NHTSA Complaint #11683017 — 2022 TESLA MODEL Y

I initially brought my car in for a weird clicking noise. This noise went away after the car was towed to the Service Center. During service at Tesla Service Center in LA on August 04, 2025, technicians identified structural deformation of the left-hand rear subframe toe link mounting side wall. This deformation prevents proper alignment of the suspension bolt and makes a 4-wheel alignment impossible. Tesla refused warranty coverage, claiming “impact damage,” citing only cosmetic wheel rim scrape as evidence. However: 1. Torque paint marks remain intact, proving the bolt has not shifted since factory assembly. 2. No collateral suspension damage (control arms, bushings, underbody) was found, which would normally occur if an impact strong enough to bend a subframe ear had happened. 3. This failure mode is nearly identical to Tesla’s prior recall (21V-835 / 23V-235) on the front suspension lateral link bolts, which involved subframe mounting holes deforming and preventing proper alignment. Safety Concern: The subframe is a critical structural component of the suspension system. Deformation at the toe link mounting point risks the following issues: improper suspension geometry, loss of wheel alignment, reduced vehicle stability and tire wear, and potential sudden loss of control in emergency maneuvers. Tesla has declined to repair this under warranty, leaving the defect unresolved. I believe this represents a potential systemic defect in the rear subframe design, similar to the previously acknowledged front subframe defect.