2020 TESLA MODEL 3 Suspension Problems

Sunday [XXX] downtown Sacramento, driving about 25 mph. Heard a loud bang—bolt sheared off front subframe. Steering felt lagging upon making a right turn vehicle proceeded in a very wide turn, pulled into parking lot. Wheel locked right as I exited [XXX] parking spot; steering went slack, brakes scraped rotor. Two witnesses saw hardware hit pavement. AAA tech removed tire: lower control arm bolt missing, no Loctite, subframe raw. Second bolt loose—single point of failure. Tesla missed this on six different service visits and during their one-twenty inspection before delivery. Recall 21V835 should’ve flagged it but service personnel assured me all clear on every visit . Vehicle towed to Tesla service center at 1104 Tinker rd, Rocklin, CA. Tesla shop manager Sal confirmed this failure as manufacturers defect, and poor assembly. Safety was seconds from total loss. Need probe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5...

The front suspension control arms on my 2020 Tesla Model 3 are squeaking and show premature wear. The noise occurs during normal driving and is accompanied by clunking, which concerns me about potential control arm failure and loss of vehicle control. My vehicle is only 40k miles and it’s a very common issue that Tesla gets to make money on. Kind of funny it happens to everyone right when the warranty ends. I am aware that this is a known issue affecting multiple Model 3 vehicles. Despite proper maintenance, the problem persists and may present a safety risk. I request that this be officially recorded as a safety complaint.

Vehicle made thunking noise when driving over uneven surfaces such as bumpy roads, speed bumps, or railroad tracks. Diagnosis at Tesla service center showed front upper control arms assemblies (left and right), lower lateral link, and front lower compliance link (left and right) required replacement. Of note: upper control arm assemblies were previously replaced under warranty in November 2021 at 28000 miles. This short interval indicates defective suspension components leading to cascading failures putting driver safety at risk.

My Tesla Model 3 is experiencing premature suspension failures involving the lower lateral links and stabilizer links. These components were already replaced once, and they are failing again in less than 30,000 miles. This is not normal wear for suspension parts on a modern vehicle. These failures cause clunking, instability, and looseness in the front end—conditions that affect the vehicle’s ability to track straight and maintain control, especially over uneven pavement or during emergency maneuvers. This isn’t an isolated case. There are extensive reports from other Tesla owners across multiple models (Model 3 and Model Y in particular) showing the same premature wear on these suspension links. Many owners have parts failing even earlier. Once the car is out of warranty, Tesla charges thousands of dollars to replace these components, despite clear indications that the suspension was under-engineered for the weight of the vehicle. Tesla knows this is a recurring...

I am writing to formally report a critical safety incident involving my 2020 Tesla Model 3, where the bumper detached while driving through a puddle of water on Oct 9th, 2025. This occurred on a busy street, and fortunately, another driver alerted me just in time, averting a potentially serious accident. Following the incident, I arranged for my vehicle to be towed to a Tesla-authorized collision center and opened a claim with my insurance company. I have since learned that this issue is recognized internally by Tesla, as they have created a service incident regarding it, but have failed to communicate this to customers effectively. Tesla's lack of accountability is concerning. Despite repeated attempts to address this with their support and service teams, they have deflected responsibility and continue to downplay the seriousness of this matter, insisting I must rely on insurance to cover the costs. This situation raises significant...

Front lower and upper control arms started generating noise around 100,000 miles. This was confirmed by an independent service center. So far, have spent $1400 on the lower control arms, only to find out that the noise is still there and the upper control arms need to be replaced as well.

The front suspension is failing. I have already replaced the upper control arms. Now I need to replace the bushings on compliance and lateral linksare tearing. There have been recalls for this model and year, for this issue. My VIN, is not included in the recall. I was notified of the aditional needed repairs when I had the upper control arms replaced.

I am experiencing persistent front suspension issues with my Tesla Model 3 Performance. The vehicle has been taken to a Tesla Service Center three times, yet the problem has not been resolved. The issue includes: Unusual noises (clunking, knocking, or creaking) from the front suspension. Instability or poor handling at various speeds. Repeated failures of suspension components despite repairs. Each time, Tesla service has attempted repairs, but the issue continues to persist, raising serious concerns about the safety and durability of the suspension system.The vehicle is currently at Tesla service center as of March 4th 2025 and they are working on the same problem for the 3rd time.

