2017 Tesla Model S suspension problems

Filed Feb 1, 2026 · Suspension · MO

I pulled into a parking lot, and noticed that my passenger side rear wheel was leaning into the car. Luckily I was next to a Firestone and the mechanic told me the rear control arm broke off. Had I have been driving even for 2 more minutes, the wheel would have came off completely. When I pulled in, there was no noise, vibration, or any other indication that something was wrong. I know for a fact I didnt hit any curbs or large potholes. It was a normal drive.

Filed Nov 23, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · FL

I am reporting multiple safety-related defects on my 2017 Tesla Model S (VIN [XXX] ) that were present at the time of purchase but not disclosed by the selling dealer (Starling Ford, Titusville, FL). A certified independent EV repair facility (The Electrified Garage) inspected the vehicle on 11/17/2025 and documented the following safety defects: • failing/worn suspension components (control arms, thrust arms, cracked bushings) • torn sway-bar link boots • inoperative right-rear window regulator • driver window contacting internal wiring harness • moisture in the rear inner tail lamp • previous A/C drain blockage causing interior water intrusion These issues pose risks related to steering stability, electrical safety, visibility, and structural integrity. All of these conditions existed prior to the sale and were not disclosed. I am requesting the federal safety agency to log this complaint for federal safety review as these defects involve suspension, electrical moisture intrusion, and visibility issues that may impact the safe operation of the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 22, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · FL

Upon purchasing the vehicle, I discovered multiple critical safety defects that were not disclosed at the time of sale and were confirmed by an independent EV specialist (Electrified Garage). These defects include worn and failing front and rear suspension components (control arms, thrust arms, and cracked/damaged bushings), a failing sway bar link boot, and a malfunctioning window that makes contact with the internal wiring harness. The suspension defects create instability over bumps and uneven roads, producing clunks, shifting, and vibration that affect steering control and overall stability. These issues present a risk of suspension failure while driving, which could cause loss of control. The window/wiring contact also poses a potential electrical hazard if the harness becomes damaged. The independent inspection documented that these defects existed before I took possession of the vehicle. The dealer did not disclose any of these issues, and the defects were not visible during a standard test drive. I am reporting this because the suspension defects directly affect vehicle handling, safety, and crash-avoidance capability. I want the federal safety agency to be aware in case similar defects appear in other vehicles of the same model/year.

Filed Dec 24, 2024 · Suspension · CA

Car rattles when driven and makes loud sounds when going over bumps. Took to Tesla with 50k miles on it and they said it needs new air spring modules on front left and right. Did not do repair as it was over $3000. My car was built in the Fremont factory, the same as the cars in china that were recalled for the same reason. My car was a Tesla fleet car when I purchased it May of this year. Tesla had to know there was a problem and that’s why they wholesaled it to a different car dealership to be sold.

Filed Aug 11, 2024 · Suspension · MA

Rear suspension control arm broke. Causing the rare right wheel to fold in.

Filed Mar 15, 2024 · Suspension · MA

When getting into my vehicle for work, my vehicle appeared to be lopsided with the passenger side of the vehicle being considerably lower than the driver’s side. Luckily I noticed this right away and was able to back up safely into my parking spot. I brought it into the Tesla service center and they confirmed that the rear Suspension system/Air compressor/Air Spring Module on both sides are faulty and need to be replaced. They also stated that this was a “non-passenger facing alert” that they don’t believe was a new issue because I believe they stated the alert was visible 30 days prior when I had the vehicle in the service center for a different non-safety issue. After many days of research I see that this exact suspension issue thousands of Tesla owners more specifically Tesla owners of Model S/X years 2013-2018 see very frequently and in the state of California there was even a class action lawsuit due to this safety issue but for some reason there still has not been a recall? I believe that this on going suspension issue that Tesla has is a safety issue especially if traveling at higher speeds. This needs to be addressed sooner rather than later as it could lead to significant major safety issues if unaddressed.

Filed Dec 27, 2023 · Suspension · IL

In February 2022, I struck a downed tree limb which caused damage to my vehicle. The vehicle was repaired at a Tesla Service Center and the entire front suspension was replaced and paid for by my insurance. The car seemed to drive fine after this incident. In December 2023, I took the car in to a Tesla Service Center for an unrelated issue (the coolant level was low). After completing the service, I received a call from the service center stating that the service technician noticed that the vehicle was "swaying heavily to the right" and that it was not safe to drive. The service center performed diagnostic work and told me that the left fore link had detached from the ball assembly and that both the left and right fore links showed excessive wear. The service center initially told me that I would need to pay for this repair. Had them verify that the same components had been replaced recently and that only 6600 miles had been driven on the new suspension. After I told them that I would contact my insurance company, the service center quickly changed their tune, said they would cover the repair, and completed the repair within hours. Assuming their diagnosis was not fraudulent, and that the suspension was correctly replaced the first time, I find it deeply concerning that a key component of the suspension would fail after 6600 miles. I have copies of both service invoices and my chat history with the service center that I am happy to provide to substantiate this report. I was not able to attach them to this form so please contact me if you would like to obtain copies.

Filed Dec 3, 2023 · Suspension · MI

Left lower rear control arm is broken. Luckily it happened as I entered the garage. Could have been catastrophic on highway driving. There was no warning message of light.

Filed Nov 30, 2023 · Suspension · CA

While parking the left suspension fore link completely broke. The car only has 50k miles on it. I believe it is this issue: [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 16, 2023 · Suspension · CA

As I was backing up out of a parking spot, I was turning the wheel when I heard a pop and a ugly grinding noise coming from my front driver side wheel well. Initially, I thought I ran over something, but did not observe and debris under the vehicle. I proceeded to slowly pull forward and continued to hear grinding, but not as bad. When I turned, the grinding continued. I got out again to observe that my wheel had caught the back half of my wheel well cover and ripped it off, sitting in the wheel well still. A firm tug pulled the cover from the well and I could see the wheel was not situated in the center of the wheel well. After contacting the manufacturer, they towed the vehicle and I learned that the control arm had snapped and they would need to replace the whole front suspension. They also noted a couple knicks under my carriage and very minor scrapes on my bumper and said that the failure was due to outside influence and, thus, would not be covered by my active warranty. They said I was in an accident which is completely false. After research, I presented numerous instances of control arm failure for the same year/model as my car at very low mileages, including recall for the same parts in China, but they still refused to cover the faulty part. There is an open class action lawsuit for the exact same parts because the manufacturer refuses to acknowledge the problem. I had to pay to upgrade the suspension system which they now use in the car as they obviously don't use the old faulty components when repairing. If this failure was at full speed on the freeway, I might have lost control of the vehicle and been killed and nobody would be the wiser after the disastrous accident. As there is only a recall in China for this part, I am forced to pursue legal action through court to recover the costs.