2020 Tesla Model X Suspension Problems

When turning a loud cranking sound is heard and it makes it hard to turn. It as if something is stopping it from turning.

NHTSA ID

11726034

Incident

Aug 4, 2025

I am submitting information regarding repair access and repair estimate concerns involving a Tesla vehicle after a collision. During an insurance claim handled by Tesla Insurance Company, a repair estimate from a Tesla-preferred repair facility was used to declare the vehicle a total loss. However, a manufacturer-owned repair facility estimate would be significantly lower and could make the vehicle repairable. When I attempted to obtain an inspection and estimate from a Tesla manufacturer repair facility, the appointment was cancelled after communication between the insurance company and the repair facility. This prevented me from obtaining a competing repair estimate. Because Tesla operates the vehicle manufacturing, repair network, and insurance services within the same ecosystem, I am submitting this information for review regarding potential impacts on repair access, repairability, and consumer choice.

NHTSA ID

11722287

Incident

Dec 12, 2025

Making a loud squeaky noise and knocking while I turn. The noise is coming from the steering and front suspension arms I believe.

NHTSA ID

11713009

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

My 2020 Tesla Model X experiences severe vibration, shaking, and rattling during acceleration, especially between about 20–45 mph and at higher suspension settings. The vibration is strong enough to affect steering stability and safe control of the vehicle during acceleration and lane changes. Tesla has already replaced the front half-shafts twice under warranty for this same problem, but the issue has returned again. This is a known defect documented by Tesla in Service Bulletin SB-21-39-001, which describes excessive front drive unit half-shaft vibration during acceleration and defines the repair with updated components. The latest revision of this bulletin (R3, dated January 19, 2024) explicitly adds “Customer Pay billing” instructions. Despite this, my local Tesla Service Center in Tempe, AZ (Supervisor: Lewis Holguin) refused to apply the SB-21-39-001 Customer Pay billing and instead charged full retail for the repair. On 11/28/2025, I was billed $1,694.86 out of pocket to replace both front half-shafts again (invoice shows approx. $1,046 in parts and $564 in labor). I have documentation showing that other Tesla customers with the same defect were billed only $350 under SB-21-39-001, which demonstrates that Tesla does apply a discounted bulletin rate in some cases. In my case, they refused to honor it even though this is a repeat failure of the same known defect and the prior warranty repairs did not permanently fix the problem. This is a repeat driveline/suspension defect that affects drivability and safety under acceleration. The shaking and vibration make it difficult to maintain stable vehicle control, especially during highway merging or lane changes. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate recurring front half-shaft failures and vibration/shudder issues on Tesla Model X vehicles and Tesla’s inconsistent handling of this known defect and service bulletin.

NHTSA ID

11701961

Incident

Nov 23, 2025

I would like to report a significant safety concern affecting Tesla Model X vehicles, and potentially Model S as well. Numerous reports across Tesla forums have highlighted persistent issues with unadjustable negative camber, which results in excessive inner tire wear on all four wheels. In some cases, owners have reported needing to replace their tires as early as 5,000 miles. In my own experience, I had to replace mine at just 14,000 miles. Additionally, I’ve experienced repeated failures of the front axle half-shafts on both the left and right sides. The first replacement occurred at 14,000 miles under warranty, and the second at 38,000 miles—this time at my own expense. Independent automotive professionals have pointed out that the angle at which the half-shafts are installed is too steep for optimal performance. The front motor sits significantly higher than the wheels, forcing the half-shafts to transfer power at an extreme downward angle. This off-axis setup, combined with the vehicle’s weight and high torque output, contributes to accelerated wear of internal components within the half-shafts. Over time, this leads to fatigue and surface damage, causing noticeable shuddering or vibrations during acceleration. To resolve this issue, the half-shafts would need to be more closely aligned with the wheels (on-axis) to reduce mechanical strain and eliminate the root cause of the vibrations. I urge Tesla to further investigate and address this recurring issue, as it impacts both vehicle safety and long-term ownership costs. A safety recall should be issued and reimburse out of pocket expensive back to owners.

NHTSA ID

11675226

Incident

Feb 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model X. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle shook erratically. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a malfunction with the front driver's side half shaft. The contact stated that the front driver's side half shaft needed to be repositioned. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact was informed that it was a known failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

NHTSA ID

11672375

Incident

Nov 9, 2024

Mileage

28,000 mi

Hello - I'm having extreme Inner tire wear on rear tires due to a bad camber arm design on my Tesla model X. The negative chamber is way outside of normal standards. I had an issue recently where my tire blew out. I did not notice until I had to replace it. I have changed tires three times in the last year. That's just egregious.

NHTSA ID

11666971

Incident

May 20, 2025

We purchased a Tesla Model X 2 years ago and have driven a little over 10,000 miles on it. The car has had continuous suspension problems which resulted in replacing the half shaft twice, control arms and now suspension pins. We drive solely on city roads and highways, it does not seem safe that a car used for regular commute to/from work and school would have such serious mechanical problems so early on.

