2018 Tesla Model 3
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Forward collision avoidance is the leading concern among 1,025 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 9 Model 3 model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 102 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 44 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 5, 2026
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
Campaign 26V507000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, pressure monitoring and regulating systemsDec 17, 2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
Campaign 24V935000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, warning light/devicesMay 28, 2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Campaign 24V376000 on NHTSA.gov
Forward collision avoidance, warnings, external/pedestrian alertFeb 27, 2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
Campaign 24V153000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelJan 30, 2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Campaign 24V051000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, adas, autonomous/self driving, softwareDec 12, 2023
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
Campaign 23V838000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, frontMar 31, 2023
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-31-001. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-835.
Campaign 23V235000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, automated/adaptive steeringFeb 15, 2023
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
Campaign 23V085000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/other, anchorageOct 21, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.
An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Tesla Service will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-004.
Campaign 22V798000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsSep 19, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.
Campaign 22V702000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelApr 18, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Model 3 Performance vehicles. The unit of speed (mph or km/h) may fail to display on the speedometer while in Track Mode. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
The driver may not know how fast the vehicle is traveling without the mph or km/h unit display, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-008.
Campaign 22V263000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareApr 12, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.
Campaign 22V235000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, display functionMar 18, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.
Campaign 22V169000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareFeb 4, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.
Campaign 22V063000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareFeb 1, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.
Campaign 22V045000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, adas, autonomous/self driving, softwareJan 27, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
Campaign 22V037000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiring, rear compartment/trunkDec 21, 2021
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles. The rearview camera cable harness may be damaged by the opening and closing of the trunk lid, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
A rearview camera that does not function reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla Service will inspect and install a guide protector and new cable harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-17-008.
Campaign 21V00D000 on NHTSA.gov
Forward collision avoidance, sensing system, cameraOct 29, 2021
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
Campaign 21V846000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsMay 25, 2021
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached.
An improperly attached fastener may prevent the seat belt system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Tesla Service will inspect and repair both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-001.
Campaign 21V389000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: suspension
186 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Jul 24, 2023
Bolt connecting lower control arm to the sub frame fell out as it wasn’t torqued/fastened properly during manufacturing. This caused suspension to rattle and cause wheel alignment warnings to go off.
Suspension, Jul 1, 2023
Vehicle owned since December 2018. Squeaking noise from suspension June 2023 with no precipitating event or incident . No alert or messages. Previous front control arm replacements done. Per Tesla Service inspection, Correction: Links - Compliance - Lower - Front - RH/LH (Remove and Replace) & Correction: Links - Lateral - Lower - Front - LH/RH (Remove & Replace). Suspension issues.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2023
THIS IS ON RECAL SB-20-31-006 R3. THE BALL JOINT OF MY TESLA MODEL 3. SQUEAKS/CREAKING, WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, WHEN I DRIVE SLOW, DRIVE FAST, HIT ANY BUMP, TURN. THE NOISE HAS GOTTEN LOUDER. I WAS TOLD BY TESLA TAHT MY CAR DOES NOT QUALIFY UNDER THE RECAL DUE TO MY VIN#. REQUESTING ASSISTANCE TO GET THIS FIXED.
Suspension, Jun 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed over a speed bump, he heard a rattling sound coming from the front passenger’s side suspension. Upon visual inspection, the contact observed that a bolt had detached from the suspension. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined a damaged frontal lower lateral link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V235000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.
Suspension, Jun 5, 2023, crash
How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -Due to the Suspension recall that was released in March 2023. My car spinned out of control on the High causing my car to loose control on HW 85 south I nearly lost my life but the car stopped due to a limb in the grass. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?No, because the accident before the recall was experienced. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No
Suspension, Jun 1, 2023
My car has started making squeaky noise in the front of the vehicle. Upon getting it inspected I was told the suspension links will have to be replaced. I told the rep at Tesla that 2018 model 3 Tesla is under recall for suspension. Links as this problem is a common found problem amount this model of the Tesla. And therefore it’s under recall. But they refused and said my car is not flagged for that recall so I will have to pay to fix the problem.
Suspension, May 26, 2023
Front suspension lateral link fell off from subframe while driving. No warning was given. Unable steer vehicle.
