2016 Tesla Model S: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jun 16, 2026 · Suspension · 108,000 miles · AZ

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 suspension system and advised the contact that all suspension components needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic advised the contact not to drive the vehicle due to safety concerns and indicated there might be structural damage to the vehicle. The contact stated that after the suggestion, the contact continued operating the vehicle. The following day, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased, and the contact was advised that the failure was associated with worn brake pads. The dealer replaced the brake pads. The contact believed that additional repairs may have been performed but was not advised of any other work completed. The vehicle had not been modified and had not been inspected by Tesla. The contact believed that the vehicle may have an inaccurate odometer reading; however, no evidence was available to support the concern. The contact remained concerned that the corrosion and possible structural damage might exist within the suspension system even though the brake pad was replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Filed May 4, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · CA

I own three 2016 Tesla vehicles with the same known safety defect: two Model S P100D and one Model X P100D, all equipped with the Large Drive Unit (LDU). The component that fails is the rotor coolant seal in the rear drive unit motor. Coolant leaks internally into the motor and inverter, causing bearing wear, corrosion, isolation faults, and eventual complete drive unit failure. The affected drive units are still installed and available for inspection upon request. This defect puts my safety and the safety of others at risk because it can cause sudden loss of propulsion (especially at highway speeds), power reduction, or total drivetrain shutdown, potentially leading to a crash. Coolant in high-voltage areas also raises electrical fault/FIRE risks. The problem is widely reproduced and confirmed: Tesla service centers are familiar with it and replace failed units with updated “-U” revisions that include a coolant bypass. Independent EV shops confirm the exact root cause (rotor seal failure) via encoder inspections showing coolant intrusion and through disassembly. This is a documented pattern failure in all 2012–2020 LDU vehicles. No police or insurance inspections have occurred yet, as no crash or total failure has happened. Tesla is aware of the recurring issue through service records on similar vehicles. Early symptoms before full failure typically include rear motor whining/grinding (especially under load), reduced power warnings, “Rear Drive Unit Fault” messages, and visible coolant on the speed sensor. These can appear gradually. My vehicles have not yet experienced total failure, but the defect is known to be inevitable. I am proactively monitoring encoder sensors. Because this is a systemic design defect affecting thousands of vehicles with clear safety implications, I request the federal safety agency open an investigation and require Tesla to issue a recall for free repairs/replacements on all affected 2012–2020 LDU vehicles.

Filed May 4, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · CA

I own a 2016 Model S P100D equipped with the Large Drive Unit (LDU). The component that fails is the rotor coolant seal in the rear drive unit motor. Coolant leaks internally into the motor and inverter, causing bearing wear, corrosion, isolation faults, and eventual complete drive unit failure. The affected drive units are still installed and available for inspection upon request. This defect puts my safety and the safety of others at risk because it can cause sudden loss of propulsion (especially at highway speeds), power reduction, or total drivetrain shutdown, potentially leading to a crash. Coolant in high-voltage areas also raises electrical fault/fire risks. The problem is widely reproduced and confirmed: Tesla service centers are familiar with it and replace failed units with updated “-U” revisions that include a coolant bypass. Independent EV shops confirm the exact root cause (rotor seal failure) via encoder inspections showing coolant intrusion and through disassembly. This is a documented pattern failure in all 2012–2020 LDU vehicles. No police or insurance inspections have occurred yet, as no crash or total failure has happened. Tesla is aware of the recurring issue through service records on similar vehicles. Early symptoms before full failure typically include rear motor whining/grinding (especially under load), reduced power warnings, “Rear Drive Unit Fault” messages, and visible coolant on the speed sensor. These can appear gradually. My vehicles have not yet experienced total failure, but the defect is known to be inevitable. I am proactively monitoring encoder sensors. Because this is a systemic design defect affecting thousands of vehicles with clear safety implications, I request the federal safety agency open an investigation and require Tesla to issue a recall for free repairs/replacements on all affected 2012–2020 LDU vehicles.

Filed Dec 21, 2023 · Suspension · TX

Front air suspension failed while driving on the highway at 70 MPH while traveling from El P Paso, Texas to Albuquerque, New Mexico in July on 2023. front end of the car hit the ground and could not steer without tire grinding into the wheel well. Upon getting the car inspected for the problem, it was found that the front left air suspension had malfunctioned and because of the way the air suspension works, neither right or left side of the suspension would hold air and keep front of the car off the road. Cost of repairs was $1258.95 which Tesla refused to admit there was a design flaw that would render the car undrivable.

