The vehicle lost steering at 10 mph as a bolt from the front suspension's upper control arm and lateral link fasteners became loose and detached rom the vehicle. The wheel was completely misaligned, and the vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle could not be moved to the side of the road, putting my safety and the safety of other drivers at risk. I fear that this could have been a fatal accident had I been on the highway. This issue has been confirmed by Tesla Service Center, and they acknowledged that this is a known issue. There were no warning indicators or recall notices sent to warn of this known issue. My vehicle should have been recalled. Tesla is making me pay $3,000 for repairs despite knowing this is a manufacturer defect, and they are continuing to put lives at risk by not issuing a wider recall.
2021 Tesla Model Y suspension complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 82, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Upper control arms wear out and start making sounds
The bolts connecting the front upper control arm and steering knuckle may not have been tightened properly, potentially leading to detachment. This causes the car to have squeaky, leaking noises when going over bumps and making turns.
Upper and lower control arms failed, and front suspensions bushings became torn. The car did not present any warning lamps or warning messages. The issue became apparent when a loud creaking/squeaking sound started coming from the front of the vehicle, and could be reproduced by turning the steering wheel, or by accelerating or braking. Control arm and suspension failures have been a frequent issue amongst Tesla owners, and the federal safety agency should consider a recall for the design flaw.
My steering is making loud noises and so is the suspension. It’s so loud it’s embarrassing to drive. The steering wheel also came apart because it wasn’t glued down properly and had air bubbles. I see recalls for cars but not my specific vin. Tesla says no wheel replacement for me and cost of replacing link assembly parts and bolts would cost me 2000$
Alerts regarding vehicle steering, stability, emergency braking, lane control traction, received all at once and the Tesla AI advisor indicated others were reporting the same. No other vehicles in lanes around us showed up on the vehicle LCD screen as normally they do too. Car did not brake normally (foot off accelerator and no braking) and handling seemed different although we were very cautious. Tried to resolve with screen reboot and multiple drives as AI Advisor suggested and it did not self resolve. Contacted Tesla service and they suggested HCU was faulty (hydronic control unit) and ABS modulator. Also wanted to look at vehicle low voltage circuit. They scheduled me for a first available $1600 service on Feb 26th (in 9 days). See attached. Seems like a significant safety issue and defect and should be recalled before some gets hurt, especially if others are seeing this too.
Loud clicking noise hurt for several days, then when reversing and turning the steering wheel, the front right of the car collapsed; The suspension broke because a bolt came loose which was found in the driveway. Front right wheel area collapse and is touching the top of the wheel liner. There was no prior accident or damage causing the issue. Car had to be towed and repaired.
On [XXX], our 2021 Tesla Model Y had a catastrophic suspension failure while driving in live traffic. The car came to a sudden stop, the front suspension was loose and the vehicle was not drivable. We had the vehicle towed to the nearest Testa service center in Burlingame, CA. Tesla service center inspected the car and found that the lower lateral links in the front suspension had failed due to two critical suspension bolts falling out. One bolt had completely fallen out and the other had became dangerously loose and was about to fall out. The bolt failures led to a catastrophic failure of the front suspension and the vehicle became undrivable in live traffic. This is a low mileage vehicle with ~29,500 miles and there was no operator error or use that would cause a catastrophic bolt failure in the lower lateral links. Images of the issue from Tesla service center show that the bolts simply fell out after not being sufficiently fastened from the manufacturer. After Tesla service center identified the problem, we researched this issue and found an extremely relevant the federal safety agency recall for 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles that matches the exact suspension issue that occurred to us (21V‑835 / SB-21-31-003 Recall). Our Model Y was built in November 2020, which is within the affected date range of this Recall, and our issue exactly matches this Recall. Tesla service center employees agreed this Recall seemed relevant and investigated. After a couple of days, Tesla service center contacted us and claimed that while the our catastrophic suspension issue looked very similar to the Recall issue mentioned above, our specific VIN was not listed in the Recall. Therefore, Tesla service center refused to repair the failure under warranty or recall and we were stuck with massive repair bill to fix a clear manufacturer defect that is already known and has been recalled. We are not sure why our VIN was not captured in Recall, but have been affected by the same dangerous issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (
Vehicle began making loud creaking noise audible at all speeds, loudest at low speeds. Car was maintained by Tesla dealership. Failure occurred at approximately 52,000 miles, just after 50,000 warranty expired. Diagnosed as failure of both control arms which need to be replaced at significant expense. Failure should not happen on such a low mileage and newer vehicle.
