2021 Tesla Model Y suspension problems

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Suspension · VA

I own a 2021 Tesla Model Y Performance with approximately 42,000 miles. On November 5, 2026, Tesla Service identified a suspension defect described in its official repair estimate as “lateral bushings torn out.” Tesla determined that both front lower lateral link assemblies require replacement. The estimated repair cost is $782.40. The vehicle has previously experienced persistent alignment problems, including pulling to the right and abnormal tire wear. A wheel alignment was performed approximately six weeks before this diagnosis. Tesla Service stated that the bushings would have been inspected during the previous alignment and suggested that the failures occurred within the intervening six weeks. However, I have not been provided documentation establishing that both bushings were undamaged during the earlier inspection. I am concerned about the potential safety implications of both front lower lateral link bushings failing at approximately 42,000 miles, particularly given the importance of these components in maintaining suspension geometry and vehicle stability. Tesla previously issued Recall 21V‑835 involving front lateral link fasteners on certain 2020–2021 Model Y vehicles. Although Tesla informed me that my VIN is excluded from that recall, the affected suspension components are the same. Additionally, the federal safety agency opened investigation PE26-006 in July 2026 concerning front lower lateral link failures in Tesla vehicles, including 2021–2023 Model Ys. I recognize that the failure mechanism identified in my vehicle may differ from those previously investigated. Nevertheless, I request that the federal safety agency review this incident to determine whether premature front lower lateral link bushing failures represent an additional safety concern affecting these vehicles. I can provide Tesla’s written diagnosis and repair estimate documenting the condition of both front lower lateral link assemblies.

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Suspension · 172,316 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormally loud popping and cracking sound, and the steering wheel became unstable. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact resumed driving; however, the steering wheel was loose, causing the vehicle to fail to respond to steering input. The contact pulled over a second time and inspected the vehicle, discovering that the front driver’s side wheel was turned inward. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and later towed to Bimmer Rescue, where it was diagnosed that the axle bolts had backed out, the axle was fractured, and the lower control arm sustained damages and struck and cracked the sub frame. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Action Number: PE26006 (Suspension). A Tesla Service Center was notified of the failure in person, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 172,316.

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · CA

Subject: Front suspension failure and wheel detachment — 2021 Tesla Model Y Vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model Y VIN: [XXX] My wife's 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced a serious failure involving the front-right suspension, resulting in the wheel detaching from the vehicle. Following the incident, we observed a disconnected suspension arm at its mounting point and recovered a loose fastener. We understand that another fastener associated with the connection was already missing. We have photographs documenting the detached suspension connection and the recovered fastener. We are concerned that this failure may involve a safety-related defect in the front suspension mounting hardware. We request that the federal safety agency investigate whether this incident is related to recall 21V‑835 / Tesla campaign SB-21-31-003, or any other suspension defect or recall affecting this vehicle. Please review this incident for potential safety implications for other vehicles and determine whether further investigation is warranted. We can provide photographs, the failed hardware, repair records, and additional details about the circumstances of the incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Suspension, Transmission · NJ

What failed: Front and rear suspension and drive components; the root cause is not resolved. Since at least June 2025, my 2021 Tesla Model Y Dual Motor (110,864 miles) has made a grinding, clunking and knocking noise, loudest at the front on the driver's side. It now happens on almost every drive, including on the highway, and the car sometimes shakes at speed. The vehicle is available for inspection on request. Safety risk: We drive this car with our young family, including on the highway. I am worried a suspension part could fail and cause loss of control. On XXX Tesla's technician wrote that the rear knuckles "have play and need to be replaced soon"; they have not been replaced. My car is also in the model years covered by the federal safety agency's XXX preliminary evaluation of front lower lateral link detachment on 2021–2023 Model Y. No crash or injury so far. Confirmed by a service center: Partly, by Tesla Service.XXX ([XXX]): confirmed front suspension noise and replaced both front lower lateral links and compliance links ($1,620.03); the noise continued. XXX [XXX]): verified a rear humming noise and a split rear drive unit bushing. XXX replaced the rear drive unit, verified front vibration on a test drive, and noted the rear knuckle play. XXX: verified front grinding, attributed it to brake wear, and did brake burnishing; no change. SXXX: unable to replicate. I also reported a noise on XXX Inspections: Tesla Service only. No police or insurance involvement. Warning lights: None related to this that I have noticed. I sent Tesla written notice on XXX THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Suspension · VA

