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Tesla Suspension Recalls Involve Loose Fasteners and Fracturing Knuckles
Loose front suspension connections recur across the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y notices. Lateral-link fasteners may loosen on certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles in the 2021 notice, and on certain 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles in the 2023 notice. The 2026 Model Y notice also concerns lateral-link fasteners that may allow loosening or separation. Two other notices cover certain 2020 Model Y upper-control-arm bolts and certain 2020-2022 Model Y suspension knuckles that may fracture. Model Y appears most often in this group. The recurring consequences are changed wheel alignment, reduced steering ability, instability, or loss of vehicle control.
Warning signs to watch for
- Upper-control-arm recall SB-20-31-012: a detached arm can cause the wheels to lean inward or outward and reduce steering ability.
- Lateral-link recalls SB-21-31-003 and SB-23-31-001: separation can shift wheel alignment and cause instability.
- Knuckle recall SB-21-31-004: separated suspension links can reduce vehicle stability and control.
- September 2026 Model Y lateral-link recall: separation can shift wheel alignment and cause loss of vehicle control.
Can you keep driving? What the notices say
None of the listed suspension notices carries a stop-driving or park-outside instruction. The 2020 Model Y upper-control-arm bolt notice and the 2021 Model 3/Model Y lateral-link fastener notice do not tell owners to stop driving. The 2021 Model Y knuckle notice, 2023 Model 3 lateral-link fastener notice, and September 2026 Model Y lateral-link connection notice also do not tell owners to stop driving. Their stated risks include reduced steering ability, instability, reduced control, and loss of vehicle control.
What the free repair involves
All listed remedies are free. SB-20-31-012 specifies bolt inspection and tightening as necessary. SB-21-31-003 and SB-23-31-001 specify tightening or replacing lateral-link fasteners as necessary. SB-21-31-004 specifies knuckle inspection and replacement as necessary. The September 2026 Model Y notice specifies tightening or replacing fasteners, checking wheel alignment, and replacing related damaged parts as necessary.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 5 |
Models affected most
Where owners report suspension problems most
NHTSA owner complaints filed under suspension for the Tesla models and years in this guide. Complaints are unverified reports and are not limited to the recalled defects.
| Vehicle | Suspension complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Tesla Model 3 | 182 |
| 2019 Tesla Model 3 | 82 |
| 2020 Tesla Model 3 | 46 |
| 2020 Tesla Model Y | 30 |
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 2026 | Tesla Model Y Front Suspension Connections May Loosen | high |
| Mar 31, 2023 | Tesla Model 3 Front Suspension Fasteners May Loosen | high |
| Nov 21, 2021 | Tesla Model Y Suspension Knuckles May Fracture | high |
| Oct 25, 2021 | Tesla Model 3, Model Y Suspension Fastener Problem | high |
| Nov 17, 2020 | Tesla Model Y Front Suspension Bolts May Loosen | high |
Common questions
Which Model 3 years have lateral-link fastener recalls here?
The October 2021 notice covers certain 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. The March 2023 notice covers certain 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles. Each specifies tightening or replacing the front suspension lateral-link fasteners as necessary, free of charge.
What is different about the Model Y knuckle recall?
The November 2021 notice covers certain 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles whose front and rear suspension knuckles may fracture, allowing suspension links to separate. Tesla Service inspects and replaces the knuckles as necessary, free of charge.
Does the 2026 Model Y remedy include checking alignment?
The September 2026 notice specifies tightening or replacing the front suspension lateral-link fasteners and checking wheel alignment. It also specifies replacing related parts that may have been damaged as necessary. The notice states that the remedy is free.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.