What 982 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Bev

Vehicle Information: Make: Tesla Model: Model 3 Mid Range Year: 2018 VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 60,000 Issue Description: My 2018 Tesla Model 3 is experiencing premature wear of the front upper control arm ball joints and lower links at only 60,000 miles, despite the sealant fix from Tesla Service Bulletin SB-20-31-006 being previously applied. This premature wear suggests a defect in materials or design and poses a potential safety risk due to compromised handling. Request: I would like some information on the current situation, if tesla has already told their stance on the issue, if I qualify for any coverage even out of warranty. Anything that can help others when their suspension front goes out extremely prematurely. Contact Information: Name: [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11639419

The car started making a strange high pitched creak sound whenever I would turn the steering wheel, or go over bumps in the road. I brought the car to Tesla and they informed me that the following parts needed to be replaced. 1. Front Lower Compliance links (left and right) 2. Front Lower Lateral Link (left and right) I was notified that the failure of those components was a potentially serious safety issue, and that the parts needed to be replaced as soon as possible. I had Tesla replace the parts, so the issue cannot be inspected. The problem was verified by the Tesla Service Center, and was not seen by any other professionals. There were no real warnings, other than the annoying squeak sound whenever the sterring wheel was turned. The sound first appeared in November of 2024.

NHTSA ODI 11639038

The front suspension lateral link on our Model 3 came detached from the subframe as the bolts someone loosened. This is a known issue and Tesla has issued a recall (NHTSA Recall No: 23V-235) on this year Model 3, but our VIN is not included in the recall. It seems that this issue is wider than the cars the original recall has included. Upon detachment, the wheel steering did not work, and if it highway speeds, could have cause a fatal accident.

NHTSA ODI 11637813

The suspension on this car developed a persistent noise that worsened over time, prompting me to schedule a service appointment at the Tesla dealership. Although my car has less than 40,000 miles and has been driven primarily on well-paved city roads, both front suspensions were found to require extensive repairs, a final bill of approximately $2,100. Safety Concerns: Frequent Suspension Issues in Teslas: Online research and data from the NHTSA indicate a disproportionately high number of suspension and steering complaints for Tesla vehicles. In 2023, Tesla owners filed over 260 complaints, significantly higher proportionally than Toyota, despite Tesla's much smaller sales volume. Such trends suggest potential systemic quality issues in Tesla’s manufacturing process. Simultaneous Suspension Failure: The need to replace multiple components in both front suspensions at just 30,000+ miles raises serious questions about the reliability and safety. A single suspension failure could be a bad luck, but simultaneous failures point to broader design or manufacturing problems. Risk of Accidents: Suspension failure compromises vehicle control, increasing the risk of accidents that endanger drivers, passengers, and others on the road. Transparency Issues in the Repair Process: The initial repair estimate of $200 excluded labor costs and was revised to $400 without prior clarity. After inspection, the cost escalated to $2,100, leaving me no option but to approve the repairs without the ability to verify their necessity. Lack of transparency in repair recommendations, coupled with Tesla’s track record of suspension complaints, undermines customer trust and raises concerns about the integrity of the repair process. In conclusion, my experience highlights potential safety risks and quality control issues with Tesla vehicles. Suspension defects not only burden customers with significant costs but also pose a serious hazard on the road.

NHTSA ODI 11635236

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that on several occasions while making left or right turns, there was a loud clanking noise emanating from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the lower control arm bushings had deteriorated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several months later where it was diagnosed that the bushings and one of the well nuts had sheared off, and the subframe needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11633652

Control arm of the left front suspension system detached with no warning other than an occasional noise that started about 2 weeks before the incident, usually when turning the front wheels at slow speed. This was a potentially dangerous situation for the driver, passengers, and any other vehicles on the road as the tire could have come off at any time. Fortunately the car was being parked (0-1 mph) in a non-congested area when the control arm detached. The vehicle (total mileage approximately 42k) was towed to a Tesla Service Center 2 days later where the problem--first diagnosed by the tow truck driver--was confirmed by a Tesla service representative. There was no warning of any problem other than the occasional noise mentioned previously. If this parts failure had occurred at high speed on an interstate highway, it would likely have been deadly!

NHTSA ODI 11632845

Control arm issue and linkage cable.

NHTSA ODI 11632697

Under-torqued Lateral link bolt These bolts are known to fall out or cause damage to bushings from being installed improperly Failure of the suspension would result in the suspension collapsing and the car becoming uncontrollable, with serious risks at higher speeds Out of pocket repair has been made by Tesla Component has been inspected and tightened to spec No warning sings, other than loud, clunking noises At 40k miles on smooth roads, this is not a driver issue, but a manufacturer assembly issue. They already have a recall for other VINs in other years, but I believe this should be expanded to more VINs and years, as this appears to be a common issue.

NHTSA ODI 11632794

Front suspension lateral link fasteners loosened, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame. I have a 2018 Model 3 and this seems to be the exact same issue that led to a recent recall with the help of the NHTSA. Recall no. 23V235000 SB-23-31-001 An expansion of previous recall number 21V-835. I noticed for months something was slightly off in the front right area of the car. I brought it into the Tesla service center, they drove it and didn't notice anything. About a month later the lateral link separated from the subframe rendering the car undriveable. I had it towed immediately.

