We purchased a Tesla Model X 2 years ago and have driven a little over 10,000 miles on it. The car has had continuous suspension problems which resulted in replacing the half shaft twice, control arms and now suspension pins. We drive solely on city roads and highways, it does not seem safe that a car used for regular commute to/from work and school would have such serious mechanical problems so early on.
2020 Tesla Model X: ball joint or control arm failure
12 of the 128 complaints about the 2020 Tesla Model X describe ball joint or control arm failure.
- owner complaints
- 12
- of this car's complaints
- 9%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 2 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Ball joint or control arm failure by model year
What owners say
Slowed down to make a right turn at approximately 10 mph then heard a loud pop in the rear drivers side wheel. Noticed that wheel no longer had traction. Drove another 1/4 mile to my home where the vehicle was then inspected and noticed the rear tire was not aligned with the vehicle. After further inspection, I noticed the control arm was broken in half. Brought vehicle into a Tesla Service Center and they are claiming the damage was caused by excessive force or impact.
I have a 2020 Model X (23k miles) and the warranty just expired 2 months ago. It suddenly developed a loud creaking in the front end. The creaking seems to be related to the movement of the suspension, but I also notice it when I turn either direction. It’s not related to braking except to the extent that the suspension is compressed slightly with braking. From research it may be the control arms and front sway bar. Apparently this is a very common issue with the Model X per Online forums. Absolutely no reason why any of those parts should be failing for everyone unless it was faulty parts/engineering. This should definitely be investigated.
Just paid to replace the upper control arms and half shafts on my 2020 Tesla Model X. These repairs were required due to a very loud shudder and squeaking noise while driving. These issues came up 6 weeks after my manufacturer warranty expired. This was not the first time my vehicle required suspension related service/repairs. Just by a quick online search Tesla is well aware of these suspension issues as is the federal safety agency. OWNERS SHOULD NOT NEED TO PAY FOR TESLAS POOR ENGINEERING. the federal safety agency needs to step up and recall these vehicles and force Tesla to reimburse owners who have paid out of pocket for repairs.
We have taken the vehicle to Tesla service center multiple times (3 or 4) for the passenger side suspension creaking. Fore and aft links replaced as well as upper control arms. Car continues to make noise and service center stating they cannot duplicate the problem - this is happening to multiple model x.
Premature internal damage to the front half shafts causes the front end to shudder during acceleration between 0-50 mph. This shuddering is distracting and can be felt through the steering column creating a safety risk to the driver and others in the vehicle. I have had Telsa service "repair" this issue under warranty 3 times. AUG 31, 2021 went into Service Center for the Service Bulletin to be Applied to Reseal Area Around Both Front Upper Control Arm Ball Joints With Urethane (Model X) - Modify FEB 2, 2022 went into Service center for the Service Bulletin to be Applied to Inspect Vehicle, Replace Front Halfshafts, Reposition Clevis (Raven Front Drive Unit) - Remove and Replace JUL 28, 2022 went into Service Center for the Service Bulletin to be Applied to Inspect Vehicle, Replace Front Halfshafts, Reposition Clevis (Raven Front Drive Unit) - Remove and Replace I took the vehicle to Tesla for a 4th time in Aug 2023 and because the car is out of warranty they would not repair it under the Bulletin. I decided to take the vehicle to a suspension mechanic and the front axle shafts were removed and rebuilt. The left front rearward lower control arm was also removed and replaced because it was cracked.
There is a known issue where the ball joints in the steering column wear out prematurely (on all Tesla models) and, if not fixed, can damage the steering column. Example: https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaModel3/comments/vwrct4/does_anyone_know_why_im_getting_a_very_loud/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=4 If you just Google “Tesla steering wheel squeak,” you’ll come up with plenty of articles about it. Tesla has a tendency to hide or misrepresent ongoing problems, and use its customers as test pilots. Enough is enough!
My Tesla Model X has 55,000 miles on it. My entire suspension has failed and was replaced. The control arms for the front left and right side have failed as well. My car has been in the shop multiple times in the last 6-8 months. Fortunately I have an extended warranty on the vehicle. But still have to pay a $200 deductible. These parts are being replaced several times.
There is an abnormally loud squeaking noise when driving, turning, and going over any surface at all speeds. The noise sounds like metal is being stretched and is about to break. After carefully listening to the vehicle, it is found that the noise is coming from the control arms. Although unbearable, the problem has not put my passengers and me in danger. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by the Tesla Service Center in Burlingame, California. The Tesla dealer has inspected the vehicle or component, and a re-inspection is scheduled for May 11, 2022. The problem appeared suddenly while driving last Thursday, April 28, without any prior symptoms or warning. The vehicle and parts are available for inspection upon request.
The screen has turned off a number of times while driving on the highway. Couldn't see any controls, speed, navigation, camera, etc. Screen was completely turned off. Also the suspension (ball joints) feel loose and make an odd sound.
Here is a 2020 tesla model s in the junkyard: https://www.iaai.com/vehicledetails/37573752?rownumber=3 despite having the new improved redesigned suspension giblets it has gone all whompy. The rh back wheel is leaning out and the front suspension is.completely copulated. The steering knuckle has cracked in half, the lower ball joints have snapped. The whole thing is fornicated. This is not crash damage. It is self inflicted injury caused by bad design, bad materials and bad elon. Please take these junkheaps off the roads. Thank you keef
Here is a 2020 model x in the junkyard. Https://www.iaai.com/vehicledetails/37336502?rownumber=63 the front wheel has gone whompy because the top ball-joint has popped apart. This exact same ball joint is used on all models of teslas. Tesla seems to have got a bad batch of these ball joints that have insufficient lubricant causing squeaking as the dry metal parts rub against each other. Many owners are complaining about this on the forums and are resorting to diy repairs like making a hole in the boot and spraying in lubricant. These failures are now so common that a meme has been generated. Pop goes the ball joint https://www.reddit.com/r/enoughmuskspam/comments/f9k8g6/pop_goes_the_ball_joint/ not really funny though. This failure will kill people. Please take action. Thank you keef
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2020 Tesla Model X ball joint
Is ball joint or control arm failure a common problem on the 2020 Tesla Model X?
12 of 128 owner complaints about the 2020 Tesla Model X (9%) mention ball joint or control arm failure. The model year with the most reports is 2016.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2020 Tesla Model X?
There are 0 recalls and 2 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2020 Tesla Model X
Adaptive cruise 12Grinding brakes 9Sudden acceleration 7Shudder 6Phantom braking 5
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