2018 Tesla Model 3 suspension problems

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 has 165 suspension complaints filed with NHTSA — 10% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

165

Suspension complaints

10%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Suspension complaints by year

Model 3 suspension complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

23V235000SuspensionMarch 31, 2023 · 422 units

Defect

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.

Consequence

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 May 30, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-31-001. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-835.

What owners report

“I WAS IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC ON THE FREEWAY ABOUT TO CHANGE LANES. I WAS ON TOTALLY MANUAL OPERATION. THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT A CAR AND CONTINUED WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO HIT ANOTHER CAR. THERE WAS NO COLLISION DAMAGE WARNING OR AVOIDANCE AUTOMATICALLY STOPPING THE CAR.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 17, 2021 · crash

Common questions

How many suspension complaints does the 2018 Tesla Model 3 have?

NHTSA has 165 complaints about the 2018 Tesla Model 3 suspension — 10% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2018 Tesla Model 3 suspension?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the suspension: 23V235000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.