The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages “Air Suspension Unable to Raise” and “Functionality May Be Restored on Next Drive” were displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
2017 Tesla Model X suspension problems
59 complaints (22% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 20,000. 6 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 59
- of this car's complaints
- 22%
- typical mileage
- 20,000
- crashes
- 6
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Tesla Model X suspension problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Tesla Model X suspension
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Fore Link Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation based on forty-three complaints alleging failure of the left or right front suspension fore links in Tesla model year (MY) 2015 through 2017 Model S and MY 2016 through 2017 Model X vehicles. The investigation has identified 426 instances of failure on part number 1041570-00-A or 1041575-00-A fore links.None of the instances resulted in any loss of vehicle control. One minor crash with no injuries is associated with the 426 instances fore link failures.A majority of the failures occurred between one to fifteen mph while parking in driveways or parking lots.In the eight instances where the vehicle was traveling more than 40 mph and the fore link failed, the vehicle remained controllable with no associated crash or injuries as a result. Tesla issued a consumer satisfaction bulletin (SB-17-31-001) on 10 February 2017, to replace the subject component on a sub-population of vehicles originally equipped with the subject fore links and built between 19 January 2016 and 25 May 2016.This sub population does not cover 75% instances of failures identified in this investigation. Additional damage to other vehicle components will occur if the vehicle is driven with this failed fore link.However no instance has shown that a failure of the fore link in this manner prevented the controllability of the vehicle in testing and reported failures. Based on this analysis,ODI is closing the investigation. ODI recommends that Tesla expand the terms of Bulletin SB-17-31-001 to cover all vehicles equipped with 1041570-00-A or 1041575-00-A fore links. This does not constitute a finding by the Agency that a safety-related defect is not present; the Agency will take further action if warranted by additional information received. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
PE20020
What 2017 Tesla Model X owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I am reporting a safety concern related to the suspension system in my 2017 Tesla Model X. The front tires are rubbing against the wheel arch liner, especially when turning or driving over uneven terrain. I have not made any aftermarket modifications, and the vehicle has been maintained in accordance with Tesla’s recommendations. This issue appears to match the known problem involving front suspension fore link failures documented in the federal safety agency investigations and prior complaints for 2016–2017 Model X vehicles. While I have not experienced a complete suspension failure, the current symptoms are consistent with reported cases where the fore links weaken or fail, causing the wheel to shift and contact the fender liner, leading to tire damage, unusual noises, and potential safety risks. I have reported this to Tesla, but they have not acknowledged this as a known issue for my VIN. However, the federal safety agency previously identified over 400 instances of similar failure and recommended that Tesla expand their service bulletin to include more vehicles. This is a critical safety concern as it can lead to premature tire wear, loss of control, and further suspension failure. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review whether Tesla should issue a recall or cover this repair under a broader service campaign.
This is the THIRD YEAR in a row that the Suspension System on this vehicle has failed. This seems like it should be a basic feature of any vehicle - that it should have proper shocks and suspension. The problem is the repair this time is estimated to be at $4000, when we have already had this repaired twice for several thousands of dollars. We drive this car very gently, so there is not an issue of us abusing the vehicle. Also, in China, Tesla was forced to recall vehicles over this same issue: Tesla recalls nearly 50,000 Model S and X cars in China over faulty suspension We would like to know if any recalls will be issued.
Tesla Model X are already known to wear out the rear tires on the inside edge due to excessive negative camber, or wheels tilting inwards from the top. Lowering the suspension setting makes the wheels tilt in even further! This causes more the weight of the car to rest on the inner shoulder of the wheel. Driving this way quickly wears down the inside edge of the rear tires which can cause a sudden and unexpected dangerous blowout
Tesla rear camber arms (see the photo silver colored) fail due to the heavy battery load and will incur substantial negative camber angle causing severe inner tire wear and potential blow out of rear tires and causing accident and injury. Those camber arms are not adjustable as designed by Tesla on all vehicles of Model S, 3, X and Y on all vehicle years. This is a design flaw that Tesla was made aware of but they are reluctant to fix it. Also, if we as consumers fix this issue with an aftermarket adjustable camber arms (blue in color in the photo), Tesla would not do the wheel alignment.
