NHTSA Complaint #11497330 — 2016 TESLA MODEL S

While driving with Auto Pilot engaged on the highway, traffic slowed and AP applied the brakes at a light to moderate level. I immediately heard a loud squeal come from the front passenger wheel area that stopped when braking stopped. No warning lights or messages showed but I could tell I had reduced steering response after disengaging AP. I was able to get off the highway and navigate to a nearby service center, where they told me that a ball joint had sheared off. The squeal was a result of the tire contacting the wheel well. The service estimate called for replacement of right and left fore link and aft link assemblies of the front suspension. A web search revealed that Tesla was aware that "Some Model S and Model X vehicles may have been manufactured with front suspension fore links that may not meet Tesla strength specifications," per service bulletin SB-17-31-001.