Filed Feb 10, 2023 · Suspension · IL

While pulling out of a parking space at less than 5 mph the front left suspension fore link broke, resulting in damage to the wheel liner. The left front wheel could be described as loose or wobbly and resting at less than 1 cm from the rear side of the wheel liner, making turning nearly impossible. If this had happened at a higher speed it could have been catastrophic. There was no warning measures on the vehicle but a series of unusual metal grinding noises could be heard immediately after the break. The vehicle was placed on a flatbed and towed to the local Tesla, Inc. repair location where it was inspected and repaired. All 4 front lower fore links were replaced both on the left and right side for a total cost of approximately $2000.

Filed Dec 13, 2022 · Suspension · CO

While driving with Auto Pilot engaged on the highway, traffic slowed and AP applied the brakes at a light to moderate level. I immediately heard a loud squeal come from the front passenger wheel area that stopped when braking stopped. No warning lights or messages showed but I could tell I had reduced steering response after disengaging AP. I was able to get off the highway and navigate to a nearby service center, where they told me that a ball joint had sheared off. The squeal was a result of the tire contacting the wheel well. The service estimate called for replacement of right and left fore link and aft link assemblies of the front suspension. A web search revealed that Tesla was aware that "Some Model S and Model X vehicles may have been manufactured with front suspension fore links that may not meet Tesla strength specifications," per service bulletin SB-17-31-001.

Filed Sep 10, 2022 · Driver assistance, Suspension · CA

I purchased a used 2016 Tesla Model S in September 2021, with 58,961 miles. Within a month, a strange scraping sound can be heard as I was backing out of my driveway, it was the metal piece that was connected to the wheel. Somehow it had broken off and was bent in a position where it was grinding my brake pads down to unsafe levels. Telsa said it was caused by making a 'sharp turn' and is not covered under warranty. The work to fix costed $1450.03 to replace brake pads and wheel that was cracked. But didn't disclose in the invoice what was causing the scraping sound. They claimed that when they drove the vehicle they could not hear any scraping sound. Based on Tesla's TSB report, this is a known defect and Tesla should have repaired it without charging me. But they would rather have me believe that I was a terrible driver.

Filed Jun 8, 2021 · Suspension · AZ

Pulling my car out of my driveway, I heard a loud pop noise and the steering wheel refused to turn. Attempting to turn the wheel at all resulted in a grinding noise because the entire front driver side wheel was shifted backward and was resting on the rear of the wheel well liner. I had the vehicle flatbedded to the Tesla service center and they told me one of the fore links had failed. They blamed it on an impact or pothole, neither of which actually happened. After researching online, I've come to find there have been many documented failures of this same part - for no reason at all. Tesla even recognized they had a manufacturing issue and even issued a recall in China. This could have been a very dangerous situation. There was no warning, no cause, and the car has only 50k miles. I asked them to save the parts as I'm sure upon expert examination, they would prove to be defective.

Filed Dec 1, 2020 · Suspension · 77,383 miles · CA

Leaving a parking area by backing up and then turning to the left to start to drive, the front passenger side wheel started a loud grinding noise, went up and down, and stopped. I went to take a look and found that the wheel was touching the front wheel well. Had to call towing service that took the vehicle to a nearby service center. Tesla service confirmed the front lower control arm/link was broken. I replaced both sides just to be safe. Wheel alignment was performed per service requirement. $1003 total cost, not including the towing service cost.

Filed Oct 24, 2019 · Suspension · 61,000 miles · CA

2016 tesla, 3 yrs old with 61,170 miles. While backing out of a driveway, at slow speed, with steering wheel turned, both forelinks (suspension arms) broke. The car appeared drive-able and the only issue I noticed was a loud metal grinding sound when braking at slow speeds. Tesla service center inspected and confirmed both forelinks were broken but I'm still waiting to hear back on any additional damage (I.e. Steering knuckle) resulting from this issue.

Filed Sep 21, 2019 · Suspension · PA

Sudden squeak and front of the car felt more bouncy when going over bumps or any elevation. Also when lowering or raising air suspension will make rubbing sound. Car has never been into accident or any damage.

Filed Sep 4, 2019 · Suspension · 71,000 miles · CA

3 year old tesla model s 71k miles. Catastrophic front suspension control arm failure. Wheels disconnected from frame and rubbing against wheel well after low speed drive (<10 MPH) inside parking lot. No collision. No prior damage to suspension. Large grinding noise and unable to steer. Had to call tow truck to send to tesla service.