2020 Tesla Model 3: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Aug 4, 2026 · Suspension · CA

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 repeatedly during normal driving. The issues raises significant safety concerns because I am worried there may be a defect affecting the front suspension of steering components. Unexpected steering resistance combined with loud suspension noises creates concern that a suspension component could fail while the vehicle is in motion, potentially resulting in loss of steering control or a crash. There were no warning lights or messages displayed before or during these symptoms. The vehicle has not been involved in any collision that would explain these symptoms. The problem has continued during normal operation and appears to be getting progressively worse. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I am submitting this complaint because I understand the federal safety agency is investigating front suspension issues involving 2018-2020 Tesla Model 3 vehicles, and my vehicle is experiencing similar symptoms. I believe this issue should be investigated to determine whether it is related to the front suspension components under investigation.

Filed Aug 1, 2026 · Lights, Suspension · CA

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.

Filed Jul 31, 2026 · Suspension · VA

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, and I took the vehicle in for service in early March. Telsa service ended up replacing the left and right upper control arm assembly, the front left and right lower compliance link and the lower lateral links. Online research on various tesla forums showed this to be a known problem with vehicle owners. Unsure if continuing with the issue prior to service would have caused a safety concren, but it was beyond the point of sounding safe to operate to me.

Filed Jan 30, 2026 · Suspension · GA

The front suspension control arms on my 2020 Tesla Model 3 are squeaking and show premature wear. The noise occurs during normal driving and is accompanied by clunking, which concerns me about potential control arm failure and loss of vehicle control. My vehicle is only 40k miles and it’s a very common issue that Tesla gets to make money on. Kind of funny it happens to everyone right when the warranty ends. I am aware that this is a known issue affecting multiple Model 3 vehicles. Despite proper maintenance, the problem persists and may present a safety risk. I request that this be officially recorded as a safety complaint.

Filed Dec 5, 2024 · Suspension · GA

The front control arm is damaged, interestingly about 6 months after the warranty has expired. Tesla repair tech tells me its so common that they don't charge for the repair but do charge for the part. As I sit in the tesla repair centre waiting for it to be fixed, 3 other people with exactly the same problem just walked in describing exactly the same problem. I don't understand what this part does but given it's part of the suspension, it poses a safety risk. There were no warnings except for a very loud squeaking noise every time the car turns or encounters a bump

Filed Nov 22, 2024 · Steering · 36,000 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel seized, and the front passenger's side of the vehicle lowered to the ground and made an abnormal grinding sound, before coming to a stop. The contact stated that upon exiting and inspecting the vehicle, it was noticed that the tie rod had detached from the front passenger's side wheel, and the front passenger's side wheel had turned inward and was pinned by the wheel well. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla Service Center, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front passenger's side steering assembly needed to be replaced. The contact was charged a fee for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

Filed Apr 9, 2024 · Suspension · CA

My vehicle is 4 years old. 3 weeks after the expiration of my original warranty, the front suspension now squeaks loudly when driving at low speeds. This issue matches the known manufacturing defect described in Tesla’s 2021 service bulletin, “Reseal Front Upper Control Arm Ball Joints.” We never received this bulletin from Tesla, and we were never given the option of resealing the joints. As a consequence, the ball joints have now failed and both upper control arms must be replaced, at a cost to me of $330. I asked if Tesla can waive these repair costs due to the bulletin and widespread manufacturing defect, but Tesla declined, stating: “Your vehicle is not listed as an affected VIN for this bulletin. In order for a repair bulletin to be covered under the vehicle warranty the condition has to be reported within the warranty period. Once no longer under warranty, it is not covered.” Even though my VIN was not included, clearly it should have been since the ball joints have failed. Also, if this is a known car defect, why should it matter when the problem starts to appear in order for Tesla to take full responsibility and fix it? They are shifting costs to consumers for their own, known, widespread manufacturing defects. Additionally, if I had been informed about the bulletin in 2021, resealing the joints at that time would have been easier & far cheaper than replacing both arms now. It’s my understanding that Senators Markey (MA) and Blumenthal (CT) expressed concern that this defect could be a safety risk, and urged Tesla to issue a voluntary recall, which Tesla declined. I hope the federal safety agency will consider investigating this manufacturing defect further. Thank you very much for your time. Vehicle is available for inspection. Yes, an independent service center confirmed this suspension problem. A Tesla repair service center will inspect the components on [XXX]. No, there were no warning lamps, messages or symptoms prior to failure. The failure began on [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Filed Sep 19, 2023 · Suspension · 59,135 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle rolled over an uneven road surface and the contact heard an abnormal creaking and squeaking sound coming from the front driver’s side wheel well. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but had become a recurring failure at various speeds. The contact stated that the sound had become much louder. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s and passenger’s side front upper control arms and lower links needed to be replaced due the seals deteriorating and disintegrating. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,135.

Filed Jun 3, 2022 · Driver assistance · CA · crash

In moderate city traffic, the emergency braking system sounded and engaged prematurely and harshly. I was not using any automatic driving features and was driving “manually.” A vehicle in front of me stopped, and I intended to slow then stop in a reasonable fashion. I have 25 years’ driving experience, and am well-experienced to do this safely. The emergency braking system suddenly engaged at about 25 mph, grinding my car to a halt. The driver behind me was not expecting such a short stop, and rear-ended my vehicle. No one was injured in this crash. My seatbelt trigger deployed, which tripped the pyro fuse, rendering my car undriveable. I could not move my car off the roadway and caused traffic clogs. The repair bill was roughly $9000 for my vehicle. The weather was clear, the street was dry and the sun was near high noon.