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2019 Tesla Model 3: grinding or squealing brakes

19 of the 624 complaints about the 2019 Tesla Model 3 describe grinding or squealing brakes.

owner complaints
19
of this car's complaints
3%
typical mileage
38,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Grinding or squealing brakes by model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 3, 2026 · Suspension · DC

Over a period of several weeks, the front suspension increasingly made noise (squeaking and groaning) and felt loose when turning and going over bumps. The front control arms were replaced 10/31/24. The problem has begun recurring over the last few months, with the same noise occurring and progressively worsening.

Filed Jul 5, 2026 · Body, Suspension · CA

Summary of the Problem Rear subframe assembly and multiple rear suspension links required full replacement due to failure/wear at approximately 51,890 miles, on a vehicle with no history of collision or accident damage. Tesla diagnosed the issue as an interior rattle/squeak reproducible over bumpy roads and speed bumps, which led to replacement of the rear subframe and nearly the entire rear suspension link set. Total repair cost was approximately $7,667.65, entirely out of pocket, as Tesla stated no recall applies to this VIN. Full Description (detailed narrative field) In December 2025, I began noticing a rattling/squeaking noise from the rear of my 2019 Tesla Model 3, reproducible on bumpy roads, speed bumps, and rail tracks. The vehicle has never been in an accident and has no history of collision damage. I brought the vehicle to Tesla Service (Fremont, CA) on 07-Jan-2026 at 51,890 miles. Tesla's diagnosis found it necessary to replace: The rear subframe assembly Rear toe link assemblies (left and right) Rear upper fore link assemblies (left and right) Rear lower fore link assemblies (left and right) Rear upper aft link assemblies (left and right) Front lower compliance links (left and right) Front lower lateral links (pair) A four-wheel alignment This amounted to nearly a full rear (and partial front) suspension rebuild, at a cost of $6,843.34 for this job alone, and $7,667.65 total, entirely at my expense. Tesla confirmed there is no open recall covering this VIN or this failure. I am concerned this represents a premature structural/suspension component failure unrelated to accident damage or normal wear, at a mileage (51,890) that suggests a potential defect in the subframe or suspension hardware/corrosion resistance for this model year, rather than an isolated wear item. I am filing this complaint so the federal safety agency can evaluate whether this is part of a broader pattern for 2019 Model 3 vehicles.

Filed Nov 18, 2025 · Suspension · OK

Lower lateral link , and front lower compliance link and upper control arm assembly all broken and needed repair. Tesla service shop confirmed lower links were broken on both side, causing major safety concerns. They said it needed to be fixed or car could not be driven. This is a WELL DOCUMENTED issue all over the internet. The shop confirmed and said this repair is made all the time, and typically needs to be performed every 30,000-50,000 miles. The car has not been abused, only normal driving. The problem started as a squeak coming from the upper control arms and turned into a clunk when accelerating. How has a recall not been issued? People have been talking about this issue for years. Tesla acts like the front suspension is a consumable part like a spark plug in a ICE car. really? the front suspension should be rebuilt as often as every 30k miles?

Filed Jul 30, 2025 · Brakes, Steering · CA

The vehicle’s front suspension began making loud squeaking noises and felt unstable while driving, especially when turning or going over uneven surfaces. At times, the vehicle does not make a proper turn and almost feels like it loses grip, which is extremely unsafe. I brought the vehicle to a Tesla service center. After inspection, Tesla provided a service estimate and documentation confirming the failure of the front lower lateral links — the exact part and condition described in the federal safety agency Safety Recalls 21V835000 and 23V235000, which cover defective front suspension lateral link fasteners on this vehicle make, model, and year. Despite the clear match, Tesla did not recognize the repair as recall-related and categorized it as a customer-pay service. This raises concern that some affected vehicles are being excluded from proper recall coverage, despite experiencing the same safety defects. There were no warning lights or alerts prior to the failure. The issue was confirmed by Tesla and the part is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Nov 19, 2024 · Suspension · 40,775 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the front suspension. The sound was heard while making a turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed upper control arm. The contact was informed that the upper control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that five days later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a scheduled service appointment in May 2024, the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed suspension lateral link needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the suspension lateral link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of two recalls, the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V235000 (Suspension) and the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V835000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 40,775.

