Tesla Model Y suspension problems, 2019–2027
301 of the 4,200 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Tesla Model Y 2019–2027 name the suspension (NHTSA’s “Suspension” heading — springs, dampers, control arms and their bushings and joints). The loudest years: 2023 (127), 2021 (77), 2022 (37). Filed under the same heading across these years: 3 manufacturer bulletins, 5 recall campaigns, 1 NHTSA investigation. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Tesla Model Y suspension problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the suspension | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2026 | 29 | 8% | — | 2 TSBs · 1 recall | the year → |
| 2025 | 0 | — | — | 3 TSBs | the year → |
| 2024 | 0 | — | — | 1 TSB | the year → |
| 2023 in depth | 127 | 11% | — | 1 recall · 1 investigation | the record → |
| 2022 | 37 | 4% | — | 1 recall · 1 investigation | the year → |
| 2021 in depth | 77 | 7% | 8k | 2 recalls · 1 investigation | the record → |
| 2020 | 31 | 11% | 1k | 3 recalls | the year → |
| 2019 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the suspension. Nothing here is a rate.
When the suspension complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2020: 10 · 2021: 14 · 2022: 7 · 2023: 18 · 2024: 52 · 2025: 67 · 2026: 133
Across the model years, half of the 40 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the suspension problem between 1,000 and 48,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the suspension, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
I found that two bolts that connect the front right suspension assembly to the body of the car were loose (actually one had completely come off). On 9/12 I heard a rather loud clanging sound when I accelerated.
The control arm of my 2023 Model Y front wheel just came completely off without any incident. On August 31st at 9 pm, I was driving home from a park when I just pulled the car into my driveway, I heard a strange squeaky noise from the front wheel area, followed by a huge "BAM ''.
Upon arriving home last night with our 3 kids, my wife reported a loud clunking noise coming from the right front wheel area, and said the car felt unstable. After investigation I realized the bolts on the lower control arm have backed almost completely out. I’m very thankful they made it home safe.
2021 Tesla Model Y LR AWD- RUCA (Right Upper Control Arm) started to creak and squeak (sound like a very old mattress). Dealer was contacted. An invoice was sent and was quoted an outrageous repair price. Deal was informed that this is a well known issue and a flaw in the built of the part.
During VA state safety inspection, inspector found “Rear upper rear control arm knuckle joints have play.” And rejected inspection stating serious safety issue. I checked online that tesla model Y 2022 has recall for this suspension issue but my VIN is not in it. 21V-912 / SB-21-31-004 Recall Why is my vehicle excluded from recall?
What is on file about the suspension, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall campaigns filed under this heading, any model year
- 26V558000 HighAug 31, 2026 · 19 vehicles
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. One or more front suspension lateral link fasteners may not have been properly tightened, allowing the lateral link to loosen or separate from the sub-frame.
- 22V895000 HighDec 5, 2022 · 26 vehicles
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model Y vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may not have been properly attached to the sub-frame.
- 21V912000 HighNov 21, 2021 · 826 vehicles
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The front and rear suspension knuckles may fracture, causing the suspension links to separate.
- 21V835000 HighOct 25, 2021 · 2,791 vehicles
- 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.
- 20V709000 HighNov 17, 2020 · 401 vehicles
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020 Model Y vehicles. The bolts connecting the front upper control arm and steering knuckle may have not been properly tightened, allowing the upper control arm to detach from the steering knuckle.
NHTSA investigation
- PE26006 Lower Lateral Link detachmentopened Jul 29, 2026 · open
- 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 failur…
3 manufacturer bulletins filed under this heading, any model year
- May 8, 2026
- Certain Model Y vehicles may emit rattling or knocking noises when driving over bumps or rough road. The condition can be improved by replacing the front upper control arm mounts, replacing the front damper assemblies, and removing the wiper bracket pencil braces. This document is for vehicles that have already had the front upper control mounts replaced and the wiper bracket pencil braces removed
- May 8, 2026
- Some Model Y vehicles may emit rattling or knocking noises when driving over bumps or rough road. The condition can be improved by replacing the front upper control arm mounts, replacing the front damper assemblies (Model Y Premium and Performance only), and removing the wiper bracket pencil braces. Inspect the vehicle for symptoms related to the condition. If symptoms are present, replace the fro
- Jun 24, 2025
- A firmware diagnosis feature is being introduced on Model 3 and Model Y vehicles that monitors wheel alignment over time. This feature detects changes in wheel alignment that may be related to incorrect tire pressures, degraded ball joints, bushings or damaged suspension links. If the feature determines that an inspection at a Tesla Service Center is required, a customer-facing alert will appear o
Every one filed under the heading is listed. Quote the document number at a service desk — it is a diagnosis the maker has already written down.
Other systems with a record on the Tesla Model Y
Source: the same files- electrical problems
- automatic emergency braking problems
- steering problems
- cruise control problems
- brake problems
- lane-keeping problems
Every system, every model year: Tesla Model Y problems by year →
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Tesla Model Y years have the most suspension complaints?
2023, 127; 2021, 77; 2022, 37. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2023 (11%).
Is there a recall for the suspension on the Tesla Model Y?
Yes — 5 campaigns are filed under this heading across these model years: 26V558000 (2026), 22V895000 (2023), 21V912000 (2022), 21V835000 (2021). A recall is matched by VIN, and applies to specific years; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do suspension problems show up on the Tesla Model Y?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 11,000 miles across the model years; half of them between 1,000 and 48,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Suspension" heading cover?
Springs, dampers, control arms and their bushings and joints. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.