vehicle automatically shifted to "P" and would not move. Upon…

   NHTSA complaint #11605987 · source
8. Filed May 15, 2024CASuspension

   Squeaking noise on the passenger rear side was noticeable when I am hitting the breaks then a thump sound as if I landed on some big pothole occurred. So I drove as slow as I can until we reach home. I inspected the vehicle and to my surprise the control arm had torn and the tires were hanging loose.

   NHTSA complaint #11588949 · source
9. Filed Apr 16, 202466,000 miILSteeringSuspension

   The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal squeaky and clunking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the Tesla Service Center, where the front driver's side and the passenger's side front upper control arms links and bushings were replaced, and the four-wheel alignment was performed. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was…

   NHTSA complaint #11583309 · source
10. Filed Mar 26, 2024CADriver Assistance & Safety TechSuspension

    Car tends to brake in autopilot without having any car in front causing jolt feeling and dangerous scenario for vehicles behind. Suspension work like upper control, half shafts, ball joints, toe and struts been replaced 5 times. One time entire wheel came off.

    NHTSA complaint #11579425 · source
11. Filed Mar 14, 2024GASuspension

    Front suspension creaking and groaning with zero reason. Upperand lower links bad Rear tires blew out because of severe wear on inner edge while the rest of the tire had 80% tread left bad camber caused uneven wear

    NHTSA complaint #11577325 · source
12. Filed Jan 15, 2024CASuspension

    My Tesla Model X had the "famous" suspension problem that Tesla refused to acknowledge but cost me thousands to repair the defect.

    NHTSA complaint #11565500 · 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