Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Tesla Model 3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound while turning the steering wheel. The messages "Traction Control Disabled", "Lane Departure Avoidance Feature Disabled", "Automatic Vehicle Hold Disabled" and "Stability Control Disabled" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was discovered that the lateral link was not attached to the control arm due to a defective bolt. The contact was informed that the subframe and the front passenger's side lower control arm needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V835000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was 46,124.
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a clinking sound coming from the front of vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted, and a repair was pending on the lower lateral link. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V835000 (Suspension). The contact associated the failure with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
my son-in-law went straight off country road and into a tree car burnt to ground was burnt to death date was [redacted] 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
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. …
I own a Tesla Model 3 and have been experiencing concerning front suspension and steering issues that appear to be worsening over time. While driving and especially during low speed turns, parking and maneuvering, the front suspension produces loud screeching, squeaking, and rubbing noises. The steering has also become noticeably stiffer that normal at times, and the noises can be felt through the steering wheel. The sounds are coming from the front suspension area and occur repeatedly during normal driving. The issues raises significant safety concerns because I am worried there may be a defect affecting the front suspension of steering components. Unexpected steering resistance combined with loud suspension noises creates concern that a suspension component could fail while the vehicle is in motion, potentially resulting in loss of steering control or a crash. …
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 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. …
Sunday [redacted] 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 [redacted] 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.
In Jan, 2026, the front suspension in the 2020 Model 3 started making a cracking, catching, grinding and/or popping noise as I turned the steering column while parked or driving slowly. When investigating, it sounded like it was coming from bearings in the front suspension. It continued to get worse, making the catching / grinding / popping noise when driving on the highway, turning or not turning, to the point that it felt like the suspension would completely tear apart, and I took the vehicle in for service in early March. Telsa service ended up replacing the left and right upper control arm assembly, the front left and right lower compliance link and the lower lateral links. Online research on various tesla forums showed this to be a known problem with vehicle owners. …
Related recalls
Suspension › Critical fasteners
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 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 December 20, 2021. 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 2020 Tesla Model 3?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the suspension of the 2020 Tesla Model 3, 10% of the model year's 452 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2020 Tesla Model 3 suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 21V-835 (critical fasteners, Oct 25, 2021). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2020 Tesla Model 3 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 2,000 miles, and 83% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury and 1 death 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.