Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Tesla Model X owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I am submitting information regarding repair access and repair estimate concerns involving a Tesla vehicle after a collision. During an insurance claim handled by Tesla Insurance Company, a repair estimate from a Tesla-preferred repair facility was used to declare the vehicle a total loss. However, a manufacturer-owned repair facility estimate would be significantly lower and could make the vehicle repairable. When I attempted to obtain an inspection and estimate from a Tesla manufacturer repair facility, the appointment was cancelled after communication between the insurance company and the repair facility. This prevented me from obtaining a competing repair estimate. …
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model X. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle shook erratically. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a malfunction with the front driver's side half shaft. The contact stated that the front driver's side half shaft needed to be repositioned. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact was informed that it was a known failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
"On August 18, 2023, I was driving at 70 mph on I-95 near the 100-mile mark using Full Self-Drive. The front driver-side suspension housing cracked, causing the bottom part of the suspension to detach. This led to the front tire striking the upper part of the wheel, resulting in a tire blowout. A piece of metal from the suspension fell onto the road and hit the rear driver-side tire, causing it to also blow out. The vehicle lost control and came to a stop on the left side of the road."
Premature internal damage to the front half shafts causes the front end to shudder during acceleration between 0-50 mph. This shuddering is distracting and can be felt through the steering column creating a safety risk to the driver and others in the vehicle. I have had Telsa service "repair" this issue under warranty 3 times. AUG 31, 2021 went into Service Center for the Service Bulletin to be Applied to Reseal Area Around Both Front Upper Control Arm Ball Joints With Urethane (Model X) - Modify FEB 2, 2022 went into Service center for the Service Bulletin to be Applied to Inspect Vehicle, Replace Front Halfshafts, Reposition Clevis (Raven Front Drive Unit) - Remove and Replace JUL 28, 2022 went into Service Center for the Service Bulletin to be Applied to Inspect Vehicle, Replace Front Halfshafts, Reposition Clevis (Raven Front Drive Unit) - Remove and Replace I took the vehicle to …
There were two issues that occurred within months of each other: 1) Power steering failed on several occasions- immediately following a service appointment in which the CV joint/half shafts were replaced and an alignment performed. Tesla implied that the intermediate shaft failed in pure coincidence; this is not the case: intermediate steering shaft failure after 40,000 miles with no warning and no impact is very highly unlikely. 2) suspension and steering components began to fail (Front Aft Suspension Link, as diagnosed by Tesla), causing excessive noise and wear on other vehicle components. Tesla was aware of the manufacturing defect prior to failure, but refused to cover the repairs under the warranty. Both issues caused difficulty steering and distractions while driving at both high and low speeds; losing power steering on the highway can be deadly. …
There is an abnormally loud squeaking noise when driving, turning, and going over any surface at all speeds. The noise sounds like metal is being stretched and is about to break. After carefully listening to the vehicle, it is found that the noise is coming from the control arms. Although unbearable, the problem has not put my passengers and me in danger. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by the Tesla Service Center in Burlingame, California. The Tesla dealer has inspected the vehicle or component, and a re-inspection is scheduled for May 11, 2022. The problem appeared suddenly while driving last Thursday, April 28, without any prior symptoms or warning. The vehicle and parts are available for inspection upon request.
I have a 2020 Model X (23k miles) and the warranty just expired 2 months ago. It suddenly developed a loud creaking in the front end. The creaking seems to be related to the movement of the suspension, but I also notice it when I turn either direction. It's not related to braking except to the extent that the suspension is compressed slightly with braking. From research it may be the control arms and front sway bar. Apparently this is a very common issue with the Model X per Online forums. Absolutely no reason why any of those parts should be failing for everyone unless it was faulty parts/engineering. This should definitely be investigated.
Just paid to replace the upper control arms and half shafts on my 2020 Tesla Model X. These repairs were required due to a very loud shudder and squeaking noise while driving. These issues came up 6 weeks after my manufacturer warranty expired. This was not the first time my vehicle required suspension related service/repairs. Just by a quick online search Tesla is well aware of these suspension issues as is NHTSA. OWNERS SHOULD NOT NEED TO PAY FOR TESLAS POOR ENGINEERING. NHTSA needs to step up and recall these vehicles and force Tesla to reimburse owners who have paid out of pocket for repairs.
Tesla Suspensions system squeaking problems is well known among the Tesla owners community and Tesla wouldn't do anything about it. I bought my vehicle in 12/2019 and have brought it in at least 4 times to get the squeaky noise fix and at least 2 more times complaining about it. That's 6 times in the span of 2 years. Tesla is well aware of the issue but couldn't find a solution. When schedule for service thru Tesla App, it even have an option for squeaking/noise. Many owners ended up paying so much money after the warranty expired to get the suspension repair.
Slowed down to make a right turn at approximately 10 mph then heard a loud pop in the rear drivers side wheel. Noticed that wheel no longer had traction. Drove another 1/4 mile to my home where the vehicle was then inspected and noticed the rear tire was not aligned with the vehicle. After further inspection, I noticed the control arm was broken in half. Brought vehicle into a Tesla Service Center and they are claiming the damage was caused by excessive force or impact.
Suspension complaints in other Model X years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2020 Tesla Model X?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the suspension of the 2020 Tesla Model X, 29% of the model year's 128 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2020 Tesla Model X suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2020 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 2020 Tesla Model X suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 4,000 miles, and 92% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires 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.