2021 Tesla Model Y · symptom sheet
Suspension noise, struts or alignment
- 75owner reports
- 45,483median miles
- $1,900median quote
- 5involved a crash
Newest report Sep 23, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
75 of the 1,079 complaints on this car describe suspension.
Tick what matches of 75 reports
Suspension on other Model Y 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: 2024, 2025.
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 (25 reports), the bushing (12 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.
The front and rear suspension knuckles may fracture, causing the suspension links to separate.
The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
All 23 recalls on the 2021 Tesla Model Y, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the suspension system on the Model Y
Lower lateral link detachment. Open.
What owners paid
10 of the 75 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,600 to $2,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 29,103 and 56,753 miles, from the 33 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 1 service bulletin or notice for the 2021 Tesla Model Y 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.
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 75 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. 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
- Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 363 reports
- Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 330 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 181 reports
- Forward collision warning goes off or the camera drops out 104 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 103 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 52 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 43 reports
- Full Self-Driving (FSD) does something unsafe 35 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 30 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 26 reports