2020 Tesla Model Y suspension problems

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Suspension · CA

The vehicle's front upper control arms creak and groan when in motion, audible at very slow speeds, especially when performing a turn (forwards and backwards). Tesla has identified it as the mentioned components, from a test drive with one of their service technicians present. The issue still exists (is not yet repaired) so it is available for further inspection upon request. As this affects steering, it is a major safety risk. Research online reports loss of steering ability, inoperable vehicles, and accidents while driving. Further, this problem has been reported to the federal safety agency and is supposed to be under investigation but no actions forced yet despite numerous reports, online forum complaints, etc. No warning lights or messages are displayed by the vehicle. As per an article reported as recently as August, there is never any vehicle warning lights or dash indicators, it is always discovered by listening to the vehicle and (hopefully) becoming concerned enough to bring the vehicle into Service. [XXX] The article and forum chatter reports this occuring as early as 29k miles onto the vehicle. Mine was at (rough guess) 150k when it started making the noise to indicate it's impending failure. I have driven for almost 30 years and never had an issue with an upper control arm. A 6-yr car should not be having this, and Tesla charging all of us $800 to $1600 for repairs. How is that acceptable when it is a product and part construction issue? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Suspension · CA

The front suspension bushing has torn prematurely at only 31099 miles. There is no history of external impact, accident, or modifications to the suspension assembly. This vehicle displays the exact premature structural breakdown targeted by the active the federal safety agency Office of Defects Investigation case number PE26006. It was found out during Tesla service inspection to replace 12 V battery.Tesla Service declined to offer a goodwill repair due to calendar age (6 years), forcing an out-of-pocket replacement. The mechanical part failed silently without triggering any electronic dashboard alerts or system warnings to notify the driver of the safety risk."

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Suspension · FL

While my wife was driving on a flat straight road, she heard a loud bang noise from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle made a loud grinding noise. Upon inspection, it was found the bolt securing the front right damper to the suspension had snapped and come loose. The nut fastening the bolt was lost on the roadside.

Filed May 8, 2026 · Suspension · 48,000 miles · GA

The contact's daughter owns a 2020 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal, squeaking sound would emit from the vehicle without warning. The contact called the service center where they gave the contact an estimate for a diagnostic. The contact was also informed that the vehicle may be covered under a goodwill warranty. The vehicle several parts of the front control arm were defective and had caused several other defects related to the control arm. The contact was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle remained in the service center's possession but had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Brakes, Suspension · CO

There was a grinding sound coming from the LF wheel. This was progressively getting worse. Car was shaking while driving so dropped it off with my mechanic due to safety concerns. Per the mechanic that fixed the issue: Inspection found LF wheel bearing is loose. A bolt backed out on inside rubbing through axel shaft. Allowed wheel bearing to damage to damaged from moving in place. Axle shaft damaged from rubbing on backed out bolt. Replace LF axle shaft and wheel bearing. Informed by mechanic that wheel could have fallen off while driving. No prior work. Mechanic believes most likely issue was not having the bolts appropriately installed at time of manufactue

Filed Dec 4, 2025 · Body, Steering · MN

I would hear squeaking/tearing/rattling noises, this was found to be due to malfunctioning/broken nuts and compliance arms and control arms. This happened three times so far, attached are two repairs that was required previously. Per report with Tesla staff, this has been a recurring issue. Per additional Tesla owners, this has been a frequent issue amongst many different Tesla forums. Now I have to get it repaired for the third time. I bought a used Tesla that was certified by Tesla, problems occured at 37876 miles, but car was bought at 34529 miles.

Filed Sep 22, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · CA

While driving at approximately 39,000 miles, the vehicle developed loud rattling and creaking noises from the front suspension when steering or backing out. A Tesla service center inspected the car and confirmed that both front lower lateral link assemblies were completely torn and required replacement. This failure placed safety at risk by compromising front suspension stability and steering control. The issue was confirmed and repaired by Tesla, and the replaced components are available for inspection. The defect, symptoms, and remedy match those described in the federal safety agency Recall 21V‑835, which covers abnormal noise and damage caused by defective front lower lateral link fasteners. Despite this, the repair was classified as customer-pay instead of being covered under recall. No dashboard warning lights were displayed before the failure; the only symptom was abnormal noise when steering.

Filed May 13, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · NJ

Steering became difficult to turn to the right with the wheel sticking to the right when trying to turn or drive the vehicle. Tesla claims we had some kind of a large impact. Maybe a pothole. Tesla claims well this is a heavy vehicle. Out of no where we had to replace the entire steering rack. I've never had to replace an entire steering rack for a pothole. Seems ridiculous.

Filed Nov 4, 2024 · Suspension · CA

Experienced a loud clicking noise from front wheels. Took into Tesla service and the front lateral link bushings are torn. There was a recall in 2021 of some Model Y and Model 3 Teslas, but not all. I am concerned that my car and others should have been a part of this recall and that cars that weren’t inspected could be driving in a dangerous vehicle. Here is the recall number: 21V83500, SB-21-31-003. Alternatively, I am concerned that this is a safety issue on its own.

Filed Aug 19, 2024 · Suspension · CA

Brought the vehicle in for tire replacement and alignment on 08/15/2024. Right front tire was wearing on the outside. Tesla service technician found bolt had backed out and jammed on rear subframe. This caused vehicle to pull to the right and presented a potential safety issue. The bolt secures a link between the wheel assembly and subframe. Tesla service center claims that I must have had an accident or hit a pothole etc. The vehicle has not been involved in any accident or hard bumps. I suspect this is an assembly issue . A properly installed bolt would not come loose.