2018 Tesla Model 3 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 192about this part
- Share
- 19%of 1,036 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 192 complaints about the suspension of the 2018 Tesla Model 3, 19% of the 1,036 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,000 miles. 11 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I am having issues twice in 2 years my upper control arm is making very bad noise while driving then get it replaced then from right side failed again and keep making noise while driving then I got this replaced. I never had this type of issues before in last 30 years for new cars. Once it happened at 15,000 miles then again around 35,000 miles. Now may be soon again. Thanks anil”
NHTSA complaint #11376861, filed 2020-11, 15,000 miles“I was in bumper to bumper traffic on the freeway about to change lanes. I was on totally manual operation. The car suddenly accelerated and hit a car and continued with my foot on the brake to hit another car. There was no collision damage warning or avoidance automatically stopping the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11403707, filed 2021-03, 55,921 miles“The car was pulling very hard to the left. Took it to Tesla service center. They gave me an estimate of nearly $6000 to replace control arms and bushings and steering rack etc. They said the parts were damaged from outside influence . Whatever that means. The car is 18 months old and has 29,000 miles. No accidents or damage ever. This is a major manufacturing defect that could have had disastrous outcomes if I did not pick up on the symptoms first. This is in absolutely no way related to any outside influence . …”
NHTSA complaint #11407320, filed 2021-04, 29,000 miles“Front driver suspension experienced damage from a low speed turn into a parking lot. The car had a continuous squeak from the front right side while driving after the event. I called Tesla service and they came on site to do a diagnostic. They found a major issue with the front driver suspension and found that it needed to be replaced. The diagnostic and repair were free.”
NHTSA complaint #11377757, filed 2020-12, 30,000 miles“Another good example of a MODEL 3 with the front wheel and suspension fallen off for no good reason. No air-bags deployed. No other damage to car, wheel and tire undamaged. It simply fell to bits. All the ball joints and steering arm snapped. Not good. Please look at the photo. This is insane/ludicrous. Thanks. Have a great christmas. Keef”
NHTSA complaint #11290672, filed 2019-12, 7,000 milesRelated recalls
- 23V235000Mar 31, 2023Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to…Covers: Tesla Model 3 2018–2019
Related service bulletins
- 11020192Jun 24, 2025A 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…
- 10250496Dec 28, 2023Certain Model 3 high voltage batteries may not have a sufficient quantity of bolts for the contactor DC link busbars, which may prevent the vehicle from charging or powering…
- 10210724Feb 19, 2022On certain Model 3 vehicles, the front stabilizer bar link ball joint studs might crack at the flange. As a result, the nut that attaches the stabilizer bar might lose torque…
- 10203342Jul 2, 2021On certain Model 3, Model Y, and Model X vehicles, there may be a water ingress path to both front upper control arm ball joints that, over time, could possibly lead to surface…
- 10203341Jul 1, 2021On certain Model 3, Model Y, and Model X vehicles, there may be a water ingress path to both front upper control arm ball joints that, over time, could possibly lead to surface…
- 10142997Mar 20, 2018On certain Model 3 vehicles, the front stabilizer bar link ball joint studs might crack at the flange. As a result, the nut that attaches the stabilizer bar might lose torque…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 7% |
| 2025 | 5 | 4% |
| 2024 | 7 | 3% |
| 2023 | 19 | 4% |
| 2022 | 10 | 1% |
| 2021 | 16 | 2% |
| 2020 | 46 | 10% |
| 2019 | 82 | 13% |
| 2018 | 192 | 19% |
| 2017 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2018 Tesla Model 3
204 complaintsOther or unknown
175 complaintsElectrical system
168 complaintsAir bags
143 complaintsSeat belts
105 complaintsVehicle speed control
91 complaintsBrakes
89 complaintsSteering
83 complaintsSeats
74 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
61 complaintsBody and structure
60 complaintsLane departure
52 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Tesla Model 3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology