2023 Tesla Model Y: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Suspension · CA

I am reporting a front suspension mechanical failure on my 2023 Tesla Model Y. The vehicle developed a clunking/clicking noise from the left-front/front suspension area, most noticeable when turning the steering wheel at low speeds or while stationary. The noise was first noticed around December 2025. It was intermittent, more pronounced in colder temperatures and after the vehicle had been parked for an extended period. It sometimes also occurred during larger steering inputs after driving straight for a while. The vehicle had previously needed wheel alignment correction, including abnormal left-front alignment values. I took the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center. A Tesla technician reproduced the noise and inspected the front suspension. The final repair record states: "Technician verified a clunk from the front when steering back and forth at low speeds. Inspection of the front suspension indicated loose lateral links or worn bushings, and subframe nuts were broken." Tesla replaced the following parts under the Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty at no charge: - Front subframe assembly (P/N 1044531-00-C) - Front lower lateral link assembly, pair (P/N 1188341-00-C) - Front lower compliance link assembly, RH (P/N 2188359-10-B) and LH (P/N 2188354-10-B) - Associated bolts and nuts Tesla also checked and adjusted the four-wheel alignment, followed by a post-repair validation test drive. This was not a subjective noise complaint. The fault was physically reproduced by the technician and confirmed by disassembly and inspection, which found broken subframe nuts and loose/worn lateral link bushings, requiring replacement of the entire front subframe and both front lower suspension link pairs. No crash, fire, injury, or component separation occurred. I am concerned that had this connection continued to deteriorate, it could have affected front suspension geometry and vehicle control. I request that the federal safety agency include this case in any related safety defect investigation.

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Suspension · FL

Driver-side front suspension is creaking and popping when turning the steering wheel, particularly at low speeds. Noise appears to be coming from the left-front suspension. Vehicle needs inspection of the driver-side front upper control arm/ball joint, lateral and compliance links, bushings and associated suspension components for wear or excessive play.”

Filed Aug 12, 2026 · Suspension · NY

I am experiencing a loud, persistent creaking and groaning noise coming from the front suspension of my 2023 Tesla Model Y whenever the vehicle travels over bumps, uneven road surfaces, or during low-speed steering maneuvers.This structural front-end noise raises immediate safety concerns regarding a potential premature failure of critical suspension components, specifically the front lower lateral links or upper control arm ball joints. I am deeply concerned that this component wear could lead to a sudden detachment of the suspension link while driving, resulting in a sudden loss of steering control and an immediate crash hazard.Tesla is aware of widespread suspension issues in these model years, but there is currently no active safety recall to protect owners from catastrophic part failure. I am filing this to urge a mandatory safety recall before a serious failure occurs. I have just over 63,000 miles

Filed Nov 12, 2025 · Suspension · ID

I am reporting a safety defect involving loose lower control arm bolts on my 2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range (VIN: [XXX] ), discovered at 33,008 miles. We purchased the vehicle brand new, and it has no modifications or repairs to the suspension. On 09/02/2024, a warning light appeared. At the time, I did not know if it was related to the suspension. In the weeks after, I began noticing popping/clunking noises when turning or going over bumps, and the steering felt noticeably looser and less stable. On 11/08/2024, the issue was identified: bolts on the lower control arm were backing out and were extremely loose. On 11/11/2024, during a scheduled Tesla service visit, I drove the vehicle to the service center and demonstrated the noises and steering issues. Tesla technicians inspected the vehicle and confirmed it was unsafe to drive due to the loose control arm bolts. This is a serious safety concern. Loose or backing-out lower control arm bolts can lead to loss of steering control or suspension separation, creating a high risk of a crash. The vehicle did not provide a clear suspension-related warning prior to this issue, and the problem would not have been noticeable to an average driver until it became severe. Because this occurred on a well-maintained, unmodified vehicle with just over 33,000 miles, I am concerned this may indicate a broader manufacturing or quality-control issue affecting other Tesla Model Y vehicles. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this defect for potential patterns and determine whether a recall or corrective action is warranted. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 26, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · CA

