2021 Tesla Model S Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 9%of 179 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the suspension of the 2021 Tesla Model S, 9% of the 179 complaints for this model year.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have started receiving airbag & seat safety issue alert but recieved appointment after a month even considering major safety concern. Some of 2021 vehicles are serviced under the recall Tesla sent. But told me mine doesn’t qualify for same issue for same year, same model cars. It seems like issue is with all Tesla Model S 2021 but Tesla charging big dollar amount to repair the safety concern. They have also mentioned there is on going concern with air suspension and all Tesla starts giving problem between 60,000 miles to 90,000 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11711634, filed 2026-01“4 months after warranty and only 42,774 miles, I am being hit with a massive bill of almost $2,700 from Tesla service in Lyndhurst, OH. This to correct right and left front end basic suspension issues that should not occur. Clearly the front end is not designed to handle the weight of car. The service manager told me that he sees this every day!! The car is not safe to drive until repairs are made. There was no trauma to the front end only normal wear and tear. The front end started making noise which had me take it to the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #11660683, filed 2025-05“My vehicle had a total rear tire failure where the inside corner of tread separated from the sidewall. There appears to be abnormal wear on the very edge of the inside line of tread. The vehicle was just aligned and nothing was out of spec. Something about the tire design, weight of the vehicle, recommended tire pressure or suspension geometry is causing this failure. My tires were always kept at the recommended pressures. There was no indication of a problem until the tire went completely flat suddenly.”
NHTSA complaint #11481303, filed 2022-08“There is a repeated issue with my vehicle and I looked it up online and it seems all Tesla Model S vehicles have this issue. This is the 2nd time I've had this same issue. As I go over any bumps, accelerate, or decelerate there's a clicking sound coming from the front wheels. While driving there's a whistling sound. Based on websites and videos I've seen all over the internet, it's the result of a loose nut and bolt. It apparently continually occurs because of the very high amount of torque these cars have and the quality of the parts used for this torque doesn't suffice. …”
NHTSA complaint #11615339, filed 2024-09“I purchased my Tesla in September 2021. At 12000 miles, I had to replace both rear tires due to severe inside wear. I replaced them and continued driving, but at 22000 miles, the same issue occurred. Each time, I performed service exclusively at Tesla, where they checked the alignment and assured me everything was fine. At 39,000 miles, the issue repeated. Tesla performed another alignment and TOE adjustment, assuring me it was resolved. However, after another 10,000 miles, the same problem occurred, with the inner tread worn down to the cords, while the rest of the tire had adequate tread. …”
NHTSA complaint #11636646, filed 2025-01Related service bulletins
- 10245517Oct 27, 2023Some model year 2021-2023 Model S Plaid and Model X Plaid vehicles running a vehicle software version earlier than 2023.44 may require a vehicle software update to address a mild…
- 10200279Jun 24, 2021Certain Model S Palladium vehicles have an incorrect air suspension fill valve installed, resulting in the inability to fill the air suspension reservoir.
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 2021 Tesla Model S
48 complaintsOther or unknown
45 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsWheels
10 complaintsLane departure
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsTires
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 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