Tesla Model Y ball joint problems

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Suspension · CA

I brought my Tesla Model Y to a Tesla Service Center after noticing an abnormal noise while steering the vehicle at low speeds. During the inspection, Tesla technicians discovered significant damage to the front suspension components. The driver's-side lower control arm bushing had cracked and shifted substantially out of position, with the bushing pushed outward toward the driver side of the vehicle. The lower control arm bushing on the opposite side was also found to be severely cracked. Due to the extent of the damage, both lower control arms and both upper control arms required replacement. The suspension failure also caused severe damage and abnormal wear to the driver's-side front tire, which resulted in the replacement of all four tires. This condition involved critical steering and suspension components and raises serious safety concerns regarding vehicle handling, suspension durability, tire wear, and the potential for loss of vehicle control. The severity of the component failures was discovered only after the vehicle was inspected for the steering noise. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this may represent a safety-related defect that could affect other Tesla Model Y vehicles.

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 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 28, 2026 · Suspension · MA · crash · 3 injuries

I am reporting a potentially serious rear suspension safety defect involving a 2024 Tesla Model Y manufactured in January 2024. On August 22, 2026, during tire service, technicians demonstrated excessive movement of the right-rear wheel while applying torque. I observed the entire wheel visibly shifting relative to the wheel opening and recorded the movement on video. I postponed a prepaid wheel alignment and scheduled a Tesla inspection. Tesla subsequently confirmed excessive play in the right-rear upper ball joint and replaced it. During this repair, Tesla discovered that the retaining nut was missing from the right-rear upper fore-link-to-subframe connection and that the corresponding subframe mounting hole was elongated. A missing suspension retaining nut and elongated mounting hole could compromise the structural integrity of the rear suspension, potentially causing instability or suspension separation while driving. The vehicle sustained a rear-end collision on May 29, 2026, but remained drivable without observable suspension symptoms immediately afterward. The cause of the subsequently discovered damage remains undetermined. Tesla denied coverage for the subframe. Tesla’s service documentation shows that the rear upper fore-link tightening specification increased from 76 Nm to 84 Nm on October 25, 2023, before this vehicle was manufactured. I request investigation into whether inadequate fastener retention, loss of clamping force, or an assembly or design defect could contribute to this failure. The vehicle remains unrepaired at a Tesla-certified collision facility in Massachusetts, with the damaged subframe available for inspection. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this potential safety defect, examine similar complaints, and consider inspecting the vehicle before the damaged components are removed or discarded. Photographs, video, technician findings, and repair estimates are available upon request.

Filed Oct 25, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · GA

Noticed a clunking noise from the front of car. Put in a service request via the Tesla app. It said it was fin to drive and made an appointment for 2 weeks later. 1 week later, there was a very loud noise and settling of the car. 2 bolts were on the ground and the left front wheel lost steering control. The bolts secure the lower control arm. This would have been catastrophic if it had occurred while driving.

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Suspension · 29,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that upon pulling out of the driveway, there was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that extra effort was need to steer the vehicle to the left. After turning the steering wheel to the right, the vehicle dipped several inches. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the front upper control arm was hanging down due to a loosened bolt. Due to the failure, the vehicle towed to a Tesla Service Center. Upon speaking to a technician at the Service Center, the contact was informed that the dealer had never heard of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered and associated the failure with the federal safety agency Action Number: PE26006 (Suspension). The vehicle remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Body · AR

I am filing this complaint regarding a serious front suspension failure involving my 2021 Tesla Model Y. Vehicle Information: •Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc. •Model: Model Y •Model Year: 2021 •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage: 92,515 miles •Tesla Service Inspection Date: XXX •Service Location: Tesla Service Center, [XXX] Description of Safety Defect: My 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced a serious failure involving the front driver’s side lower control arm/lateral link assembly. The inner mounting bolt backed out and the lower control arm detached from its mounting point on the front subframe. The control arm bushing was torn, and the suspension arm became loose, rendering the vehicle unsafe and undrivable. The vehicle was taken to the Tesla Service Center in [XXX], where the issue was documented in the service estimate dated XXX. Tesla proposed replacing the front lower lateral links, front subframe assembly, left front lower compliance link, and right front halfshaft, along with performing a four-wheel alignment. Safety Concerns: I am extremely concerned that a critical suspension mounting bolt could back out and allow the lower control arm to separate from the vehicle’s subframe. A failure of this nature could result in loss of steering control, wheel misalignment, or a serious accident, particularly if it occurs at highway speeds. This is not a routine suspension wear issue. It involves the separation of a critical suspension component that is essential for maintaining vehicle stability and steering control. Potential Related Recalls and Investigation: I requested that Tesla review whether my vehicle is affected by the following recall or investigation references: •the federal safety agency Recall 21V‑835 •the federal safety agency Recall 23V‑235 •the federal safety agency Recall 26V558 •Tesla Service Bulletin SB-26-31-004 •the federal safety agency Investigation PE26006 See more info in attachment. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Suspension · MN

Repeated creaking from the front suspension over bumps, speed bumps, and railroad tracks on nearly every drive. The noise was present by about 66,800 miles; exact onset unknown. No warning lights or messages appeared; the noise was the only symptom. On 09/14/2026, at 68,092 miles, a Tesla service center inspected the steering and suspension and found worn ball joints on both front lower lateral links, torn bushings on both front lower compliance links, and worn ball joints on both rear knuckles. Tesla recommended replacing these parts plus a 4-wheel alignment. The parts are still on the vehicle and available for inspection. The front lower lateral link is the component under the federal safety agency investigation PE26-006 (lateral link detachment on 2021-2023 Model Y). Worn ball joints on that link at under 70,000 miles raise the risk of it separating while driving, which could cause a loss of directional control. No detachment, crash, or injury has occurred. I asked Tesla to cover the front lateral link repair because of the open investigation. Tesla declined, calling these wear-related items outside warranty or campaign coverage, so the repair will be at my own expense. I believe this premature wear may be an early stage of the detachment the federal safety agency is investigating.

Filed Oct 3, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · CA

I began hearing a squeaking noise coming from the front of my 2023 Tesla Model Y. While pulling out of a parking lot at a low speed, the front left control arm failed and the bolts came out. When the failure occurred, the vehicle suddenly steered to the left. Fortunately, I was traveling at a very low speed when this happened. I am concerned that if the same failure had occurred while traveling at freeway speeds, I could have lost control of the vehicle and potentially been involved in a serious accident. Tesla has since repaired the vehicle. After this incident, I researched similar failures and found multiple reports from other Tesla Model Y owners describing control arm/suspension components or associated fasteners coming loose or separating. I am reporting this because I am concerned this may represent a broader safety issue with the Model Y suspension system.

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.