THE FRONT CONTROL ARM IS DAMAGED, INTERESTINGLY ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. TESLA REPAIR TECH TELLS ME ITS SO COMMON THAT THEY DON'T CHARGE FOR THE REPAIR BUT DO CHARGE FOR THE PART. AS I SIT IN THE TESLA REPAIR CENTRE WAITING FOR IT TO BE FIXED, 3 OTHER PEOPLE WITH EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM JUST WALKED IN DESCRIBING EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THIS PART DOES BUT GIVEN IT'S PART OF THE SUSPENSION, IT POSES A SAFETY RISK. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS EXCEPT FOR A VERY LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE EVERY TIME THE CAR TURNS OR ENCOUNTERS A BUMP

Received several "Steering Assist Reduced" alerts when stopped in traffic last week, followed immediately by the failure of the power steering after each alert. Power steering resumed after a soft restart. Tried to make appointment at Tesla Service Center last Friday to get this addressed, but they said they had no appointments available and would not be able to diagnose my vehicle until today, August 12, 2024.. In the interim, the power steering went out again while on the freeway, forcing me to exit and restart the vehicle again. This is a clear danger to myself and my passengers. After receiving the results of the diagnosis today, they informed me that both the steering rack and harness would need to be replaced at the cost of nearly $5,000. The technician showed me some corrosion in one of the electrical connections where there had been water intrusion. I told him this...

upper control arm is creaking, extremely common problem, we need to demand a recall

I am writing to express my concern regarding the recurring issue with the control arms and sway bar in the 2020 Tesla Model 3. It has come to my attention that Tesla acknowledges this issue, which manifests as creaking sounds during various driving conditions such as climbing into the car, traveling at low speeds, and navigating over speed bumps or uneven terrain. What's particularly troubling is that when I brought my car into them Tesla acknowledged that they are aware of the prevalence of this issue across many of their vehicles, yet they continue to charge consumers for repairs, even if their vehicle is not included in the recalled VINs. This policy unfairly burdens consumers who experience the same issue but are denied coverage under the recall. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter thoroughly to ensure consumer protection and fairness in addressing safety concerns in Tesla vehicles. It's...

My vehicle is 4 years old. 3 weeks after the expiration of my original warranty, the front suspension now squeaks loudly when driving at low speeds. This issue matches the known manufacturing defect described in Tesla’s 2021 service bulletin, “Reseal Front Upper Control Arm Ball Joints.” We never received this bulletin from Tesla, and we were never given the option of resealing the joints. As a consequence, the ball joints have now failed and both upper control arms must be replaced, at a cost to me of $330. I asked if Tesla can waive these repair costs due to the bulletin and widespread manufacturing defect, but Tesla declined, stating: “Your vehicle is not listed as an affected VIN for this bulletin. In order for a repair bulletin to be covered under the vehicle warranty the condition has to be reported within the warranty period. Once no longer under warranty, it...

Car has 39,445 miles on it. Groaning noise started in front tires. Took it in for inspection and Tesla replaced the upper control arm and lower lateral link for both the front left and front right tires. I see that there was a recall for these parts in many Tesla 3, including my model year but my VIN didn’t qualify. Seems coincidental that I would have an issue with the same part that was recalled at only 40k miles but not under the recall.

Driving the vehicle will start doing several noises in the front and back suspension. It’s very stressful to hear that kind of noise besides that people isn’t really sure it suspension going to fail at some point which potentially could be really dangerous. Tesla has recall this kind of issues outside the us but refuses to do a recall in the us where the have most of their cars risking the roads. added to that they should’ve included a spare tire kit on their cars.

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle rolled over an uneven road surface and the contact heard an abnormal creaking and squeaking sound coming from the front driver’s side wheel well. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but had become a recurring failure at various speeds. The contact stated that the sound had become much louder. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s and passenger’s side front upper control arms and lower links needed to be replaced due the seals deteriorating and disintegrating. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,135.

my son-in-law went straight off country road and into a tree car burnt to ground was burnt to death date was [XXX] sheriff Spokane county investigating teal front suspension repaired 1 month before at local Tesla shop Spokane wa INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6

The upper control arm on my vehicle creaks and it is a known issue amongst the Tesla model 3 owners. This creak can eventually wear to the point the ball joint will separate during driving. This is a safety issue that can cause an accident. Tesla denied the warranty repair due to some after market parts. This is not a valid reason to deny me warranty because this issue is prominent in all cars of this model and year regardless of aftermarket parts or not. Currently the issue is present at low speeds. Tesla applied a "patch" to keep water from getting into their poorly designed ball joint. Unfortunately by the time they got to this repair for my vehicle it was too late. And water had gotten in and caused the damage and now it is a safety concern.

