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2026 Tesla Model Y: ball joint or control arm failure

6 of the 452 complaints about the 2026 Tesla Model Y describe ball joint or control arm failure.

owner complaints
6
of this car's complaints
1%
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 2 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Ball joint or control arm failure by model year

What owners say

Filed May 29, 2026 · Brakes, Suspension · FL

Service Concern — Front Suspension / Rattling Noise Vehicle is experiencing a persistent rattling/knocking noise from the front area when driving over bumps, uneven pavement, or rough roads. Noise is noticeable at low to moderate speeds and appears suspension-related. Condition seems consistent with known Tesla Model Y service concerns regarding: * front upper control arm mounts, * front damper assemblies, * and wiper bracket pencil braces. Requesting inspection and evaluation of: * front suspension components, * damper assemblies, * upper control arm mounts, * and any applicable Tesla Service Bulletins related to front-end NVH/rattling concerns. Noise has become increasingly noticeable during normal driving conditions and is affecting ride quality. Please document findings and advise whether repairs are covered under warranty. The symptoms typically include: * Rattling noise over small bumps * Knocking or clunking from the front suspension * Noise on rough pavement, speed bumps, or uneven roads * Sometimes vibration or looseness felt near the dashboard/firewall area The repair procedure mentioned is consistent with a Tesla internal service approach for addressing front-end NVH issues (Noise, Vibration, Harshness). Here’s what each item means: Front Upper Control Arm Mounts These are suspension mounting components near the top of the front wheel assembly. If worn, loose, or improperly isolated, they can create: * Metallic knocking * Clicking during suspension travel * Vibration transferred into the cabin Replacing them helps stabilize suspension movement. Front Damper Assemblies The dampers (shock absorbers/struts) control suspension rebound and compression. Faulty or noisy dampers can produce: * Hollow clunks * Rattles over expansion joints * Repetitive knocking on rough roads Replacing the assemblies usually resolves internal damper noise. Wiper Bracket “Pencil Braces” These braces sit beneath the cowl/wiper assembly area. On some vehicles they c

Filed May 26, 2026 · Suspension · FL

Service Concern — Front Suspension / Rattling Noise Vehicle is experiencing a persistent rattling/knocking noise from the front area when driving over bumps, uneven pavement, or rough roads. Noise is noticeable at low to moderate speeds and appears suspension-related. Condition seems consistent with known Tesla Model Y service concerns regarding: * front upper control arm mounts, * front damper assemblies, * and wiper bracket pencil braces. Requesting inspection and evaluation of: * front suspension components, * damper assemblies, * upper control arm mounts, * and any applicable Tesla Service Bulletins related to front-end NVH/rattling concerns. Noise has become increasingly noticeable during normal driving conditions and is affecting ride quality.

Filed Mar 13, 2026 · Suspension · CA

I am filing a complaint regarding a suspension defect on my new Tesla Model Y Juniper. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, I began hearing a distinct knocking / clunking noise coming from the suspension when driving over small road imperfections and at low speeds. The noise is clearly abnormal for a new vehicle and sounds like loose or defective suspension components. I brought the vehicle to a Tesla service center, but the issue has not been resolved. Despite inspection and attempted repairs, the knocking noise continues to occur. This raises serious concerns about the quality and safety of the suspension system. Based on information from other Tesla owners, this appears to be a recurring issue affecting multiple Model Y Juniper vehicles. A persistent suspension defect on a new vehicle may pose a safety risk and should be investigated. I request that the federal safety agency review this issue and investigate whether there is a manufacturing or design defect affecting the suspension system of the Tesla Model Y Juniper. Vehicle Information: Model: Tesla Model Y (Juniper refresh) 7SAYGDEE9TF559226 Issue: Knocking / clunking noise from suspension Condition: Occurs at low speed and over small road bumps Status: Tesla service attempted repair but the problem persists (left and right front upper control arm replaced) This problem should not exist on a brand-new vehicle and requires proper investigation.

