VehicleVerdict

2019 Tesla Model 3 suspension problems

The 2019 Tesla Model 3 has 76 suspension complaints filed with NHTSA — 7% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

76

Suspension complaints

7%

Share of year

6

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Suspension complaints by year

Model 3 suspension complaints by model year165 complaints2017: 1 complaints2018: 165 complaints2019: 76 complaints2020: 37 complaints2021: 11 complaints2022: 7 complaints2023: 18 complaints2024: 4 complaints2025: 4 complaints
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.

21V835000SuspensionOctober 25, 2021 · 2,791 units

Defect

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.

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 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.

What owners report

“You have many reports of Tesla Model 3 ball joint failures. The ball joints are failing due to lack of lubrication. If an owner complains enough Tesla will squirt some lube in and reseal with silicon goop. Owners are even DIYing with WD40. Here is a Tesla in the junkyard with upperball-joint popped…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · February 28, 2022 · crash

Common questions

How many suspension complaints does the 2019 Tesla Model 3 have?

NHTSA has 76 complaints about the 2019 Tesla Model 3 suspension — 7% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2019 Tesla Model 3 suspension?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the suspension: 21V835000, 23V235000.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.