Suspension

Tesla Model S Suspension problems by year

208 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Tesla Model S's suspension. Broken springs, struts, control arms, ball joints, noises and alignment that won't hold.

Suspension complaints by model year

2012 922013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Year	Suspension complaints	Crashes	Injuries
2026	1	0	0
2021	16	0	0
2014	90	29	6
2013	92	11	8
2012	9	3	6

Latest Model S suspension complaints

2013 Tesla Model S Suspension

I own a 2013 Tesla Model S. While investigating a knocking noise from the rear of the vehicle, I had a local shop disassemble the affected area and we discovered a crack in the rear subframe near a weld and mounting bracket. The fracture appears clean, with little or no visible corrosion. No previous repairs have been performed in the affected area. Given the location of the failure and the structural function of the component, I request an engineering review to determine the likely failure mechanism and whether...

Read the full complaint

similar failures have been documented on early Model S vehicles. My research shows the same failure in NHTSA complaint [redacted]. Other local shops also describe the same subframe failure on this Model and manufacturing year. Please advise whether any applicable service campaigns, revised replacement components, or goodwill repair assistance are available. I am attaching photographs. My vehicle VIN is [[redacted]]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2026 Tesla Model S Suspension Wheels & tires

Subject: Safety Concern - Model S Plaid Rear Tire Wear I am submitting a formal complaint regarding severe premature wear on the inside edges of both rear tires on my Model S Plaid\. I have owned the vehicle since [redacted], and it has only 11,980 miles\. Both tires appear to have exposed cords along the inside edges, while tread remains elsewhere\. I have attached a photo\. Approximately 99% of my driving is with FSD engaged\. This uneven wear raises serious safety concerns and may indicate an alignment or...

Read the full complaint

suspension issue\. I was advised not to use Low suspension mode or "Mad Max" mode\. Please clarify which settings this refers to, explain the technical basis, and identify where this restriction appears in Tesla's operating instructions\. I expect to use the vehicle's factory features as instructed without severe tire damage or increased risk of failure\. I was also told that some owners have installed aftermarket adjustable camber arms to address similar wear\. The attached photo shows N2itive SX\-P2 arms advertised at $995, excluding installation and alignment\. I am concerned about having to purchase aftermarket parts to correct this condition\. Please: - Inspect both rear tires, alignment, suspension components, and ride\-height calibration\. - Provide alignment measurements and confirm whether they meet factory specifications\. - Identify the cause and a Tesla\-approved solution to prevent recurrence\. - Explain whether this wear is considered normal at 11,980 miles\. - Evaluate warranty coverage or goodwill assistance for replacement tires and necessary repairs\. My goal is to correct the underlying cause, not simply replace the tires\. Please advise on safe transport or mobile tire service given their condition\. Thank you for your prompt written response\. [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2021 Tesla Model S Suspension Airbags Seats & seat belts

I have started receiving airbag & seat safety issue alert but recieved appointment after a month even considering major safety concern. Some of 2021 vehicles are serviced under the recall Tesla sent. But told me mine doesn't qualify for same issue for same year, same model cars. It seems like issue is with all Tesla Model S 2021 but Tesla charging big dollar amount to repair the safety concern. They have also mentioned there is on going concern with air suspension and all Tesla starts giving problem between 60,000 miles to 90,000 miles. It costs around $6000 to fix that issue and told me these are not safety concerns.

2021 Tesla Model S Suspension Seats & seat belts

Vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range VIN: [[redacted]] I am reporting multiple safety-related defects that existed at delivery or developed shortly thereafter, and Tesla has refused to diagnose or repair them under warranty. These defects create an unsafe driving condition and risk of loss of control or collision. Defect Summary: 1.Alignment Defect at Delivery: On the day I bought the car, the steering wheel pulled to the left and felt unstable. I reported this immediately to Tesla. They dismissed it as...

Read the full complaint

"normal." 2.Premature Tire Wear: Within months, the left tire wore down to the steel belts on the left side while the right side had normal wear. An independent shop confirmed this was caused by suspension/bushing issues, not road damage. 3.Suspension/Bushing Failure: A third-party Tesla-certified shop confirmed that the suspension components are bent/tweaked and require replacement for safe driving. Tesla refused to inspect these components properly. 4.Unlatched Rear Seat at Delivery: The rear seat was delivered unlatched, which is a major safety hazard during braking or collision. 5.Broken Glass Under Rear Seat: Broken glass was found under the rear seat cushion at delivery, raising concerns about vehicle history and delivery inspection standards. 6.New Defect While in Tesla's Custody: On Nov 17, 2025, moisture accumulated inside the left taillight while the vehicle was parked outdoors at Tesla's Stockton facility. This can cause electrical shorting or lighting malfunction. Tesla's Response: Tesla has repeatedly refused to inspect the suspension properly, dismissed my complaints, and produced an inaccurate service invoice that did not reflect what was discussed. They told me we are "at an impasse." These defects pose a serious safety risk (tire blowout, loss of control, lighting malfunction). I request NHTSA investigate these issues as they may indicate broader problems with Tesla's suspension, alignment, and delivery inspection processes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2014 Tesla Model S Suspension

Vehicle Information: 2014 Tesla Model S VIN: [[redacted]] Incident Date: [[redacted]] Component Affected: Suspension / Air Suspension / Ride Height Control Problem Description: On [[redacted]], while driving, my 2014 Tesla Model S suddenly raised itself to and/or beyond maximum ride height without any driver input. Immediately afterward, the front driver-side suspension collapsed completely, leaving the vehicle unsafe to operate. This appears to be an uncommanded overinflation event caused by Tesla's...