Yesterday on [XXX], my husband was driving our 2021 Tesla Y on a residential road (my son was on board at the time.) Suddenly they heard a loud noise, and the car rattled and went a loud noise. The next thing the driver felt like the car wasn't able to move and he stopped. One side of the car was dropped to the ground. When he got out, he saw the front of the car's bottom was scrapping on the ground. He realized it was a critical error. The suspension on the right side fell to the ground, and two brand new bolts fell on the ground a little behind the car. Right front tire was twisted and pointed to the opposite direction of the other wheel. Neither of the wheels were parallel. The front tire was scratched with some deep marks because it's been scrapping and dragging on the ground. The twisted tire damaged the side of the front right fender because it was out of place. The scariest thing was that the accident happened out of nowhere and it fell apart while the vehicle is moving. Very dangerous. Our Tesla has 53,000 miles on it. And got new tires and rotations about 2 years ago. It was done by Tesla Service. We never had anyone else touch the car but the dealership. We never had any collision. We had the car towed to the Service Center yesterday (Sunday and they were closed.) I contacted Service Center this morning and asked whether this error is related to the similar recall on Tesla Model 3. Suspension fell apart. The staff membered claimed that it had nothing to do with it. He also claimed that he's very knowledgeable about recalls, "If there is a specific recall relating this problem, I'll be the first one to know." I guess he might be right, but what if our car is the first one which experienced this deadliest problem. Here is the evidence of the current recalls relating to: [XXX] I'm very shocked to find out that this had happened, and there was no previous safety recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The car started clicking while turning sharply recently. Tesla service advised it was safe to drive and scheduled me for routine inspection in 2 weeks. A few days later the control arm completely detached while driving through an intersection. There was no incident that could have damaged the suspension and I almost got in a severe accident.
Suspension noise, front suspension or steering squeak or groaning while turning. Tesla service identified LH half Shaft was damaged and blaming it's due to outside influence because impact to the undershiled. This car should be still under 4 years and 50K warranty but Tesla service refused warranty on the parts.
I was driving into a parking lot and heard a loud bang. I get out of my car and see that the metal that connects the tire to the car came down and screws came out. It is not drivable. I know this is not something normal and shouldn't happen. This is very dangerous and I am grateful I wasn't on the freeway when it happened. I was not involved in any collision and i did not hit anything. This simply happened on its own
I noticed some alignment issues becoming progressively worse with my car. Suddenly in a parking garage my front right tire over rotated and became stuck in the wheel well. I was able to free the wheel and the car said "alighnment issues but car is safe to drive." I drove home with my sister and her baby on the highway. Then I got off the highway and the car did the same thing becoming stuck in the middle of an intersection. I was able to free the car and proceed carefully home. The next morning my front control arm completely broke free and was dragging on the ground leaving the car completely inoperable. I never had any accident or hit any curb with the car. In fact we brought it in 1 year ago to check alignment issues on the same front right suspension. In the shop now the service technician is saying this is a known issue on the MY resulting from not torqueing the bolts enough. I am shocked that the car has not been recalled for this known issues that is a major safety impact. I don't trust this car at all and frankly makes me question the oversight of the federal safety agency. When I look online apparently many people have been talking about this issue for over a year.
Lower control arm bolt has backed out on the passenger side. Have found several similar issues on the same model vehicle the past few weeks.
This is a manufacture defect. The windshield water comes down and fall dropping on the upper control arm. I Needed it to replace this every year. This is a well documented issue. It is all over the web. This is insane.
Today the “control arm” and “axel” suddenly broke and stopped my car.
Squeaking sound at low speeds, and turning. Tesla advised the problem is the suspension and control arms. Stated it is a safety issue. Repair cost about $1900.
Cracked suspension way as described by Tesla service: Verified customers concern right away without driving vehicle. Inspected suspension and found that the ball joints on the upper control arm are making the noise. Inspected entire front end and found the the compliance and lateral links have cracked bushings. Replaced upper control arms, both lateral links and both compliance links. Test drove vehicle and verified that the noise is now gone. Performed four wheel alignment after repairs. Cost $2000 to repair. Ridiculous that these are failing so early in the life of the car.
Front left wheel of vehicle started pivoting under causing tire to bottom out on inner fender without any prior incident or issues. Inspection revealed one of two bolts missing on the lower lateral control link, which was later found in the driveway. Second bolt was 1/3 loosened. Car was towed to Tesla and they proceeded with repairs to include replacing both sets of lower lateral control links. After looking into this further, we found Tesla service bulletin SB-21-31-003 which issued a recall for this problem for 2019-2021 model Y and 3, however, according to Tesla our vin was not included in this recall. These bolts hold the linkage that secures the wheel to the frame, without which the wheel and tire assembly will likely separate or collapse causing major damage and possible death to any occupants that are traveling at normal highway speeds. The SB refers to a torque inspection for these bolts that “may not have been torqued to internal specifications.” The problem appears to be wider than the recall vin range as this was precisely what occurred on our model Y.
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that after his daughter reversed the vehicle, bolts from the vehicle were discovered in the driveway. Upon inspection, it was discovered that two bolts from the driver's side suspension arm had separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed about an unknown TSB regarding the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 56,753.