Filed Sep 10, 2024 · Suspension · CA

Front control arms have zero to very little grease, this causing components to friction and cause loud squeaking sound. Tesla is charing nearly $300 to change out the control arms which are the same as what's currently in my vehicle. This incident will occur again and Tesla will benefit from it.

Filed Jun 3, 2024 · Suspension · CA

The upper control arm on the driver's side of my Tesla Model 3 has started making a loud squeaking noise. After researching, I discovered that many owners have experienced this issue. Tesla Service Centers acknowledge it as a known defect but refuse to issue a recall, only addressing it upon customer request. Since my vehicle is out of warranty, they have quoted me over $500 for the repair. This defect poses a significant safety risk if the upper control arm fails. Please look into this matter. Thank you!

Filed May 21, 2024 · Suspension · NY

The car is just out of warranty and has been driven about 62,000KM. The suspension and both frond and back control arms started to squeak badly during low speed driven, turning, back-in etc.

Filed Dec 28, 2023 · Suspension · 93,000 miles · CA

The contact owned a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a squeaking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the front suspension system was faulty and needed to be replaced. The front suspension system was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 93,000.

Filed Aug 3, 2023 · Steering, Suspension · OR

Loud squeaking noise inside cabin while driving started immediately after warranty expires and software update. Steering shakes with bumps. Almost felt like something is falling apart. Tesla service said known problem and since out of warranty customer will be charged. Wonder why all problems started immediately after warranty expires. Pls investigate if this part ( control arms and suspension) cause any safety issues. Also, software updates should be investigated as well.

Filed Apr 24, 2023 · Steering, Suspension · WA

At just 10 days over 4 years of ownership, which is out of warranty, and at about 44,360 miles, I noticed noise when going over small bumps, moving from stop to go and while turning the steering wheel. It appears that the upper control arm, a recall on about 3000 Tesla Model 3 and Y, was the culprit. I contacted the service center and right away, over the Tesla Mobile App, the knew it was the control arm going bad. They said it was safe to drive, however, it is a bit scary to hear the squeaking and noises when driving and turning the steering wheel, especially at highway speeds. The problem was fixed by Tesla's service center, however, because I was 10 days or so out of my 4 year/50,000 miles warranty, I was charged about $190 for the repair. I feel that since this is a know issue and has happened to many other non-recalled vehicles by Tesla, this would/should be a know defect and safety concern that should have been repaired under warranty.

Filed Oct 1, 2022 · Steering, Suspension · NC

Front upper control arm is failing, making an awful noise and can be felt grinding inside the car while driving. Reported to Tesla service and they denied the repair. It is a known issue, they need to recall all effected vehicles for repair.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliperReported May 25, 2021 · 5,974 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.
Risk
Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will inspect and tighten, or replace the caliper bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1‑877‑798‑3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-33-002.

Recall number 21V387000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2019 Tesla Model 3 grinding brakes

Is grinding or squealing brakes a common problem on the 2019 Tesla Model 3?

19 of 624 owner complaints about the 2019 Tesla Model 3 (3%) mention grinding or squealing brakes. The model year with the most reports is 2018.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2019 Tesla Model 3?

There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2019 Tesla Model 3

Adaptive cruise 56Ball joint 51Phantom braking 45Backup camera 19Sudden acceleration 19No deployment 10Seat belt 10Lane assist 9Wipers 9Airbag light 8Headlights 8Loss of power 7Collision warning 6Power steering loss 6Jerking 5

All model years of the Tesla Model 3

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