2019 Tesla Model 3 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 82about this part
- Share
- 13%of 620 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 82 complaints about the suspension of the 2019 Tesla Model 3, 13% of the 620 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Tonight my Tesla 3 with 9500 miles was noted by the driver in the car next to mine to be riding on a tire that was sparking. Stopping the car I found the radial michelin tire was riding on the inner medial radial as the rubber was totally gone. Further inspection found both rear tires to be similarly marked by having no tread. This is a 4 shell drive car in which there is a major problem with the suspension or motors for the rear wheels. I have never had a car with this type of problem. I suspect they cut corners t some major step or this is a mother type of design flaw. …”
NHTSA complaint #11376496, filed 2020-11, 9,300 miles“Here is another Tesla MODEL 3 in the junkyard. The front suspension has fallen to bits. All 3 ball-joints have simply popped apart. Even in cars that have been in major crashes it is unusual to see a ball joint that has separated. There are many reports on the forums that the ball joints on MODEL 3 cars are squeaking badly when the steering is turned side to side. …”
NHTSA complaint #11387213, filed 2021-01, 10,000 miles“This is a complaint about ball-joint failure in Tesla MODEL 3 cars. Please note that I have used the VIN of another Tesla to file this complaint since the VIN of the car in question is unavailable. Many owners are complaining on the forums that their steering is creaking and they are resorting to diy remedies such as peeling back the rubber boot on the top ball joint and squirting in lubricant. There have been many cases where the ball has eventually worn down and popped out of the socket. …”
NHTSA complaint #11397998, filed 2021-02, 10,000 miles“Front suspension has lost lower lateral link and bolt. There was a recall on this back in 2023 for our year and model but our car was no selected. Clearly it should have been as the suspension has failed. Please see invoice from Tesla attached. This should be taken care of by Tesla as it is a known issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11681962, filed 2025-08“I had to replace the Front Upper Control Arm Assemblies (Left and Right). As part of this (I believe) I also had to replace Lower Lateral Links (Left and Right) and the Front Lower Compliance Links (Left and Right). My car had 53,536 miles on it at the time (so just outside the warranty). The total cost was $1,259.63.”
NHTSA complaint #11562593, filed 2023-12Related 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
- 21V835000Oct 25, 2021Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing…Covers: Tesla Model 3 2019–2021, Model Y 2020–2021
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…
- 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…
- 10173428Mar 10, 2020On some Model 3 vehicles, the LH and/or RH rear damper top mount bolts were not fastened according to internal specifications and may create noise, vibration, and harshness.
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 2019 Tesla Model 3
170 complaintsElectrical system
92 complaintsAir bags
88 complaintsOther or unknown
81 complaintsVehicle speed control
71 complaintsLane departure
70 complaintsBrakes
63 complaintsSeat belts
57 complaintsSteering
54 complaintsSeats
47 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
34 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2019 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