Suspension, May 25, 2023
Left Lower Lateral Control Arm Failure: One of the bolts attaching the control arm to the subframe had loosened and fallen out. The increased stress caused the other attachment point on the control arm to break resulting in complete failure. Luckily, this happened in a parking lot; on the road this would amount to an extreme safety risk. The Vehicle has been inspected by Tesla and the incident occurred with out warning. There is currently an extremely limited recall for this problem (Recall # 23V-235), but my Model 3 is not included in this.
Suspension, May 15, 2023
My 2018 Model 3 was purchased brand new direct from Tesla with no other drivers or accidents. In Feb of 2023 I heard a creaking sound from the front driver wheel. The steering wheel felt like it was shaking when going into lane changes. I brought it into Tesla and they found that both lateral link bolts were loose, subframe damage. The exact issue was recalled under #23V-235. I showed them the reports but Tesla refused to honor the recall because they only do it on specific vins. My VIN was clearly missed in error. There is absolutely no way that I had the exact issue as the recall and for my car to somehow be an exception. I paid $2,162.13 that needs to be refunded. This could have killed me and they are lucky that I brought the car in and found the issue before they were dragged by the NHTSA to actually do the recalls. Now they are trying to skimp on my repair because of a lucky coincidence that my vin was somehow missed.
Suspension, May 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that upon reversing out of a parking lot, an abnormal clunking sound was coming from the vehicle while turning to the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving and the steering wheel became loose, and an unknown object detached from the vehicle upon entering her driveway. Due to the failure, the contact decided to have the vehicle towed; upon arrival, the tow truck driver discovered that a bolt had fallen out of the vehicle. Once the vehicle arrived at the service center, the mechanic replaced a lower front lateral link and half shaft assembly. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V235000 (Suspension); which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 70,950.
Steering, Suspension, May 1, 2023
I received a message on the cars screen Steering alignment service recommended On the drivers side 2 bolts fell out at low speed which we picked up behind the vehicle. Using a jack one of the bolts was reinstalled to allow it to be driven onto a tow truck. I researched and found you had a recall on 2018 model 3 for bolts coming loose. It appears my vin was not part of this recall . I feel it should have been obviously as they must have worked themselves loose to fall out. I discussed this with Tesla service and they are quoting me $2500 for repairs because my vin was not included in the recall.
Suspension, Apr 27, 2023
My wife was driving and the left front suspension became disconnected. It appears some type of connection bolt came loose. The car became undriveable and unable to steal properly.
Steering, Suspension, Seat belts, Apr 25, 2023
I purchased this car used 12/05/2022. The seatbelt /driverside, doesn't catch on sudden stops, lurching me forward. I've almost hit the steering wheel with my face and head. Tesla says they are not responsible for replacing seatbelt. I have to pay for it. I don't know previous owners knew about this issue prior to selling it , but according to tesla, this issue doesn't fall with in their purview. Also the sealed control arm bushings on steering are squealing & after squeaking 10,000 miles of my driving this car and purchase. That too isn't covered.
Suspension, Apr 7, 2023
The main bolt that holds together the wheel and body on the driver side fell off while driving, resulting in wheel falling off and car not able to operate safety. The bolt is marked with kxv109. This caused damage to the entire subframe assembly. This could have been a very terrible accident if I was driving at a higher speed. On October 27, 2022 I noticed an odd sound from my steering wheel which I reported to Tesla and had my car in for service and was told that nothing was wrong and everything worked as expected, so I continued to drive my car. My car’s wheel fell off on January 20, 2023, the bolt that held the wheel to the body completely broke off and fell on the ground.