Upon arriving home last night with our 3 kids, my wife reported a loud clunking noise coming from the right front wheel area, and said the car felt unstable. After investigation I realized the bolts on the lower control arm have backed almost completely out. I’m very thankful they made it home safe. Any further driving could have been catastrophic.
2021 Tesla Model Y LR AWD- RUCA (Right Upper Control Arm) started to creak and squeak (sound like a very old mattress). Dealer was contacted. An invoice was sent and was quoted an outrageous repair price. Deal was informed that this is a well known issue and a flaw in the built of the part. Dealer stated: Yes, we know but you still have to pay full price for parts and service. I left the dealer with vehicle disappointed. Still to this day, I’m driving it with this horrible noise hopping nothing catastrophic will happen while driving. Also, if it was a recall, I was never notified via email, postal or a phone call.
Suspension is failed at 68,000 miles. Their technicians don't know how to service suspension system, when there are any issues, they just replace parts and rob customers for diagnostic and test drive charges. After service my suspension is still making same noise and that will lead my car to a safety issues. Parts may be fall a part. I have complained many times, but they said this is not a safety issues. But this is a very risky to drive car with a suspension issues.
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that on various occasions, while driving at various speeds and making turns, a squeaking noise was heard in the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the braking system needed to be adjusted. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the squeaking was also heard while exiting or entering the vehicle or if pressure was added to the hood. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front lower lateral link assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The contact became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V835000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 47,500.
Suspension has a defect from factory that prevents proper alignment. Per alignment shop the car cannot be aligned to factory specifications. Premature tire wear is potential safety hazard.
I was backing up from the parking lot and heard a clank. I immediately got out to check what happened and saw that the suspension had completely detached itself from the wheel (see pictures). The wheel immediately started to go sideways. If I was on the highway or on the road this would have 100% caused an accident and quite possibly my life. Tesla says there is no recall and is blaming the problem on me. If this isn't recalled and fixed on other Tesla models, this will cause a crash and serious injury or even death to the driver/passengers and other drivers. This is a major safety issue and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. I am lucky, but others may not be. I don't know why there was not a recall. Tesla needs to take responsibility.
On todayâs day 2/24/23 approximately 13:18 hours. While I driving my 2021 Tesla Model Y ,the rear suspension failed. The steering wheel is not responding and I was unable to turn it or control it. This resulted in the rear tire and rim pointing to the left. This caused the tire to become unseated on the rim. The metal rim hitting the pavement and the angle of the Rim/wheel make me lose control of the vehicle and cross 4 lanes of traffic in a few seconds until I could get the car stopped. There was no prior noise or notice. It was raining lightly. I purchased the Tesla due to its reliability and all the safety features. As I know Tesla had been described as a high safety level with full automation engaged vehicle. However, I feel there is an issue with the suspension manufacturing defects of Tesla model Y which did not activate or warned me to avoid a simple collision. There was also no automatic breaking which occurred to avoid the collision. Luckily, there were no injuries on my accident. In fact, what if the driver had severe injuries, unconsciousness or even fatal during the impact of accident ? What if I was on autopilot? I am very concerned about the fact of Tesla manufacturing system. The dealership said this is common and caused by the rain which is an entirely dumb statement as I'm sure teslas are designed to be driving in all types of weather. I have seen numerous recalls and issues with the rear suspension and I am asking Tesla to take ownership of this issue and fix the problem. I look forward to your response on next steps to remedy this situation and repair my tesla. Thank you
Heard loud clicking noises upfront when turning hard out of parking spot.Immediately I Checked front wheels manually on looseness, but could not detect any movement. Decided to drive home (20miles).I was very careful not to steer to hard through curves. Upon turn into my driveway ( hard right turn which I took very slow) ,left front wheel suspension came unhooked and an approx 3” long x 1/2” galvanized bolt fell onto driveway. My 2020Tesla Model Y was stuck at the bottom of driveway. My company mechanic came about an hour later ,jacked up the left side,removed front left wheel : the bolt as pictured below had loosened entirely from its nut and galled off releasing the wheel suspension and allowing the wheel to come loose . We temporarily fixed the bolt and drove the ModelY into our garage ( flat surface) 500 feet further uphill. Upon further inspection we found another bolt separated from its nut on the other side as well (4) other bolts totally loose almost entirely stripped from its counter nut. We found no sign of LOCTITE or similar. The bolt in question is on bottom of lit up spot ( in below picture) Bottom line: steering suspension bolts should not come loose on a vehicle not even 2 years old!
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a wheel alignment, and at that time he was informed that the lower control link subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact then stated that while his wife was making a right turn, the front passenger’s side control arm and wheel detached from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the two control arm bolts needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be taken to the dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, who confirmed the independent mechanic’s diagnosis; however, the contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V835000 (Suspension) as a possible solution to the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,386.
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