Tesla Model S pulling problems

Filed Nov 18, 2025 · Seat belts, Seats · CA

Vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range VIN: [XXX] I am reporting multiple safety-related defects that existed at delivery or developed shortly thereafter, and Tesla has refused to diagnose or repair them under warranty. These defects create an unsafe driving condition and risk of loss of control or collision. Defect Summary: 1.Alignment Defect at Delivery: On the day I bought the car, the steering wheel pulled to the left and felt unstable. I reported this immediately to Tesla. They dismissed it as “normal.” 2.Premature Tire Wear: Within months, the left tire wore down to the steel belts on the left side while the right side had normal wear. An independent shop confirmed this was caused by suspension/bushing issues, not road damage. 3.Suspension/Bushing Failure: A third-party Tesla-certified shop confirmed that the suspension components are bent/tweaked and require replacement for safe driving. Tesla refused to inspect these components properly. 4.Unlatched Rear Seat at Delivery: The rear seat was delivered unlatched, which is a major safety hazard during braking or collision. 5.Broken Glass Under Rear Seat: Broken glass was found under the rear seat cushion at delivery, raising concerns about vehicle history and delivery inspection standards. 6.New Defect While in Tesla’s Custody: On Nov 17, 2025, moisture accumulated inside the left taillight while the vehicle was parked outdoors at Tesla’s Stockton facility. This can cause electrical shorting or lighting malfunction. Tesla’s Response: Tesla has repeatedly refused to inspect the suspension properly, dismissed my complaints, and produced an inaccurate service invoice that did not reflect what was discussed. They told me we are “at an impasse.” These defects pose a serious safety risk (tire blowout, loss of control, lighting malfunction). I request the federal safety agency investigate these issues as they may indicate broader problems with Tesla’s suspension, alignment, and delivery inspection processes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),

Filed May 1, 2025 · AZ · crash · fire · 2 injuries

I am reporting a traumatic incident involving a 2017 Tesla Model S (loaner) that crashed on [XXX], in Arizona while Autopilot was engaged. We were traveling eastbound at 55 mph on [XXX] near [XXX] when the vehicle suddenly pulled hard left into the median and hit a tree. I briefly lost consciousness and suffered a concussion; my passenger sustained a broken back and thumb. Smoke rose from the car, and doors wouldn't open. I’m claustrophobic—it was terrifying. I managed to exit via the front passenger door but couldn't move my friend due to possible spinal injuries. This incident changed our lives. I have chronic back pain and PTSD. My friend hasn’t worked since. Tesla has not taken accountability. I was told internal footage exists and others have seen it, but I’ve never been given access. No third party (manufacturer, police, or insurer) has inspected the vehicle—only Tesla. I tried to buy the wreck at auction to preserve evidence but; my bid for a totaled tesla was $10k, it was declined. There were no warning lights or alerts before the crash. Autopilot failed. If the car had veered into traffic or pedestrians, people might’ve died. Instead of support, I was found at fault by AAA (despite no citation), received six points, and my premium rose to $2,200/month. Tesla must be held accountable. Consumers deserve transparency. Autopilot gave no warning and couldn’t avoid a tree in broad daylight. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate this crash, request the vehicle’s data/video, and provide resources for victims of vehicle tech failures. I can supply witness contacts and medical documentation. Please help. Complacency is going cost lives. There should be a class action lawsuit. Blood on the hands of Tesla for using humans as test rats. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 8, 2024 · Acceleration · CA

While driving on the freeway at 70 MPH with 39 miles of range left, the vehicle abruptly slowed down to 20 MPH...cars behind us almost hit us due to the car slowing down despite me accelerating. We pulled to the right shoulder, rest the car and then was only able to go up to 20MPH...range still said 39 miles. Shortly after the car stopped, there was a warning displayed, and the car turned off and could no longer turn back on. I believe the battery failed. The car was towed to Tesla Irvine Barranca Service center and diagnostics confirmed the battery needed replacement. I traded in the car for a new vehicle. Safety of the driver, passengers, and the around us on the freeway were all at risk and we were lucky to avoid any issues. All Tesla told me was the battery died There was a warning that appeared when the car slowed down to 20mph...stating the car was no longer able to be driven