Suspension, Apr 7, 2023
The front left control arm (lateral link) of my Model 3's front wheel just came completely off (bolts unscrewed) without any incident. It fell to the ground and preventing my car from steering properly and was dragging on the ground. The car couldn't drive properly and needed to be towed to the Tesla service center. This could have easily caused a fatal accident by causing the car to suddenly not be able to steer and drive properly. I had the vehicle towed to the Tesla service center and the engineers did not know how or why the bolts were unscrewed and came out. The Tesla service center forced me to pay out of pocket since my vehicle had 70K miles and was out of warranty. They refused to accept it as a manufacturing safety defect.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Feb 24, 2023
looks like "upper control arms Parts" are poorly constructed and Tesla is not able to fix . I've had my 2018 model 3 for a 4.5 years now I notice a squeaking noise coming from the steering wheel and its constantly whenever I turn the wheel. Tesla said to replace upper control arms Parts by owner , even though it was poorly designed .costing about $2800.00.. which is not acceptable . Would you mind take a look at this issue
Suspension, Feb 22, 2023
I was turning left into our garage at low speed, and a bolt fell out of the front right suspension (bolt came out of lower control arm) and the wheel practically fell off the car. A whole mess of damage happened, and it came out to an over $5,000 repair, and we're still getting it repaired. We recently had the tires aligned at Tesla in October 2022, roughly 3 months before the bolt fell out. Bolts like this shouldn't be falling out of the car, and at the very least Tesla should be checking the torque on all these things on any major service.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Jan 17, 2023
I was driving the car about 35-40 MPH when I heard a popping sound. The steering immediately locked up and the car was undrivable and unsteerable. I looked around car and the body of the car was resting on top of the front right passenger side tire. A bolt was found underneath the car. There were no vehicle system warnings, I did not hit anything, nor has the car been in any accidents. The car could not even be put into neutral or moved out of the 4 lane road. I contacted police and tow truck who said swing arm had failed. I had four children in the car who could have been seriously or fatally injured. Tesla has been contacted but said it isnt their problem or a manufacturing problem although there is lots of reports on internet and they have issued a recall for this very problem on other models. I am very concerned about this safety issue that needs to be addressed since it is potentially very dangerous.
Suspension, Dec 14, 2022
2018 MODEL 3 21,060 miles, No warning lights or messages, car started to make a clicking noise when turning steering wheel right and left. Drove to Tesla Service Center after hearing noise for the 1st time. At Tesla Service: Agent #1 stated that is a normal noise and no need to bring it in and or need to make appointment. Agent #2 Technician, heard noise and said that it needs to be looked at, maybe control arm. Technician #3 came out to visual inspect vehicle heard noise when turning steering wheel while he visually inspected front suspension. Tesla made appointment for next day. Tesla stated that Right and Left Control arm and all parts, have to be replaced. Tesla has recalls out for front suspension, control arm issue. If your vin. # is not on the list then you will be charged. I believe that this is major safety issue due to failure of control of steering which could easily cause an accident.
Suspension, Nov 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a loud popping sound near the front passenger’s side wheel. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the lower front lateral link, assembly left and assembly right link, all four-ball joints and sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Suspension, Nov 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated THAT while his wife was driving at unknown speed, she heard an abnormal sound and a part detached from the vehicle. There was also an abnormal rubbing sound. The contact pulled over and examined the vehicle and noticed that there was a metal part hanging underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included TSB-21-31-003. The failure mileage was 56,527.
Steering, Suspension, Nov 5, 2022
Lateral and Comp Links Failed and Upper Control Arms Failed causing steering issues. Car has barely been driven and shouldn’t require repairs to these parts so early in its life.
Suspension, Oct 28, 2022
After a routine breaking in traffic noticed a loud grinding noise. Upon inspection notice that the right rear suspension assembly was sitting on the inside rim of the wheel. The bolt at the bottom of the assembly had either come out or sheared off.
Suspension, Wheels, Oct 19, 2022
Car is 4 years old with 22k miles only and never was involved in an accident or high impact situation. When backing out of driveway and then turning wheels going forward at low speed, a loud noise occurred in the front passenger wheel area and car came to a complete stop. After going out to investigate, the car body was resting on the wheel and two bolts were on the road and the lower control arm was detached from the underbody and dragging to the floor. Had this happened at high speed I can’t imagine what would have been the outcome. No early warning signs occurred prior to this incident.
Suspension, Oct 5, 2022
2 bolts mounting the left lower front control arm to the subframe has come loose. The car is out of warranty and Tesla refused to work on it without charging. The car has been making clunking noise and lately is pulling to the right when on freeway. Glad that I am handy and capable of doing DIY repair and glad I discovered it early. If one of these bolts comes loose on freeway, it could be fatal to me. I researched and found that I am not the only one. https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/suspension-rattling-sound-turned-out-to-be-a-loose-bolt.185958/ When there are that many reports of the same problem, I believe Tesla should be more proactive or do a recall. The bolts have been tightened by me but I don't know the exact torque specs, nor do I know if any other suspension components or threads of the bolts have been compromised. I did not check the right side of the car for loose.