Read the full complaint

suspension control system. It is not normal wear but a manufacturer-induced malfunction. If this failure had occurred at highway speeds, it could have caused catastrophic loss of control. The collapse of a suspension system without warning is a serious safety defect. Tesla's service center in Moraine, OH, has refused to review the vehicle logs (which would confirm this sequence of failure) and has instead classified the incident as a standard part failure. As a result, Tesla is attempting to push full financial liability onto the owner instead of addressing what is clearly a safety-critical defect. Safety Concern: A sudden, uncommanded suspension height change followed by collapse could lead to total loss of vehicle control and a crash. This poses an ongoing risk to both Tesla drivers and the public. Requested Action: I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this failure mode as a safety defect in Tesla Model S vehicles and require Tesla to address these failures appropriately. Service Center Involved: Tesla Service Center 1927 W Dorothy Ln Moraine, OH 45439 Owner Information: [[redacted]] [[redacted]] [[redacted]] [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2021 Tesla Model S Suspension Wheels & tires

Premature tire wear. Inside edges of rear tires wore out in 10k miles

2021 Tesla Model S Suspension Driver assistance

GETTING WARNING ONDASH THAT SAYS "Adaptive ride control unavailable. Vehicle speed limited - Proceed with caution". On the internet many reports are noted of the same problem w Tesla vehicles, especially Model S cars. These have occurred soon after to taking delivery of after 20-30 K miles. Mine occurred at about 31,000 miles in my Model S 2021. Tesla says the need "diagnostics done first " at $275 and then the fix for another $300. This does not seem right.

2013 Tesla Model S Suspension

Driver's side rear control arm failure. The outside knuckle of the control arm cracked and is missing a portion. Tesla agrees this is SB-19-31-001 and will not repair without payment, due to the age of the vehicle. Vehicle has been serviced by Tesla multiple times without comment that this should be replaced.

2021 Tesla Model S Steering Suspension

4 months after warranty and only 42,774 miles, I am being hit with a massive bill of almost $2,700 from Tesla service in Lyndhurst, OH. This to correct right and left front end basic suspension issues that should not occur. Clearly the front end is not designed to handle the weight of car. The service manager told me that he sees this every day!! The car is not safe to drive until repairs are made. There was no trauma to the front end only normal wear and tear. The front end started making noise which had me take it to the dealer.

2021 Tesla Model S Suspension

I purchased my Tesla in September 2021. At 12000 miles, I had to replace both rear tires due to severe inside wear. I replaced them and continued driving, but at 22000 miles, the same issue occurred. Each time, I performed service exclusively at Tesla, where they checked the alignment and assured me everything was fine. At 39,000 miles, the issue repeated. Tesla performed another alignment and TOE adjustment, assuring me it was resolved. However, after another 10,000 miles, the same problem occurred, with the...

Read the full complaint

inner tread worn down to the cords, while the rest of the tire had adequate tread. The car is currently at the dealership again, and I've been advised to do another alignment and replace the tires, with an estimated cost of $3,300. Despite repeated services and assurances, the underlying issue remains unresolved, and I'm unsure how to proceed.

2013 Tesla Model S Steering Suspension

When driving my vehicle the rear axle snapped causing the vehicle to fishtail. When checked by insurance company for repairs they found the Air suspension and rear axle snapped. It took out the air ride suspension, and bent 2 rims. It caused damage to the front fender as well as both interior wheel wells on the driver's side. Due to the suspension issue it caused a rock to come up and cracked windshield. The issue caused my vehicle to leave the road as I could not control the vehicle.

2021 Tesla Model S Steering Suspension Electrical system

Vehicle constantly overheats and causes charger to overheat. This causes the charging rate to reduce constantly. Home infrastructure has been checked and confirmed to be wired properly by multiple electricians. The suspension makes lots of noises and is a rough ride despite being constantly checked by the service center.

2021 Tesla Model S Suspension

There is a repeated issue with my vehicle and I looked it up online and it seems all Tesla Model S vehicles have this issue. This is the 2nd time I've had this same issue. As I go over any bumps, accelerate, or decelerate there's a clicking sound coming from the front wheels. While driving there's a whistling sound. Based on websites and videos I've seen all over the internet, it's the result of a loose nut and bolt. It apparently continually occurs because of the very high amount of torque these cars have and the...

Read the full complaint

quality of the parts used for this torque doesn't suffice. Tesla needs to fix this on all their Model S vehicles. Instead apparently all they do at service center is apply grease to the affected area to temporarily make the noise go away but that grease melts away annually.

2021 Tesla Model S Steering Suspension Brakes

Front suspension has a popping and creaking sound when driving and turning steering wheel. Safety issue as sounds something is loose but Tesla says no issue it's the body flexing which is even scarier to hear the panels rattling if this is in fact true. Tesla will not do anything about it. Additionally the brakes and rotors squeal when pressed at slow speeds coming to full hard stop. Both front and back. Both brakes and rotors have 90% life and according to Tesla shouldn't need replacing until 90k miles due to...

Read the full complaint

the regen braking. The braking system does not engage as it should or how it is designed and car has 40k miles. Tesla uses the excuse that that they don't cover this as it's a wear and tear component. Which another issue because they don't know the reason of why it's doing this. They want customers to pay and replace the brakes and rotors. Many owners with same car experience this issue and is a design defect that can pose safety issues

2014 Tesla Model S Suspension

I have put my car in the shop 11 times since I purchased it 3 years ago. Now my suspension is having issues. I don't qualify for the lemon law due to the age of my car. I paid over 30,000 for a car that is not going to last till its paid off.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data