I own a 2021 Tesla Model Y. During a [XXX] safety inspection in XXX, the vehicle was found to have deteriorated front suspension components. Tesla documented torn bushings in the front lower suspension links, including the lateral links and compliance links, and the vehicle failed the [XXX] safety inspection. Tesla recommended replacement of the affected front suspension components. I subsequently took the vehicle to an independent repair facility experienced with Tesla vehicles, Auto Scandia in [XXX]. The technician confirmed the suspension problems and replaced the affected front lower suspension links. The repair was completed XXX, and I paid $1,807.44, including the suspension repair and alignment-related work. I am reporting this because I understand the federal safety agency is investigating front lower lateral-link failures involving 2021–2023 Tesla Model Y vehicles. My vehicle experienced deterioration of components in this same area of the front suspension and required replacement. My lateral link did not detach while driving, and I did not experience a crash. The problem was discovered during inspection before a more serious failure occurred. I have Tesla’s original diagnosis and estimate as well as the paid independent repair invoice and can provide both if requested. I am concerned that these suspension components may be failing prematurely and could present a safety risk if the deterioration progresses to separation or loss of wheel control. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · CA

On XXX my 2021 Tesla Model Y, VIN [XXX], was taken to Tesla Service in West Covina, California, at 69,097 miles. While turning, a front suspension bolt fell out and the car knocked. Tesla estimate 3000-009-0039917905, service SV02F26AB8, dated XXX, quotes replacement of both front lower lateral links, part 2188341-00-D, and four nylon-patch lateral-link bolts, part 1109912-00-B, plus the front subframe, both front halfshafts, both lower compliance links, the front valance, and the front aero shield. The estimate is $8,237.58 with tax and is marked customer-pay. I have not signed it. This is the same joint as the federal safety agency recall 21V‑835, Tesla SB-21-31-003: the front lower lateral-link fastener can loosen and let the link separate from the subframe. My VIN is not in that campaign. A Tesla manager said a recall letter was mailed to me in XXX, he said I did not bring the car in, and I am therefore liable. I have no such letter. No XXX the federal safety agency campaign covers this 2021 VIN for this bolt. I asked him to provide to proof of that letter. He said he doesn't have proof because he doesnt work in that department but he told me the date and that's his proof. The failed part is the recalled bolt. The estimate does not show that the subframe, both axles, both compliance links, and the fascia were damaged by it. I am reporting this for the open lower-lateral-link investigation, PE26006. The car had a sudden suspension separation while turning, which can cause a loss of control. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Suspension · DC

The vehicle suffered severe, premature suspension control arm degradation resulting in loud creaking/squeaking, forcing an emergency out-of-pocket replacement costing over $1,000. This is a known systemic defect noted in Tesla TSB SB-20-31-006. This first occurred in February and then again in July this year.

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · GA

My vehicle falls within the 2021–2023 Model Y population identified in the federal safety agency Preliminary Evaluation PE26-006. The vehicle is a 2021 Model Y and current mileage is 73,350 miles. I am experiencing progressively worsening front suspension squeaking/creaking when turning the steering wheel in either direction, which can now be heard both inside and outside the vehicle. The vehicle also feels noticeably bouncier than normal. I first noticed a faint creaking sound in July and it has gotten worse over time. So I have concerns regarding the lower lateral-link/control-arm suspension failure. Additionally, I have experienced unusual wear on my tires and alignment issues in the last couple of years. There was also a previous recall from 2021 , 21V‑835 / SB-21-31-003, that involved certain 2020–2021 Model Ys where the front lower lateral-link fasteners could loosen and allow the lateral link to separate from the subframe. the federal safety agency specifically described the potential consequence as changed wheel alignment, instability, and increased crash risk. I have reached out to Tesla about my concerns and they stated there were no open recalls and quoted me for repairs. I have screenshots of the Tesla correspondence if needed. I have an upcoming appointment with Tesla on 9/24/26 for diagnostic testing.

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Body, Suspension · CA

I brought the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center for a front suspension noise. During the alignment portion of that repair, the technician found a crack in the left side of the rear subframe casting, the structural member that locates the rear suspension links and supports the rear drive unit. The subframe required full replacement. There was no impact event. The vehicle has never struck a curb, pothole, or object, and Tesla's own written finding confirmed there was no evidence of any side impact. Tesla attributed the crack to stress transmitted from failed front lower control arm bushings, which were replaced at the same visit. The front lower lateral links and their subframe fasteners were also replaced during this repair. The Tesla technician stated he had not seen this subframe crack so severely at this mileage, and that he normally sees this failure only on vehicles over 100,000 miles, or vehicles that have hit severe potholes or fallen off steep curbs, none of which applies here. A rear subframe cracking under normal driving loads at 68,000 miles is a structural failure with safety implications. The subframe controls rear wheel alignment and retains the drive unit. Progressive or sudden failure could cause loss of alignment, instability, or loss of vehicle control. I am reporting this so the federal safety agency can determine whether premature rear subframe cracking, potentially linked to front suspension link failure, represents a defect trend on these vehicles.

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Suspension · VA

My garage-kept 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced a premature failure/tearing of the front lower lateral link and compliance bushings at only 31,930 miles under normal driving conditions. The service center identified severe degradation requiring immediate replacement. This component failed prematurely without any severe impact or road hazards, posing a potential safety hazard regarding vehicle control and alignment. This issue appears to be part of the ongoing suspension defect under the federal safety agency investigation (PE26006). Funny thing is that my dad's model Y also has the similar issues on the rear suspension. sigh...