NHTSA ODI 11632255

1. I had my car for only 6 years, and the main monitor would randomly go black. I have to do multiple hard resets to get it to work again. 2. I'm getting a Front left safety restrain system fault, on a car that I had only for 6 years. Compared to my Prius that I had more than 10 years, which I had no problems AT ALL, Tesla is junk. 3. Front suspension is squeaking when making turns at slow speeds. Review of YouTube indicates that this is a very common problem. Tesla should fix this for free instead of charging $800.

NHTSA ODI 11627290

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while making a right turn, there was a loud bang, and the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that the bolt left lateral link on the suspension was hanging with the bolt detached and the second bolt missing. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the left lateral link suspension subframe, steering rack, and driver’s side fender 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 81,976.

NHTSA ODI 11624726

On [XXX], I started driving to work when I heard an click from my front wheel. The car was driving without any problem. After a while when making a U-turn, the car front wheel got completely locked with a "grinding sound" and I lost control of the car. Fortunately, it was at low speed and I just stopped driving, If it was at high speed, it could've been a horrible situation. I had to park my car, call Tesla and tow the car to them as it was not drivable. After initial evaluation, they said the bolts of the right suspension lateral arm were not only loose, but detached and fell off, so there was physical locking between the wheel and the lateral arm. Also the bolt attachment site at the subframe was completely worn out so they needed to change the whole subframe and both lateral arms. Beside a clear RECALL from TESLA models 3/y made between 2018-2020 about the exact same issue, and this event being for the same exact problem, Tesla keeps not appreciating that and says that recall is gone. Tesla says the loose component will be audible before it completely separates, but it was not in my case. Looking at people's posts in public media, I strongly believe Tesla is ignoring this life-threatening deficit in these cars and models and this can put the lives of many drivers at risk. While I paid out of pocket for repairs, I'm more concerned about the safety of driving my and similar cars at the moment, so I request adequate investigation. Here is some evidence: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] . [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11618666

I was called told suspension issue unrelated to accident. Sounds like a recall from the same year and same model. Could it be under this recall? Suspension: Front Recall date 2023-03-30 Recall no. 23V235000 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. Recall consequence A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall action 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 (tel:1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-31-001. This recall is an expansion of previous re call number 21V-835.

NHTSA ODI 11618758

Car was making clunking sound, so made an appointment with service center. Before appointment, clunking sound stopped. Around the same time the clunking stopped we found a bolt in the driveway. Took into service and was told a bolt was missing from the lower lateral link which sounds quite concerning. I'm told by others had both bolts fallen out the wheel would have tipped inward or outward and damaged the fender and possibly caused an accident. I searched recall notices and I found recalls and/or bulletins with the same problem in similar but not the same VIN range as our vehicle and have read of others with similar problems not covered by recalls. There had been no previous work done on the front suspension.

NHTSA ODI 11617917

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The front passenger restraint message was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V376000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front lower link was tearing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11614274

During the first 5 years of ownership and while under warranty I experienced many creaks in the suspension that did not sound normal. I took it to the Tesla service center many times but was often unable to reproduce the sound when needed and told there was nothing they could do. When a technician did finally hear the sound, Tesla resealed the ball joints at no cost. This was a short-term fix and the problem persisted. After doing some research on my own I have found that this is a known defect in my car model along with the control arms often failing which can cause loss of control of the car. I am now over a year past my warranty and the control arm did in fact fail at 46,000 miles. I experienced a loud creak/rubbing sound when driving over any uneven surface. This happened overnight and was not due to any incident. When I brought the car for repairs and inquired about all of this I was told that this is normal wear and tear and that because it is such a heavy car it is not an unusual repair. I pressed the technician sharing the information I had researched and he said that he would not charge me for the labor. Because this is a known defect and I have read about many owners having to replace the control arms multiple times (often at very low mileage), I continued to argue for no cost to me which was finally granted. That being said, Tesla definitely knows it has a defective product and is doing everything it can to make owners responsible for any cost.

NHTSA ODI 11605993

the suspension: the control arms and lateral links suddenly stopped working. No trauma to car. Car only has 25, 000 miles. Very dangerous as car and steering could have stopped working suddenly and cause death and an accident. No warning lights went on at all. Only a sudden grinding and clanking sound. I had to pay over $2000 out of pocket to repair and I had to wait a full month before they were able to diagnose and repair it. It was diagnosed and repaired by a Tesla dealer.

NHTSA ODI 11603785

Front control arms are indicating loud noises suspected to be failure of these components. The vehicle handles poorly at speeds over 35 mph as a result. I contacted Tesla and they were to schedule a service appointment back in May but it hasn't happened. The internet shows this to be a very common issue with selected recalls for these components. I never received a recall notice. My car is out of warranty for both mileage and length of time.

