Diagsheet

2021 Tesla Model Y · symptom sheet

Suspension noise, struts or alignment

  • 72owner reports
  • 45,483median miles
  • $1,900median quote
  • 5involved a crash

Newest report Sep 2, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

72 of the 1,067 complaints on this car describe suspension.

Tick what matches of 72 reports

11
2
1
35

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the control arm (24 reports), the bushing (10 reports) and the ball joint (9 reports).

Recalls and investigations

2 recalls on the suspension system cover the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

21V-912Nov 21, 2021
Suspension

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The front and rear suspension knuckles may fracture, causing the suspension links to separate.

Risk and remedy
Risk: Suspension links that separate can reduce vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the knuckles as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-004.
21V-835Oct 25, 2021
Suspension:Critical Fasteners

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.

Risk and remedy
Risk: A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-003.

NHTSA investigations into the suspension system on the Model Y

PE26-006opened Jul 29, 2026
Suspension · model years 2021 to 2023

Lower lateral link detachment. Open.

NHTSA summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 156 complaints alleging a suspension failure in model year (MY) 2018-2020 Model 3 and MY 2021-2023 Model Y vehicles. The suspension failure involves the detachment of the front lower lateral link, which potentially causes a loss of vehicle directional control. In most cases, there was no advance warning or indication that the suspension failure would occur. Some cases cite noises occurring prior to failure, but note that the vehicle provides no visual warnings. Once the failure occurs, the vehicle may not be drivable, thus requiring a tow. Tesla has previously recalled vehicles for lateral link detachments through two recalls. Recall 21V-835 addressed 2,791 MY2019-2021 Tesla Model 3 vehicles due to a production issue. Recall 23V-235 addressed 422 2018-2019 Tesla Model 3 vehicles that had experienced similar failures to those recalled under 21V-835. The subject failures for this investigation exceed the scope of these recalls and do not appear to be related to the production issue that prompted those recalls. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation to determine the underlying cause, scope, and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What owners paid

10 of the 72 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,600 to $2,000.

$1,600$1,900$2,000
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 29,000 and 56,258 miles, from the 30 reports that gave a mileage.

120
1121
222
923
1324
1125
2526

What owners wrote

“Front suspension makes creaking noises for a few months now. The car only makes noises when steering wheel is turned while reversing and sometimes when turning. Took the car to Tesla and they told me since the sound is not that loud and not really reproducible, then to bring it back when it gets worse. My car only has 34k miles on it.”

Filed Aug 7, 2026 · 34,000 miles

“My 2021 Model Y has about 24,500 miles began squeaking when turning the steering wheel or hitting bumps. I read online that many tesla owners had the same issue. The design on these weren't great allowing water to penetrate these parts and cause them to ware down faster. I already paid for the replacement of the upper and lower control arms.”

Filed Apr 28, 2026 · 24,500 miles

“There is a rip in the lower control bushing making steering difficult to control. I see that this is a common issue but no recall yet. My car has only 28k miles.”

Filed Jan 24, 2026 · 28,000 miles

“My 2021 Model Y at 49,865 miles had a safety-critical failure of the "front lower compliance and lateral links." The Tesla technician confirmed it was a "safety issue."”

Filed Nov 9, 2025 · 49,865 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 5 of 72 reports involved a crash. 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.

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