Driving home at 60mph when the right front wheel fell off the vehicle causing damages to the whole right side on the car.

HERE IS A TESLA MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39653751?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=19 ALL 3 BALL-JOINTS ON THE FRONT RH STEERING KNUCKLE HAVE POPPED APART. THIS IS HAPPENING SO FREQUENTLY ON TESLAS THAT IT IS OBVIOUS THEY ARE USING POOR QUALITY SUSPENSION AND STEERING COMPONENTS. THE OWNER OF THIS TESLA WAS LUCKY BECAUSE ONLY THE CAR WAS DAMAGED. THESE FAILURES ARE CERTAIN TO CAUSE DEATH AND INJURY IF NHTSA CONTINUES TO STAND BY AND DO NOTHING. THIS IS DISGRACEFUL. PLEASE TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION. THANK YOU KEEF

THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE ISSUE OF POPPED BALL-JOINTS WHICH IS AFFECTING ALL MODELS OF TESLA CARS. HERE IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF A BALL-JOINT THAT HAS POPPED APART FOR NO GOOD REASON. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39240789?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=3 IT IS EASY TO FIND OTHER EXAMPLES OF THIS SAME FAILURE IN OTHER TESLA AT THE JUNKYARD. I WILL ATTACH A FEW PHOTOGRAPHS TO SHOW YOU. THES BALL JOINTS ARE OF LOW QUALITY, UNDERSIZED, PRONE TO CREAKING AND GROANING DUE TO LACK OF GREASE WHICH CAUSES THE BALL TO WEAR DOWN AND POP OUT. THE TESLA FORUMS ARE FILLED WITH REPORTS ABOUT THIS. ELON MUSK HAS ADDRESSED THIS BY NERFING THE FORUMS. DEFINITELY A GENIUS. LINKS TO OTHER POPPED TESLAS.HERE: HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39311673?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=11 POPPED FRONT AND WHOMPY REAR HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39310125?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=15 POPPED HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39308954?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=22 POPPED HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39282369?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=24 POPPED HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39280909?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=30 POPPED HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39265721?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=33 POPPED AND THEN BURNED TO A CRISP HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39248729?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=39 POPPED HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39245824?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=51 POPPED HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39244011?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=62 POPPED HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39258823?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=81 POPPED SEE ATTACHED POPS2 I CAN...

HERE IS A 2020 TESLA MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39123018?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=1 THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAS FALLEN TO BITS. THE WHEEL IS DISPLACED BACKWARD SO THAT THE TIRE IS RUBBING AGAINST THE FRAME AND THE BATTERY. THE TREAD ON THAT TIRE IS WORN AWAY WHICH IS AN INDICATION THAT IT WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE FRAME WHILE THE CAR WAS STILL DRIVING AND BEFORE THE WHOLE SHEMOZZLE TURNED TO FECULENCE. THIS IS NOT GOOD. THIS IS NOT GOOD AT ALL. IF IT IS NOT TOO MUCH BOTHER FOR YOU WOULD YOU MAKE INQUIRIES INTO WHY TESLA CHOOSES TO MAKE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS OUT OF CHEESE. THANK YOU. KEEF

HERE IS A TERDSLA IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/38998703?ROWNUMBER=0 THE FRONT WHEEL AND SUSPENSION HAVE SNAPPED OFF. BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS AND THE UPPER STEERING KNUCKLE BALL JOINT HAVE SIMPLY POPPED APART. IT IS COMPLETELY IMPOSSIBLE FOR THIS TO BE THE RESULT OF CRASH DAMAGE.. THE WHEEL AND TIRE ARE UNDAMAGED. TESLA BALL JOINTS ARE A LOAD OF OLD BALLS. GOOD HEAVENS TO BETSY WHY WON'T YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? YOURS IN DISGUST. KEEF

