Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Tesla Model 3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that upon reversing out of a parking lot, an abnormal clunking sound was coming from the vehicle while turning to the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving and the steering wheel became loose, and an unknown object detached from the vehicle upon entering her driveway. Due to the failure, the contact decided to have the vehicle towed; upon arrival, the tow truck driver discovered that a bolt had fallen out of the vehicle. Once the vehicle arrived at the service center, the mechanic replaced a lower front lateral link and half shaft assembly. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V235000 (Suspension); which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 70,950.
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at slow speeds, after completing a right turn, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front passenger's side suspension. The contact stated that increased effort was required to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the passenger's side control arm had disconnected. The contact was informed that two bolts that secured the control arm to the frame were missing. The contact also stated that the bolts were found by the tow truck driver while loading the vehicle for towing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.
DURING LOW SPEED, BOLTS BECAME LOOSE AND COMPLETELY DROPPED OUT OF LOWER CONTROL ARM CAUSING ONE WHEEL TO VEER TO THE RIGHT. VERY CONCERNING THAT CRITICAL STEERING COMPONENTS DO NOT HAVE A CASTLE NUT AND COTTER PIN, IF THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN HIGH-SPEED THERE COULD HAVE BEEN LOSS OF LIFE. TESLA IS FAILING TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF SAFETY, THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER REPORTS OF THESE BOLTS COMING LOOSE. Consumer concerned about the noise and vibration while driving and brought the car in for inspection on 9/1/20 to a Tesla dealer. Dealer stated rim was bent which caused the vibration and the bolts became loose after an impact with a speed bump. Consumer having a hard time understanding how low speed impact could cause a grade 8 bolt to become loose.
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The front passenger restraint message was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V376000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front lower link was tearing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Right front upper control arm began making noise and was replaced under warranty at 42k miles in Sept 2019. Left front upper control arm failed around 50k miles and caused a wreck resulting in $8,365 in damages in April 2021. When fixing one side it is standard to replace the other and Tesla was negligent. Upon fixing the left side suspension at Blue Ash Auto Body in 2021, the brake caliper came loose while driving on the highway while on a vacation. This caused an additional $1500 or so in charges. Both of these incidents put my life and my son's life in danger. About a week or two after the caliper problem, Tesla issued a recall for that part stating that it is now single use only.
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that on several occasions while making left or right turns, there was a loud clanking noise emanating from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the lower control arm bushings had deteriorated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several months later where it was diagnosed that the bushings and one of the well nuts had sheared off, and the subframe needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while making a right turn, there was a loud bang, and the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that the bolt left lateral link on the suspension was hanging with the bolt detached and the second bolt missing. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the left lateral link suspension subframe, steering rack, and driver's side fender needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V235000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,976.
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed over a speed bump, he heard a rattling sound coming from the front passenger's side suspension. Upon visual inspection, the contact observed that a bolt had detached from the suspension. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined a damaged frontal lower lateral link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V235000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.
How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -Due to the Suspension recall that was released in March 2023. My car spinned out of control on the High causing my car to loose control on HW 85 south I nearly lost my life but the car stopped due to a limb in the grass. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?No, because the accident before the recall was experienced. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking uncontrollably. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer determined that the front control arm had detached from the front passenger's side wheel. The dealer replaced the front control arm, lateral link, and steering column. The contact stated that there was no impact to the vehicle to have caused the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Related recalls
Suspension › Critical fasteners
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
Remedy: Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
NHTSA investigations
Lower Lateral Link detachment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 156 complaints alleging a suspension failure in model year (MY) 2018-2020 Model 3 and MY 2021-2023 Model Y vehicles. The suspension failure involves the detachment of the front lower lateral link, which potentially causes a loss of vehicle directional control. In most cases, there was no advance warning or indication that the suspension failure would occur.
Suspension complaints in other Model 3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2018 Tesla Model 3?
NHTSA has 190 complaints about the suspension of the 2018 Tesla Model 3, 18% of the model year's 1,032 complaints. The component named most often is front › control arm (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Tesla Model 3 suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 23V-235 (critical fasteners, Mar 31, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2018 Tesla Model 3 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 20,000 miles, and 54% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 11 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.