Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Tesla Model S owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact state that while driving at slow speeds over minor bumps in the road, an abnormal clunking noise would emit from the vehicle. He also stated that as the failure was intermittent and that no warning light would appear on the instrument panel during the failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a service center where a service manager requested to ride along with the contact to evaluate the failure. The service manager was able to diagnose the failure and the service center replaced the fore link assembly on the driver's side as well as other parts on the suspension. The contact questioned why the passenger's side fore link assembly was not repaired. The contact was informed that the passenger's side had no visible damage. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was 13,224.
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact felt like the vehicle had fallen into a pothole; however, the rear passenger's side wheel had detached. Due to the failure, the vehicle swerved to the left and then right. The contact then stated that he was able to navigate the vehicle off the road into a parking lot. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to his residence and then towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear suspension failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Vehicle was handling normally. I pulled into the parking lot of my bank, put vehicle in Park, and exited the vehicle to use the ATM. Within five minutes I returned to the vehicle, put it in reverse, and immediately heard a loud scraping noise like a plastic water bottle perhaps having become wedged between a tire and the wheel well. I stopped the car and looked underneath but all appeared normal. I continued backing up another three feet, again with the horrible rubbing noise. I exited the vehicle and more closely observed the right front wheel and tire, which the entire wheel/tire assembly appeared to be offset toward the rear of the car with the tire jammed up against the wheel well liner. I pulled forward into another parking space about ten feet away and called for a tow truck. After about ten minutes I observed brake fluid puddling around the tire. …
When backing up at a low rate of speed (<10 miles per hour), I heard a loud grinding noise. When I got out of the car, I noticed that my driver's side wheel was out of proper position. Forward driving caused grinding or rubbing noises. When I took the vehicle in for service, I was quoted a repair for front fore links (lower control arms) for driver's and passenger side. Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A: Driver's side fore link. I'll ask for the replaced part to be returned. Q: How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A: Minimal risk was observed as I was completing a parking maneuver in my own driveway. A failure at a higher rate of speed might have caused loss of control. Q: Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? …
In February 2022, I struck a downed tree limb which caused damage to my vehicle. The vehicle was repaired at a Tesla Service Center and the entire front suspension was replaced and paid for by my insurance. The car seemed to drive fine after this incident. In December 2023, I took the car in to a Tesla Service Center for an unrelated issue (the coolant level was low). After completing the service, I received a call from the service center stating that the service technician noticed that the vehicle was "swaying heavily to the right" and that it was not safe to drive. The service center performed diagnostic work and told me that the left fore link had detached from the ball assembly and that both the left and right fore links showed excessive wear. The service center initially told me that I would need to pay for this repair. …
When getting into my vehicle for work, my vehicle appeared to be lopsided with the passenger side of the vehicle being considerably lower than the driver's side. Luckily I noticed this right away and was able to back up safely into my parking spot. I brought it into the Tesla service center and they confirmed that the rear Suspension system/Air compressor/Air Spring Module on both sides are faulty and need to be replaced. They also stated that this was a "non-passenger facing alert" that they don't believe was a new issue because I believe they stated the alert was visible 30 days prior when I had the vehicle in the service center for a different non-safety issue. …
Upon purchasing the vehicle, I discovered multiple critical safety defects that were not disclosed at the time of sale and were confirmed by an independent EV specialist (Electrified Garage). These defects include worn and failing front and rear suspension components (control arms, thrust arms, and cracked/damaged bushings), a failing sway bar link boot, and a malfunctioning window that makes contact with the internal wiring harness. The suspension defects create instability over bumps and uneven roads, producing clunks, shifting, and vibration that affect steering control and overall stability. These issues present a risk of suspension failure while driving, which could cause loss of control. The window/wiring contact also poses a potential electrical hazard if the harness becomes damaged. …
I am reporting multiple safety-related defects on my 2017 Tesla Model S (VIN [redacted] ) that were present at the time of purchase but not disclosed by the selling dealer (Starling Ford, Titusville, FL). A certified independent EV repair facility (The Electrified Garage) inspected the vehicle on 11/17/2025 and documented the following safety defects: failing/worn suspension components (control arms, thrust arms, cracked bushings) torn sway-bar link boots inoperative right-rear window regulator driver window contacting internal wiring harness moisture in the rear inner tail lamp previous A/C drain blockage causing interior water intrusion These issues pose risks related to steering stability, electrical safety, visibility, and structural integrity. All of these conditions existed prior to the sale and were not disclosed. …
The fore link on the front left wheel (driver side) seems to have snapped. It got disconnected from the wheel when parking the car. Steering became impossible with the wheel wobbling and causing strong grinding noises. I had heard strange noises and weird snaps before when turning the wheel to get out of my garage a couple of times over the past few months but the car seemed to drive fine so I didn't get worried further. When I went for brunch on Sunday (02/06/22) and pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant I heard strong noises and received shocks through the steering column and I knew something was _very_ wrong. I took a couple of photos (see attached) and noticed what seemed to be the problem (wheel control arm - fore link). I called a tow truck and was glad I didn't run into the issue while on the highway... …
Reversing from my driveway it appears links or bolts on the steering and wheel suspension system failed. The wheels came into contact with the wheel cavity liner causing the steering to lock, the frame to protrude through the wheel cavity casing and the car to shut off or lock. The car is no longer safe to drive. The car is in my driveway, is available for inspection before I bring it back into Tesla for repair. Having just completed a highway drive, I dread to think what could have happened had this failure occurred on that journey at higher speeds. My car only has 40,000 miles and this issue or critical part failure appears to be premature. I have taken Video of the wheel moving independently to the car chassis structure. There was no warning in advance of the failure. I welcome an NHTSA or secondary inspection prior to repair by Tesla. …
NHTSA investigations
Fore Link Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation based on forty-three complaints alleging failure of the left or right front suspension fore links in Tesla model year (MY) 2015 through 2017 Model S and MY 2016 through 2017 Model X vehicles.
Suspension complaints in other Model S years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2017 Tesla Model S?
NHTSA has 107 complaints about the suspension of the 2017 Tesla Model S, 25% of the model year's 428 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2017 Tesla Model S suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2017 Tesla Model S, though it has 9 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2017 Tesla Model S suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 15,000 miles, and 67% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 14 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries 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.