Filed Feb 19, 2026 · Driver assistance, Suspension · MA

I am submitting this complaint regarding a newly leased 2026 Tesla Model Y Premium RWD, which I took delivery of on February 6, 2026 from Tesla Watertown, MA. I am a returning Tesla customer and entered this lease after test driving the same model on January 24, which did not exhibit any issues. Immediately upon driving the vehicle off the lot (approximately 12 miles), I noticed a persistent rattling noise from the front suspension area. The noise occurs over normal road conditions and has been present since delivery, significantly affecting the quality and value of the vehicle. On February 9, Tesla Watertown evaluated the vehicle and later replaced both front upper control arm (FUCA) mounts. On February 10, before repairs were completed, multiple safety systems suddenly disabled while driving, including regenerative braking behavior, traction and stability control, lane safety features, and automatic emergency braking, creating a dangerous situation. I returned the vehicle immediately and was provided a loaner. I picked up the vehicle on February 13 and was told the suspension issue was resolved, but the noise remained. I then sought a second opinion at Tesla Peabody, where a master technician conducted a ride-along and confirmed the condition. He verified that the latest FUCA parts had been installed and the front structural “pencil braces” had been removed per Tesla guidance. I was informed the vehicle falls into a known noise category affecting 2026 RWD Model Y vehicles and that there is currently no repair or engineering solution available. This defect has existed since delivery and remains unresolved after multiple service visits and component replacements. I have contacted Tesla regional leadership and customer support multiple times without response.

Filed Feb 5, 2026 · Suspension, Wheels · IN

Went for a tire rotation. Service tech noticed the following- THE PASSENGER REAR CONTROL ARM HAD A BOLT THAT WAS BACKING OUT OF IT & THE NUT WAS MISSING. THE BOLT HAD RUBBED THROUGH THE WHEEL WEIGHT ON THE WHEEL THAT WAS ORIGINALLY ON THE RIGHT REAR. Photo is included of the rear control arm bolts for both sides of the car. Only the right rear had a problem.

Filed Oct 22, 2025 · Brakes, Suspension · WA

Since I purchased my 2026 Tesla Model Y RWD, the vehicle has had a persistent mechanical noise and vibration issue coming from the front suspension and brake area. This issue has been ongoing since the first weeks of ownership and has not been repaired or properly diagnosed after multiple service visits. Details -Component/System Failed: Front suspension/brake assembly (unknown exact component; may involve control arms, bushings, or brake rotors). -Availability for Inspection: Yes, the vehicle and recorded videos are available for inspection upon request. -Safety Risk: The vehicle produces loud clunking or popping noises when driving between 10–20 mph or when turning and braking. It feels unstable and unsafe at times, especially on wet roads. This raises concern about potential front-end component failure while driving. -Reproduction and Confirmation: The issue has been reproduced and confirmed multiple times by Tesla Service in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR. Tesla’s internal system shows that the issue was escalated for “in-car investigation by engineering,” but no permanent repair was completed. -Inspection History: Tesla technicians and engineers have inspected the vehicle several times. I also recorded multiple videos with cameras mounted inside the fender to document the sound and provide visual proof of the problem. -Warning Lamps or Messages: No warning lights appear. The issue is purely mechanical but noticeable during low-speed operation. The first symptoms appeared within the first month of delivery. -Manufacturer Contact: Tesla Service Centers in Vancouver and Portland are aware of the issue and have escalated it, but no resolution has been provided. This problem has continued for months despite repeated service visits. The vehicle was identified as needing further “factory-level investigation,” but I was told the local service centers cannot fix it. I believe the issue may be a manufacturing or design defect affecting suspension safety. My life is risk

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Suspension: frontReported August 31, 2026 · 19 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. One or more front suspension lateral link fasteners may not have been properly tightened, allowing the lateral link to loosen or separate from the sub-frame.
Risk
A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will tighten or replace the fasteners and check wheel the alignment, free of charge. In addition, Tesla Service will replace any related parts that may have been damaged as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 30, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1‑877‑798‑3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-31-004.

Recall number 26V558000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2026 Tesla Model Y ball joint

Is ball joint or control arm failure a common problem on the 2026 Tesla Model Y?

6 of 452 owner complaints about the 2026 Tesla Model Y (1%) mention ball joint or control arm failure. The model year with the most reports is 2023.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2026 Tesla Model Y?

There is 1 recall and 2 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2026 Tesla Model Y

Lane assist 29Adaptive cruise 16Collision warning 15Sudden acceleration 10Jerking 9Phantom braking 9Knocking 8Harsh shifting 8No deployment 7Power steering loss 7Loss of power 6Grinding brakes 5

All model years of the Tesla Model Y

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