Tesla Model S Suspension Problems: What Owners Report
662 of the 3,219 owner complaints NHTSA has for 2008–2024 Model S models describe suspension problems – clunks, worn parts, alignment and tire wear. Here is which years and systems show up most, what owners say, what to check first, and when a mobile mechanic can fix it where the car sits.
NHTSA data pulled September 2026.
A loud clunk followed by a wheel that sits at an odd angle, or steering that suddenly changes, can mean a failed control arm or ball joint. Stop and have it checked where it is.
Which Model S years report it most
Reports peak with the 2016 model year (177). A year with more cars on the road usually has more reports, so use this to know what to ask, not to rank years.
What else these reports mention
Owners filing these complaints most often also named the suspension and steering – usually where a mechanic starts looking.
| System named | Reports | Mobile mechanic? |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 602 | Often in the driveway |
| Steering | 65 | Diagnose first |
| Electrical system | 44 | Often in the driveway |
| Wheels | 39 | Often in the driveway |
| Exterior lights | 12 | Usually on the spot |
| Brakes | 11 | Usually on the spot |
What Model S owners describe
“You are investigating Tesla front suspension failures.”
“(image has an upper control arm that was removed from the same car at the same time with little/no rust) information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c.”
Related Tesla Model S recalls
7 of the 39 recalls for these years mention a related system or symptom. Check your VIN – if one is open, the fix is free at a dealer.
| Reported | Campaign | Model years | System | What can happen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-07 | 24V554000 | 2021–2024 | Door latches and locks | An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 2023-12 | 23V862000 | 2022–2023 | Door latches and locks | An unlocked door may unlatch and open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 2023-11 | 23V743000 | 2021–2024 | Steering | An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. |
| 2023-02 | 23V085000 | 2016–2023 | Steering | 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. |
| 2022-11 | 22V818000 | 2017–2021 | Steering | A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 2021-12 | 21V00B000 | 2014–2021 | Door latches and locks | If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 2018-03 | 18V204000 | 2012–2016 | Steering | Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash. |
Safety recall repairs are done free by the brand's dealers. A mobile mechanic cannot do recall work. Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls on your exact car. "Park it" means NHTSA and the maker say not to drive the vehicle until it is fixed.
What to check first
- Listen for clunks over bumps and note which corner they come from.
- Look at the tires for uneven wear on the inner or outer edge.
- Check whether the steering wheel is straight when driving straight.
- Check the VIN for open recalls – suspension recalls exist on some EVs.
Full guide: What mobile mechanics can and can't do
Can a mobile mechanic fix it?
Often. Control arms, sway-bar links, tie-rod ends and shocks are common mobile jobs. EVs are heavy, so make sure the mechanic has the right jack points and lift pads for your model. A wheel alignment needs a shop.
| Job | Repair shop average | Mobile mechanics we list | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel bearing / hub | $346–504 | Quoted after a look | Per wheel. Too few published mobile prices to show a range |
Repair shop average: RepairPal national estimates, parts and labor before tax (updated Sep 3, 2026); pads and rotors from Kelley Blue Book (Jun 2026). Mobile: the middle half of prices that 90 mechanics listed on MobileMechanics.ai publish on their own websites (checked Oct 2026); some are labor only, so ask whether parts are included. Prices vary by vehicle and city; the mechanic quotes after looking. How we got these numbers
Get a mechanic to look at your Model S
Tell us where the car is and what it is doing. We pass your request to one local mobile mechanic at a time – never to call centers or marketers. No cost to you.
Tesla Model S suspension problems: questions
What causes suspension problems on a Tesla Model S?
In 662 owner complaints to NHTSA that describe it, the systems named most often are the suspension, steering, electrical system. Only a mechanic who tests your car can say which applies to yours.
Is there a Tesla Model S recall for this problem?
7 recalls for these model years mention a related system. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls – open recall repairs are free at a dealer.
Can a mobile mechanic fix it?
Often. Control arms, sway-bar links, tie-rod ends and shocks are common mobile jobs. EVs are heavy, so make sure the mechanic has the right jack points and lift pads for your model. A wheel alignment needs a shop.
How much does it cost to fix?
It depends on the cause. A wheel bearing or hub averages $346–504 per wheel at a repair shop (RepairPal, September 2026); mobile mechanics usually quote it after a look. Ask for the price in writing first.
Where this data comes from
- NHTSA – vehicle safety complaints (public complaint database)
- NHTSA – recalls lookup by VIN
- NHTSA – Product Information Catalog and Vehicle Listing (vPIC)
Complaint and recall records for Tesla Model S model years in range, retrieved September 2026. Owner quotes are short excerpts from public NHTSA complaint records, lightly cased for reading.