Filed Sep 4, 2024 · Suspension · NJ

-The front suspension half shafts or CV joints produce a known vibration through the accelerator pedal, steering wheel at 25-40 mph during cold starts for the first 3-5 minutes of driving. This is a factory new vehicle. The problem is regularly addressed on Tesla owner forums, noting it is present in all new Tesla Model S vehicles 2019 through 2024. -CV joint vibration is typically caused my misalignment that can ultimately lead to premature wear and failures in the suspension system and potentially the vehicle pulling to one side unexpectedly, potentially wobbling, and ultimately leading to a failure resulting in a potential impact with another object/vehicle. -Tesla Dealership acknowledged that the vibration concern is coming from the CV half shafts but did not have a solution and described the condition as a known issue that is just "inherent to high performance vehicles." In the past, TSBs were posted guiding users to lower the vehicle to reduce the misalignment, but it ultimately did not solve the problem. However, the TSB highlights/indicates that Tesla is aware of CV misalignment, which causes vibration.

Filed Aug 11, 2024 · Suspension · NY

Drove out of my driveway and 2 minutes later I hear a metal clink and my steering wheel pulled to the left. I was going 15-20 mph. Pull over and see the right rear wheel angled inwards. And see a metal piece broke off. Turns out the rear control arm broke for no apparent reason. Many others reported same issue and there was a recall on this for 2013-2014 SB-19-31-001 [XXX] but not years going forward even though many of the newer Tesla’s have same issue. Luckily I was going g slow but it seems it is just a matter of time before this happens to someone on the highway or at faster speeds to cause some serious damage and injuries. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 24, 2023 · Steering · CA

My car developed a handling problem. I took it to Tesla service and they told me it was a bent tie rod. The part was ordered and I took the car back in to have it installed around a month later. However, they then decided it wasn't a bent tie rod and instead was an alignment issue. They did an alignment and told me the car was fixed. The car was not fixed. I have taken the vehicle in several more times and test driven with multiple mechanics/technicians. They all agreed that there is a handling issue but it doesn't seem that bad and they've seen much worse from other Teslas (implying it is an issue with other cars as well). At this point I am told there is nothing they can do to the car despite it being somewhat dangerous. The car pulls extremely hard to the left under acceleration and pulls to the right under deceleration. However, I have had an alignment done multiple times, I've put new factory spec tires and rims on the car and replaced all of the front suspension including bushings and control arms. At freeway speeds, if you accelerate to pass, the car will veer aggressively to the left towards possible oncoming traffic. Imperfections in the road cause the car to jump around in an unpredictable manner. Not only is my car dangerous but the technicians telling me they have seen this behavior in other cars is a huge cause for concern.

Filed Apr 14, 2023 · Brakes, Suspension · TX

I was driving at low speed when I suddenly felt a very loud pop and snap. I thought I had a flat tire. The car pulled to the left. I had trouble pulling over and thought I was going to hit someone. I was able to come to a stop abruptly. I checked for a flat and had none. I called Tesla after limping the car home because I could not see a flat. The car had a broken control arm and had completely pulled the left wheel against the frame. Almost like I got something really hard but I hadn't. I had just pulled away from a stop sign when the snap took place. I was put at risk as well as my child. I couldn't control my vehicle. There were no warning messages. The vehicle was repaired by tesla and they didn't even call me to tell me what was wrong with it. I found out it was the control arm from the documents i was given.

