2018 Tesla Model 3 · symptom sheet
Suspension noise, struts or alignment
- 186owner reports
- 33,000median miles
- $2,000median quote
- 11involved a crash
Newest report Sep 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
186 of the 1,026 complaints on this car describe suspension, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2018 Model 3.
Tick what matches of 186 reports
Suspension on other Model 3 years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Suspension complaints are mostly about noise and handling: a clunk over bumps, a car that pulls to one side, a ride that bounces or leans more than it used to. The more serious reports describe a part breaking or coming loose, and that's where the recalls in this group are concentrated.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the control arm (78 reports), the ball joint (25 reports), the bushing (15 reports) and the struts or shocks (5 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the suspension system covers the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
All 19 recalls on the 2018 Tesla Model 3, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the suspension system on the Model 3
Lower lateral link detachment. Open.
What owners paid
45 of the 186 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $583 to $2,800.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 10,000 and 56,000 miles, from the 91 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 3 service bulletins or notices for the 2018 Tesla Model 3 that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
A firmware diagnosis feature is being introduced on Model 3 and Model Y vehicles that monitors wheel alignment over time.
On certain Model 3, Model Y, and Model X vehicles, there may be a water ingress path to both front upper control arm ball joints that, over time, could possibly lead to surface corrosion of these ball joints.
On certain Model 3 vehicles, the front stabilizer bar link ball joint studs might crack at the flange. As a result, the nut that attaches the stabilizer bar might lose torque.
What owners wrote
“The front passenger side upper control arm is squeaking and causing vehicle to drift to right, vehicle only has like 60k miles and the upper control arms have been replaced by Tesla before”
Filed Sep 9, 2025 · 60,000 miles
“Front suspension components needed to be replaced, vehicle was out of warranty and had only 43000 miles. These parts should last for much longer the 4 years and 43000 miles. No incident, but car squeaked at all speeds. Repair cost was $1600”
Filed Dec 30, 2023 · 43,000 miles
“Front suspension lateral link fell off from subframe while driving. No warning was given. Unable steer vehicle.”
Filed May 26, 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.”
Filed Apr 27, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 11 of 186 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Seat belt or seat problems 152 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 142 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 131 reports
- Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 100 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 88 reports
- Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 82 reports
- Forward collision warning goes off or the camera drops out 38 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 32 reports
- Full Self-Driving (FSD) does something unsafe 29 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 26 reports