I picked up my son from school and got home at about 3:30 PM on Sunday 9/21/2025. My son got out of the car and I heard a “clicking” sound when turning my steering wheel to the left to prepare for backing into my garage. There were no warning lights or messages for this issue. I did get out of my car and checked, but did not see anything that hit my car underneath. I got back in my car and continued backing my car into the garage. The nightmare started happening - The bolts connecting the front control arm and steering knuckle fell off that caused the left “arm” disconnected from the steering knuckle. This had resulted a sudden total loss of steering control. Please see attached photos. I could not imagine if this would have happened on the freeway.

Filed Nov 29, 2024 · Suspension · CA

In August 2024 with roughly 7,000 miles, I noticed a creaking sound when turning left. This issue was intermittent and the sound was getting louder over time. I made a service appointment at the next available date (10/8/2024) at the Tesla Service Center in Fresno, California, and the service technician was unable to duplicate the sound on a test drive and refused to look at my car. The issue became more persistent and louder over time. I took my car to my local tire shop on 11/26/2024 because the car no longer felt safe to drive due to the loud creaking or popping sound when turning left. The steering also felt very loose overall. The local tire shop advised me that the right control arm was about to fall out and the car is absolutely not safe to drive and a major safety hazard. Therefore, I towed the car to the Tesla service center in Fresno California, and they repaired the right control arm under warranty and aligned the car. There were no on-screen warnings - just the sound I was hearing. Tesla ignored my concerns in October 2024 and their refusal to look at my car then could have potentially caused me to lose control of the vehicle and potentially get into a serious accident where myself or others got hurt. Since loss of steering is serious, it could have potentially resulted in death. This is a common issue with Teslas and it was absolutely unacceptable that they would not inspect my car in October when I specifically described the concern and said that I feared it was the control arms based on my research.

Filed Nov 7, 2024 · Steering · GA

I noticed a clicking sound when turning my steering wheel at low speeds such as when parking around September 2024. The sound got louder with time. A few months later after getting new tires installed (October 22, 2024)I had very bad vibration at high speeds that was not resolved with multiple tire balances at different tire shops. Requested service with the dealer. My initial first available service appointment was December 20th 2024. I messaged the service center expressing concern that my car was unsafe to drive. They allowed me to bring my car in to drive with a technician and they ended up replacing the front lateral links on November 7, 2024. My car was purchased new in June 2024 and is at 22,000 miles. The parts were replaced under warranty. There were no warning lamps or other symptoms.

Filed Nov 5, 2024 · Suspension · NC

On the afternoon of November 4th, at approximately 3:40 pm, while driving at around 20 mph after picking up our child from school, we suddenly heard a gurgling sound coming from the front left area of the vehicle. Shortly afterward, additional noises emerged from the direction of the front left wheel. We are sure the car didn't hit or drive across anything before the first sound emerged. Upon making a left turn, we experienced significant difficulty in steering, accompanied by a much louder noise. We immediately pulled over and safely parked in a nearby CVS parking lot. Roadside assistance arrived approximately 50 minutes after our call, and the car was subsequently towed to the Tesla service center. As shown in the attached photos, the front left suspension arm detached, with both screw bolts completely broken and missing. One more important concerns, after the suspension failure happened, NO any alarm triggered. There wasn't any alarm from the screen. We are lucky as it happened at local road, not highway. This failure is definitely a safety issue.

Filed Mar 16, 2024 · Suspension · CA

While backing out with the steering wheel turned the vehicle makes clunky noise as some thing rubbing together very hard.

Filed Aug 6, 2023 · Steering · MA

While driving the steering wheel got locked. It occurred 2-3 times consecutively. I call the tesla center and they arranged a tow. When the tow arrived the steering wheel started to make weird noises (it initially worked again) and it got locked again. When the steering wheel was locked there were warnings appearing on the screen (photo attached). The car is now at the tesla service center but it has not been processed yet as they are not open on Sunday. I have video recording of when the second wheel lock happen and can send it if needed