2013 Tesla Model S Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 92about this part
- Share
- 20%of 461 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,958miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 92 complaints about the suspension of the 2013 Tesla Model S, 20% of the 461 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,958 miles. 11 of these say a crash was involved and 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Suspension links in my Tesla Model S 2013 were advised to be replaced at 56,000 miles. If not replaced by service I was told the wheels could break off. No timeline was given. The car was moderately used on average condition roads in the state of connecticut. Suspension links should be more reliable and not require a replacement after 56,000 of regular usage.”
NHTSA complaint #10968448, filed 2017-03, 56,000 miles“My car went over a pothole on 101 s just short of woodside rd. Exit. I heard a loud thud and my car went out of control and veered into the lanes next to me as I tried to control it. After several attempts to stop it, it finally came to a stop. The rear, right tire burst and the wheel impacted badly. Rear suspension broken and the 'quarter and rocker panel' broken.”
NHTSA complaint #10945288, filed 2017-01, 23,000 miles“I was backing the car out of my garage when I heard a strange scraping sound. When I looked to see what was up I found that the right rear suspension had collapsed. The car was moving straight back at very low speed in my driveway. I was told by the tow truck technician that the lower control arm had failed.”
NHTSA complaint #11160817, filed 2018-12, 30,560 miles“Mcu (center screen) failed in my 2013 Model S. I returned to the car after it was parked all day in an outdoor parking lot at work and it would not turn on. Rebooting, other troubleshooting did not remedy. …”
NHTSA complaint #11338854, filed 2020-07, 126,000 miles“At 45k miles my suspension failed. It required a new control arm and suspension alignment. Tesla said drove vehicle and confirmed noise from front of vehicle. Upon inspection found left front upper control arm joint to have excessive freeplay. The individual at Tesla said it was no big deal. I was driving the car and heard a crack noise while going down a street. From then on out my car made loud squeaking and cracking noises.”
NHTSA complaint #10873808, filed 2016-06, 44,915 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10153421Jan 3, 2019On certain Model S vehicles, either lower rear control arm might crack, causing excessive negative camber of the rear suspension.
- 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 | 32% |
| 2015 | 150 | 22% |
| 2014 | 90 | 25% |
| 2013 | 92 | 20% |
| 2012 | 9 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2013 Tesla Model S
195 complaintsOther or unknown
122 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsVehicle speed control
25 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
22 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsAir bags
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Tesla Model S
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