HERE IS A TERDSLA MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/38868112?ROWNUMBER=3 THE FRONT LEFT HAND SUSPENSION HAS FALLEN TO BITS. THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM (MADE FROM CAST MONKEY METAL) HAS SNAPPED LIKE A PRETZEL. THIS IS NOT COLLISION DAMAGE. THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE BODYWORK AND NO AIRBAGS HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED. THIS IS SIMPLY BAD MANUFACTURING. TESLAS ARE UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THANKS. KEEF

THIS IS MIND BOGGLING! HERE IS A 2020 MODEL 3 TESLA IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/37712955?ROWNUMBER=3 IT HAS NOT BEEN IN A COLLISION, NO AIR-BAGS HAVE DEPLOYED AND THERE IS NO SIGN OF ANY IMPACT TO THE BODYWORK. THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAS SIMPLY FALLEN TO BITS. ALL THE BALL-JOINTS HAVE POPPED APART AND EVEN THE STEERING KNUCKLE HAS SNAPPED IN HALF. AND MUSK CLAIMS THAT THIS IS THE SAFEST CAR IN THE WORLD! PIGS BOTTOM! HAVE A GREAT DAY AND BE SURE TO BAN THESE JUNKHEAPS FROM THE HIGHWAYS. THANKS KEEF

TESLA MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD: HTTPS://WWW.AUTOAUCTIONMALL.COM/USED-CARS-FOR-SALE/2020-TESLA-MODEL-3-CO51960570 FRONT WHEELS AND SUSPENSION FALLEN TO BITS. TOP BALL JOINT POPPED APART.. LOWER BALL JOINTS BOTH SNAPPED. STEERING ARM AND LOWER FORE-LINK BUSTED. BAD DAY AT THE TENT FACTORY? PLEASE GET THESE LETHAL CONTRAPTIONS OFF THE ROADS. THANK YOU. CITIZEN KEEF

HERE IS A 2020 TESLA MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/37237764?ROWNUMBER=40 THE FRONT WHEEL HAS GONE WHOMPY. THE LOWER BALL JOINTS HAVE POPPED OUT BUT WORSE STILL THE STEERING ARM HAS SNAPPED OFF FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE. LOOKS LIKE THE USUAL FRACTURE OF A LOW QUALITY ALLOY CASTING. THIS COULD EASILY HAVE CAUSED A FATAL CRASH. ELON MUSK BLAMES CHINESE DRIVERS FOR DRIVING IT WRONG. THIS ONE IS IN MIAMI NOT CHINA. PERHAPS ELON WILL BLAME THIS ONE ON A LATINO ALSO DRIVING IT WRONG. I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO TAKE ACTION. I URGE YOU WITH EXTREME PREJUDICE. THANK YOU KEEF

HERE IS A TESLA MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/35210670/PHOTOS/2020-TESLA-MODEL-3-NJ-SOMERVILLE IT HAS TRAVELLED JUST 200 MILES SINCE LEAVING THE TESLA TENT. IT IS LISTED AS HAVING SUSPENSION DAMAGE. THE FRONT OF THE CAR HAS DROPPED SO FAR THAT THE WHEELS ARE JAMMED UP IN THE WELLS. IT IS INSANE AND LUDICROUS THAT THESE CARS DO NOT HAVE LIMIT STOPS ON THE AIR SUSPENSION SO THAT A SIMPLE AIR-LEAK DOES NOT LEAD TO A DISASTROUS COLLAPSE. IN THIS INSTANCE THERE WAS NOT A MAJOR CRASH BUT THAT IS ENTIRELY DOWN TO LUCK. I HOW MANY DEAD AND MANGLED PEOPLE DO YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GROUND THESE DEATH-TRAPS? YOURS IN DISGUST KEEF