Filed Aug 9, 2020 · Steering · 7,695 miles · NH

Steering on the interstate highway was somewhat unfamiliar to me, it stayed in one lane but would wander more than I recalled. I assumed it was the studded snowtires (hakkepellita) and pulled over to check tire pressures. I carefully drove on to the supercharger, noticed as I bacaked into the supercharger position the steering was difficult, as if the power steering was compromised. Drove home carefully, found the electrified garage which specialized in tesla repairs, in seabrook, nh. The tesla was flat-bed transported to them. They reported that during the many weeks they had it, that the steering box had to be replaced. I contacted tesla customer service of the problem, and they did not respond. As a result, I cancelled a new 2020 model s during the summer of 2020, and bought a new lexus instead. I was too uncomfortable with the engineering of the tesla, and that the steering box should not fail in 7,690 miles since new. I found a service message that discussed a potential problem with the 5 power steering mounting bolts. They came to my home to replace them. I looked up the 38 page service bulletin and found several warnings in it about not taking more than one bolt out at a time. Since they had come to my home to replace the bolts, I theorized perhaps the technician did not follow the bulletin content exactly. Bulletin warned that if you remove more than 1 bolt at a time you must replace the steering box. See bulletin sb-18-32-002 r1 (and revision 2 and rev. 3) . Mine is submodel p85d (awd) and please note first version of the bulletin and revision 2, and 3rd revision are different. They reference service manual procedure 32010102 to replace the steering box on page 4 of sb 18-32-(001) see also: https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/power-steering-falling-apart.100951/ where the steering box/ps failures are discussed by tesla owners.

Filed Jul 3, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · 7,590 miles · NH

In 2018 tesla notified me of needing to inspect and replace 5 bolts securing my steering box and power steering units. They did that and left. I had serious medical issues, so my tesla model s had only 7,590 miles. In 2020 within just a few miles but nearly 2 years from that 5-bolt replacement, I was driving on i89 towards a tesla supercharger, I felt the car was wandering ever so slightly within my lane, so I was uneasy, but attributed it to my 4 studded swedish snow tires. Arriving at the supercharger, noticed much steering effort to back into charging position. When leaving, it had more effort to steer, and it didn't bother me much once I was rolling along. Same wandering problem on the interstate. Looked on the internet and found the 38 page service bulletin from tesla. #sb-18-32-002 r1 several times in it tesla warned that if at any point more than 1 bolt is removed at a time, the steering box must be replaced. They did not elaborate as to why. It seems now we know. Another issue I mentioned to electrified garage in seabrook, nh is the rear of the car settles down to nearly touching the rear wheels overnight. I suspected an air leak and they reported that I needed two rear air shock assemblies and a new steering box. They said tesla offered no rear shock rebuild kit containing new improved seals. I am in shock over both these problems at 7,600 miles and sent 2 email letters off to tesla, and no reply from either letter. Perhaps the federal safety agency sees this as a repeating issue on low mileage 2015 tesla model s p85d electric cars? My 2015 tesla is still sitting at the electrified garage 10 dows lane - seabrook, nh 03847 after almost 7 weeks. I love the safety aspects of the model s, but after struggling over the pain of poor engineering & supplier problems, I am looking elsewhere until they work out the bugs. Sb-18-32-002 r1 attached.

Filed Jul 3, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · 7,590 miles · NH

In 2018 tesla notified me of needing to inspect and replace 5 bolts securing my steering box and power steering units. They did that and left. I had serious medical issues, so my tesla model s had only 7,590 miles. In 2020 within just a few miles but nearly 2 years from that 5-bolt replacement, I was driving on i89 towards a tesla supercharger, I felt the car was wandering ever so slightly within my lane, so I was uneasy, but attributed it to my 4 studded swedish snow tires. Arriving at the supercharger, noticed much steering effort to back into charging position. When leaving, it had more effort to steer, and it didn't bother me much once I was rolling along. Same wandering problem on the interstate. Looked on the internet and found the 38 page service bulletin from tesla. #sb-18-32-002 r1 several times in it tesla warned that if at any point more than 1 bolt is removed at a time, the steering box must be replaced. They did not elaborate as to why. It seems now we know. Another issue I mentioned to electrified garage in seabrook, nh is the rear of the car settles down to nearly touching the rear wheels overnight. I suspected an air leak and they reported that I needed two rear air shock assemblies and a new steering box. They said tesla offered no rear shock rebuild kit containing new improved seals. I am in shock over both these problems at 7,600 miles and sent 2 email letters off to tesla, and no reply from either letter. Perhaps the federal safety agency sees this as a repeating issue on low mileage 2015 tesla model s p85d electric cars? My 2015 tesla is still sitting at the electrified garage 10 dows lane - seabrook, nh 03847 after almost 7 weeks. I love the safety aspects of the model s, but after struggling over the pain of poor engineering & supplier problems, I am looking elsewhere until they work out the bugs. Sb-18-32-002 r1 attached.