2012 Tesla Model S Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 15%of 61 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the suspension of the 2012 Tesla Model S, 15% of the 61 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Noticed this problem after I was backing up and turning my wheels and would hear a loud metal on metal clunk or grinding sound. It was coming from the front-left suspension and would occur causing my wheel and steering to feel like it was skipping. I noticed and my steering felt loose over bumps and would pull to the left. Again the vehicle is in motion and this was felt the most when turning full motion and/or backing up and turning. …”
NHTSA complaint #10885723, filed 2016-07, 67,000 miles“The mcu - media control unit is slow to respond to inputs and slow to startup when entering the vehicle. The screen has locked up several times while driving which leaves the turn indicators unusable and the defroster deactivated until the mcu resets. The hazard indicators are inactive when the mcu turns off. The front suspension links wear out prematurely due to a poor design and the weight of the vehicle. Repairs are costly due the main high voltage battery needing to be removed in order to remove the suspension link bolts.”
NHTSA complaint #11376392, filed 2020-11, 65,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10057891Mar 24, 2015Tesla motors, inc 2012-2013 model s: information regarding front lower control arm ball joints developing greater free play than expected. Installing (4)wedge- lock washers on…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 14% |
| 2025 | 2 | 33% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 4 | 3% |
| 2022 | 9 | 6% |
| 2021 | 16 | 9% |
| 2020 | 14 | 18% |
| 2019 | 8 | 18% |
| 2018 | 20 | 12% |
| 2017 | 107 | 25% |
| 2016 | 211 | 33% |
| 2015 | 149 | 22% |
| 2014 | 90 | 25% |
| 2013 | 92 | 20% |
| 2012 | 9 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2012 Tesla Model S
37 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Tesla Model S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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