NHTSA ODI 11599328

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle for service, the contact was made aware that the front suspension lateral linkage bolt had detached and that the bolts were damaged. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V235000 (Suspension); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

NHTSA ODI 11598613

The first time was rattling and squeaking from front driver's side wheel. It got progressively worse so I took it in and they replaced the control arms. About 10 months later the rattling is back. This time Tesla says it's a different problem. I need to replace the lateral links, the compliance links and get a wheel alignment.

NHTSA ODI 11591866

My car began making a loud creaking noise that was palpable in the gas pedal on turns, especially when turning into an incline. I requested service from tesla who gave me an appointment approximately a month after my request. The noise grew louder and more frequent so I messaged service again to make sure the car was safe to drive and see if an earlier time was available. They replied that yes it was safe and no there was no earlier time. Soon thereafter I pulled into a parking spot and heard a very loud noise from the front left and got out to find the left front wheel bent inward and support components hanging from the bottom of the car in contact with the pavement. Per Tesla service's report, "front suspension damage and driver side front finder damage...left front strut damage, front sub-frame assembly damage, lower lateral links damage, aero shield is damaged, and both front lateral and compliance link brushings torn." Recommend to replace front suspension lower lateral and compliance links, both front upper control arms, left front strut, front sub-frame assembly and perform four wheel alignment. Steering rack feels harder than normal while turning on the lift. Recommend to replace steering rack assembly" The technician stated that this appeared to be due to "collision damage". The car was hit while parked a year ago, but a Tesla-authorized collision repair facility did not identify damage to any of these components at the time of repair. The quote for repair currently is $7374.47.

NHTSA ODI 11587788

My steering wheel on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range, began to groan louder and vibrate periodically when the steering wheel was turned, especially at lower speeds. At speeds roughly under 50 MPH, the front wheel fender area would vibrate frequently, and more often when I encountered speed bumps or dips in the pavement surface. I contacted Tesla early 2024 through my Tesla app, explained what I was experiencing. Tesla determined I may set a mechanical appointment for 01/14/2024 with a "repair estimate" that was approximately $175.00. Upon preview by the service-intake representative (I do not remember name), he pushed down on my front fender area, heard the "groan" and informed me that my vehicle's issue was "very common and easily correctable, that should not cost me more than $200” in his estimation. A couple hours after dropping off my car, I got a call from another representative from the Berkeley Tesla Service center, informing me that the damage was more extensive and would be approximately $2100 (labor included), which involved a broken control assembly, replacing Front Upper Control Arm Assembly, Right hand and Left hand, Front Lower Compliance Link Assembly Right and Left sides, Lateral Lower Front Links Right and Left sides, an alignment, and various bolts & nuts parts.. or if I choose to not move forward with repair, I can come back to pick up my vehicle without repair costs. On the phone, I brought up that I read the NHTSA and Tesla issued a recall on some vehicles within the same year as my vehicle, however, I was informed over the phone, since I was not notified nor was "on the list," I was NOT covered. I was very concerned with vehicle operating safely so I paid for these repairs out-of-pocket. If my front suspension failure / safety matter is very similar to over 400 Tesla recalled vehicles whose vehicles experienced the same issues, I am hopeful my vehicle can be included in this matter and be reimbursed for my paid repairs.

NHTSA ODI 11585864

My car began producing very loud creaking noise at low speed. I brought the car into a Tesla service center and the technician said that this was a well known issue with the upper control arm of the front suspension. He mentioned he performs this repair every day. I was given an estimate of approximately $200 to repair the suspension. I later receive an updated estimate of $1,850. Tesla states there was extensive damage to the front suspension. In addition to the upper control arms; the compliance and lateral links of the front suspension were torn. The technician confirmed that the torn components posed a safety risk. This was shocking as the car only had 33,500 miles on it. I asked about the expected wear life of these components. Tesla was unable to provide me with an answer. Later I was reading discussions of this issue on an owner's forum. Many owners report this issue and have replaced their front suspension two or three times only to have the issue reoccur. It appears that Tesla knowingly sold vehicles with defective components, creating a safety issue; and have placed the burden of repairing and replacing these components on consumers.

NHTSA ODI 11585085

Left and right upper control arms failed, as did both front lower lateral links. Same issues as the vehicles recalled as part of 2 different recalls by Tesla: [XXX] Car requires over $2,000 of out of warranty repairs despite this clearly being a manufacturer defect and car should have been included as part of the previous recall(s). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11583519

Suspension bushings failing after 40,000 miles. There is ample evidence online that Tesla's have serious suspension and steering issues, just do a search for Tesla Whompy Wheels. In China the government cracked down on Tesla and required a physical recall and replacements of defective parts. Why is the US not protecting drivers the same way the government of China is? Please issue a recall on Tesla suspension and steering issues. Tesla is quoting us $1,300 to repair a suspension with 40,000 miles on it. The attached invoice does not show their quote, they deleted the quote when we told them no. We cannot afford this repair at this time but this is a serious safety issue on a low mileage car and I am disappointed that NHTSA is not requiring Tesla to fix this obvious defect.

NHTSA ODI 11578897