Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Tesla Model X owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2017 Tesla Model X. The contact's husband stated while driving 70 mph, a strange noise was heard coming from the rear driver side of the vehicle which resulted in the contact's husband losing control of the vehicle and collided with the median which brought the vehicle to a stop. None of the air bags deployed but no one was inquired and a police report was taken. The vehicle was towed to a junkyard where it was determined to be destroyed. The contact stated no warning lights was illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "Air Suspension Unable to Raise" and "Functionality May Be Restored on Next Drive" were displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
On or about August 27, 2023, I heard a loud noise as I was pulling out of a parking spot with my wheel turned to the left. As I drove away and over bumps, I heard loud metal-to-metal sounds coming from the front of the car. I scheduled an appointment with a Tesla service center and took it to them on September 8th, 2023. They found that a bold had sheared in half on the front stabilizer bar. They said it wasn't a manufacturer defect however I disagreed and requested it to be repaired out of warranty at their expense to make it safe and to put a stronger bolt on this time, but they refused. There were no warning lights before this occurred. I had my attorney send them a letter to persuade them to fix it however they have not responded in two months. The vehicle is a safety risk and I have found that this has occurred to other Tesla Model X owners. …
I am reporting a safety concern related to the suspension system in my 2017 Tesla Model X. The front tires are rubbing against the wheel arch liner, especially when turning or driving over uneven terrain. I have not made any aftermarket modifications, and the vehicle has been maintained in accordance with Tesla's recommendations. This issue appears to match the known problem involving front suspension fore link failures documented in NHTSA investigations and prior complaints for 2016-2017 Model X vehicles. While I have not experienced a complete suspension failure, the current symptoms are consistent with reported cases where the fore links weaken or fail, causing the wheel to shift and contact the fender liner, leading to tire damage, unusual noises, and potential safety risks. I have reported this to Tesla, but they have not acknowledged this as a known issue for my VIN. …
I have brought my vehicle back to Tesla 3 different occasions for the same issue ( Suspension failure) The first time, I was told that it was a malware issue. The second time in November 2023, I was told the compressor was bad. They charged me $623 to repair. The same problem with the suspension happened again the end of June 2024. Tesla told me that I had a leak on my suspension and that they could see the leak without me bringing the vehicle into the shop. They gave me an estimate for repair of $2,044. They told me that I had to wait until August 16 to bring it in to get repaired. When I get there the service manager states that they are backed up on repairs and it will take another 3 to 5 weeks before my vehicle can be fixed. I have been paying for a rental car out of pocket for over a month and now I won't be able to get my vehicle until September 6th. …
Under heat and stress, we noticed the front of the car would make cracking and creaking noises. We took the car in and they informed us that the rear linkages of the left and right front suspension and the upper linkages of the left and right rear suspension were worn down significantly due to the weight of the overall car. Our entire suspension needed to be replaced due to significant cracking and stress fractures. Had we hit a speedbump too hard or a pothole, the suspension would have collapsed on us. We're lucky that we brought it in but we can't be the only ones with this issue. We've never towed anything in the car and primarily drive on the freeway with no more than 2 people ever in the car. I know China has recalled the Model X for this reason. Why have we not?
Issue regarding a persistent creaking noise emanating from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The noise has become increasingly loud, particularly when driving over bumpy roads, indicating a potential suspension problem. This matter has gained significant attention among Tesla users through a widely viewed video: YouTube Video: Creaking Noise from Front Passenger Side (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iG23-p9AOA&ab_channel=KmanAuto) . Multiple Tesla consumer forums have also discussed similar concerns. Tesla service has quoted an approximate repair cost of $700. Due to the potential safety implications and the need for a thorough investigation, I urge immediate attention to address this issue promptly.
We were experiencing very difficult turning at low speeds. No vehicle warnings occurred. We took the vehicle in to Tesla service for evaluation. We were told the vehicle was unsafe to drive and they would not allow us to take the vehicle home. They have had the vehicle for 3 weeks and have replaced the "steering column" or "Left-Hand Steering Gear" on service estimate, but in the process have not fixed the problem and are now on week 4 of the repair. In investigating steering issues with Tesla, there appears to be a recall issued for 2015 and 2016 model years involving the steering column. We believe the same issue is affecting our 2017 Model and is in need of a recall as well.
All of a sudden my vehicle has started making loud creaking/squeaking noises from the front passenger side suspension. It seems to occur with any movement of shift in the vehicle weight. Occurs when stopping or starting to move from a stopped position. It makes me very concerned that the suspension will fail as I'm driving. Using google I have discovered this a very common occurrence with Tesla Model X's from 2016-2017. I asked my friend and he experienced the same issue on his 2016 Model X. The repair he stated was over $1,000. I believe if this a common occurrence then it should be a known defect. No collisions on my vehicle that could have caused this.
The specific issue happen while I was I was pulling out of my driveway. The front passenger side suddenly started squeaking. After getting on the highway and accelerating, the car started shaking, and making louder and louder noises. Inspecting the assembly next to the front passenger side tire, I saw that the control arm assembly was making metal on metal contact and the wheel was not horizontally in place (it wiggles on steering). I took the car to the service center. They confirmed that the control arm assembly is corroded and that the issue could cause an accident if it happens while driving as I could lose steering control.
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 X years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2017 Tesla Model X?
NHTSA has 59 complaints about the suspension of the 2017 Tesla Model X, 22% of the model year's 268 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2017 Tesla Model X suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2017 Tesla Model X, though it has 10 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 X suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 20,000 miles, and 66% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 3 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.