YET ANOTHER TESLA MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD WITH A POPPED OUT BALL JOINT. HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/42415580/PHOTOS/2020-TESLA-MODEL-3-NJ-TRENTON THE ATTACHED PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS A CLEARLY DEFINED GOUGE AROUND THE FULL CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TIRE. THIS PROVES THAT THE SUSPENSION BROKE WHILE THE CAR WAS TRAVELLING ALONG AND WAS NOT THE RESULT OF A COLLISION. YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE CASE OF MASSOUD V TESLA HTTPS://WWW.PLAINSITE.ORG/DOCKETS/3Z2ZFTGN3/SUPERIOR-COURT-OF-CALIFORNIA-COUNTY-OF-LOS-ANGELES/MENA-MASSOUD-V-TESLA-MOTORS-INC-A-DELAWARE-CORPORATION/ THE INSURER PROVED THAT THE CRASH WAS THE RESULT OF SUSPENSION FAILURE. PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE CRASH SCENE PROVED THAT THE SUSPENSION SNAPPED AND THE BASE OF THE CAR LEFT SKID MARKS ON THE ROAD BEFORE IT FINALLY COLLIDED WITH A GUARD-RAIL. THIS CASE WAS SETTLED OUT OF COURT AND TESLA INSISTED UPON THE USUAL NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT PLEASE DEMAND THAT TESLA RECALL THESE DEADLY CARS. THANK YOU. KEEF.

BOTH FRONT DOOR AT THE BOTTOM HAS SHARP EDGE THAT SLICE MY LEG WHEN I WORK OUT OF THE CAR. AT 65 MPH ON FREWAY WITH MINOR ROUGH SURFACE, VEHICLE ZIG ZAG SWAY BACK AND FORTH. ONLY ON MINOR ROUGH ROAD FREEWAY SURFACE

MODEL 3 MAKES A VERY HIGH PITCH NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. IT DOES HAPPEN WHEN YOU PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND STAND STILL ON HOLD. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING NOR WHILE IN PARK.

HERE IS A 2020 MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/37237764?ROWNUMBER=6THE FONT SUSPENSION GIBLETS HAVEALL FALLEN TO BITS. BOTH FRONT WHEELS ARE SPLAYED OUT IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS WHICH WOULD PROBABLY MAKE IT A LITTLE HARD TO STEER. IWOULD YOU PLEASE ISSUE AN IMMEDIATE RECALL FOR THESE TENT BUILT DEFECTIVE DEADLY CONTRAPTIONS. THANK YOU. KEEF

FRIDAY JUNE 26TH, 6:00 P.M. PUBLIC ROADS. SUNNY, DRY. SOMETHING SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AT THE MOMENT I STARTED A SLOW LEFT TURN. THE CAR LURCHED TO A HALT. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS ANGLED LEFT AT ABOUT A 35 DEGREES, WHILE THE LEFT WHEEL POINTED STRAIGHT. TESLA SENT A FLAT BED. THE TRUCK TECHNICIAN REPORTED BY PHONE THAT THE WHEEL WAS SEPARATED FROM THE SUSPENSION AND A TESLA BOLT WAS AVAILABLE FOR HIM TO TEMPORARILY HOLD ALIGNMENT FOR SAFE LOADING. I UNDERSTAND HE LEFT A NOTE AND THE BOLT INSIDE THE CAR. I BELIEVE THE BOLT WAS PART OF THE BROKEN SUSPENSION. THE CAR HAD 3,300 MILES. DURING MY OWNERSHIP, I NOTICED A LIGHT CLICKING (OR CLUNKING) WHEN THE CAR PASSED OVER A 3 INCH CHANGE IN ROAD ELEVATION, SUCH AS OCCURS DURING REPAVING WHEN STRIKING A MAN HOLE COVER OR NEW LAYER OF ASPHALT. I TOOK THIS...

HERE IS A 2020 MODEL 3 TESLA IN THE SALVAGE YARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS?ITEMID=34632816&ROWNUMBER=4&SIMILARVEHICLEITEMID=&ISNEXT=&LOADRECENT=TRUE THE FRONT WHEEL HAS GONE TOTALLY WHOMPY BECAUSE MOST OF THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS HAVE SNAPPED. THERE IS HARDLY ANY DAMAGE TO THE CAR EXCEPT FOR THE SUSPENSION HAVING SNAPPED OFF. THERE IS NO SIGN OF AN IMPACT SEVERE ENOUGH TO JUSTIFY THIS SUSPENSION FAILURE. THE CAR HAS DONE JUST 94 MILES SINCE LEAVING THE FACTORY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THESE SYSTEMIC FAILURES WITH TESLA SUSPENSIONS. THANK YOU KEEF *JB