Problem #1: The Components that failed are the front wheel fenders, they blew off while driving down the highway, they have since been repaired. the repairman said that these blow off all the time due to how they are installed with plastic clips and glue. My families safety was put at risk because the moment that this happened the sensor was showing something that was about to hit us. had the auto drive been enabled at this time the car could have taken measures to avoid what it thought was an object. We were also put at risk as well as others driving behind us by the parts blowing off onto a highway while driving at high speeds. The component was inspected by the service tech that worked for Tesla. I took the car into Tesla to have the car serviced before driving to California, they cleared the car and said that everything looked great, no warnings or symptoms. Problem #2: On the same drive to California, we had a error that showed as "Safety Restraint System Fault". This error seems to come and go so it may be available upon request depending on the day it is. The safety of my children are put at risk because we will not know when they are taking off their seatbelt due to this error. The Error has been inspected by Tesla on multiple occasions and they cannot seem to find how to fix this. I have another appointment with them on [XXX] to try again to fix it. There is a Warning, but it is very vague and does not let you know where the problem is. Problem #3: Tesla's Front Suspension Arms lose all Grease and start to make a grinding noise while going over minor bumps. This puts people at risk because at any moment the cars suspension could fail while driving due to the ware on the suspension. The component has been inspected by Tesla and they said that I should wait until the other arm starts to fail to replace them both at the same time. No warnings or anything has been shown due to this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I have brought my vehicle back to Tesla 3 different occasions for the same issue ( Suspension failure) The first time, I was told that it was a malware issue. The second time in November 2023, I was told the compressor was bad. They charged me $623 to repair. The same problem with the suspension happened again the end of June 2024. Tesla told me that I had a leak on my suspension and that they could see the leak without me bringing the vehicle into the shop. They gave me an estimate for repair of $2,044. They told me that I had to wait until August 16 to bring it in to get repaired. When I get there the service manager states that they are backed up on repairs and it will take another 3 to 5 weeks before my vehicle can be fixed. I have been paying for a rental car out of pocket for over a month and now I won't be able to get my vehicle until September 6th. Tesla is using this knowledge about the suspension to make money! There should be a recall on the suspension at Tesla's expense. They have cost me thousands!
Car has 38k miles. Front of car started making creaking noises whenever moving. Diagnosed both upper control arms seized. Was told by the technician that Tesla found their error and the new Model Xs do not have this issue. From reading online, this is a VERY common issue for Tesla owners and Tesla is aware.
Front Suspension Lower Fore Links, yes it is available for inspection. The incident occur while driving the vehicle; which is ground for significant safety risk. The vehicle is in the process of getting towed. Vehicle has not yet been inspected. No warning signs, the vehicle just came out of Tesla Service Center.
The suspension system on the vehicle failed. The Tesla Roadside Service said I was able to drive it until I could get it fixed. However, that was incorrect information and I, or someone else could have been injured. The vehicle was repaired at the Telsa Service Center in Norwell MA. The warning that came on was something to the effect of auto suspension has been disabled. That was do to the failure.
Questions about the 2017 Tesla Model X suspension
Does the 2017 Tesla Model X have suspension problems?
Owners have filed 59 complaints about the suspension of the 2017 Tesla Model X, 22% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2017 Tesla Model X suspension problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 20,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2017 Tesla Model X suspension?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Tesla Model X have bad suspension?
The Tesla Model X model years with the most suspension complaints are 2016 (151 complaints), 2017 (59 complaints) and 2018 (37 complaints).
Other 2017 Tesla Model X problems
Electrical 72Steering 51Driver assistance 49Brakes 17Acceleration 16Body 12Visibility 11Lights 10Transmission 10Airbags 9Fuel system 9Seat belts 6Engine 5Wheels 4Seats 3Tires 1
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2017 Tesla Model X?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history