NHTSA ID

11650050

Incident

Mar 19, 2025

I preordered a 2020 Tesla Model X on [XXX], totaling $112,590, with $62,617 paid in cash and the rest financed. On November 30, 2021, I brought the car to the Renton Tesla Service Center for axle noise when accelerating, but they couldn’t replicate it. On February 7, 2022, I returned with the same complaint and was asked to provide a video of the issue. On April 13, 2022, with video proof of the noise, Tesla verified the issue and replaced the axle halfshafts, temporarily resolving it. On [XXX], the noise recurred. Renton Tesla couldn’t replicate it and suggested a wheel alignment, which I paid for. On November 30, 2022, I took the car to Tesla of Bellevue, where they diagnosed worn-out suspension and made repairs, ordering additional parts. On January 9, 2023, Tesla replaced the Drive Unit during follow-up work. On [XXX], the knocking noise returned, but Tesla Bellevue couldn’t replicate the issue, providing no solution. On [XXX], I returned with the ongoing issue. Tesla again identified the problem as halfshaft-related and replaced the parts. Frustrated with no permanent fix, I requested they either find a long-term solution or initiate a buy-back. Tesla completed repairs, left voicemails to pick up the car, and failed to address my buy-back request. On December 5, 2024, Ludee, Tesla’s Bellevue manager, emailed threatening storage fees and impounding if I didn’t retrieve the car. I repeated my request for a buy-back over safety concerns but received another demand letter on December 12, threatening towing and impound charges if I didn’t pick up the vehicle by December 18. Tesla has known about this issue since November 2021 and has only offered temporary fixes despite verbal acknowledgment of the problem. It is not cosmetic but a significant safety concern, with axle noise pointing to potential frame and drive component faults. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11632901

Incident

Dec 12, 2024

Slowed down to make a right turn at approximately 10 mph then heard a loud pop in the rear drivers side wheel. Noticed that wheel no longer had traction. Drove another 1/4 mile to my home where the vehicle was then inspected and noticed the rear tire was not aligned with the vehicle. After further inspection, I noticed the control arm was broken in half. Brought vehicle into a Tesla Service Center and they are claiming the damage was caused by excessive force or impact.

NHTSA ID

11580576

Incident

Mar 25, 2024

I have a 2020 Model X (23k miles) and the warranty just expired 2 months ago. It suddenly developed a loud creaking in the front end. The creaking seems to be related to the movement of the suspension, but I also notice it when I turn either direction. It’s not related to braking except to the extent that the suspension is compressed slightly with braking. From research it may be the control arms and front sway bar. Apparently this is a very common issue with the Model X per Online forums. Absolutely no reason why any of those parts should be failing for everyone unless it was faulty parts/engineering. This should definitely be investigated.

NHTSA ID

11577239

Incident

Mar 12, 2024

On [XXX] traveling south from [XXX] to merge onto [XXX] via the on-ramp, we hit a rough patch of road with potholes/ruts at the shoulder. There was a loud bang, we felt the front of the car drop, and felt an immediate change in steering/stability. We could hear loud scraping/grinding noises, and we pulled to the shoulder as quickly as we could. At first we suspected a flat tire, however the tires were all fine. We could hear air hissing coming from under the car when the ignition was on. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla Service center. We learned that the front driver-side suspension had failed and broke through the surrounding strut tower. The vehicle was deemed a total loss and was sold at a salvage auction, however we do still have the broken part of the strut tower if needed for inspection. Our safety and that of other drivers on the road was put at risk in this event. If we had been traveling on a tighter curve or at a higher speed, we could have lost control of the vehicle and resulted in a crash. We were stranded on the side of a busy highway onramp at night when this incident occurred, which was also unsafe. UNKNOWN if the problem has been reproduced by a dealer or service center. Our understanding is that Tesla is already aware of the suspension issues. The vehicle was inspected by Tesla's Raleigh Service Center, by Erie Insurance, and by a local, Telsa-authorized Body Shop (Relentless Collision). They confirmed the suspension and strut tower failure. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to or at the time of failure. After the car was towed to Tesla, a service center representative mentioned that the computer system showed a suspension failure/error message, but we explained that no such warnings came up at the time of the incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11576013

Incident

Oct 27, 2023

Just paid to replace the upper control arms and half shafts on my 2020 Tesla Model X. These repairs were required due to a very loud shudder and squeaking noise while driving. These issues came up 6 weeks after my manufacturer warranty expired. This was not the first time my vehicle required suspension related service/repairs. Just by a quick online search Tesla is well aware of these suspension issues as is NHTSA. OWNERS SHOULD NOT NEED TO PAY FOR TESLAS POOR ENGINEERING. NHTSA needs to step up and recall these vehicles and force Tesla to reimburse owners who have paid out of pocket for repairs.

NHTSA ID

11574640

Incident

Jan 28, 2024

There were two issues that occurred within months of each other: 1) Power steering failed on several occasions– immediately following a service appointment in which the CV joint/half shafts were replaced and an alignment performed. Tesla implied that the intermediate shaft failed in pure coincidence; this is not the case: intermediate steering shaft failure after 40,000 miles with no warning and no impact is very highly unlikely. 2) suspension and steering components began to fail (Front Aft Suspension Link, as diagnosed by Tesla), causing excessive noise and wear on other vehicle components. Tesla was aware of the manufacturing defect prior to failure, but refused to cover the repairs under the warranty. Both issues caused difficulty steering and distractions while driving at both high and low speeds; losing power steering on the highway can be deadly. No warning signs appeared prior to the component failure in either instance, and "driver abuse" did not occur– though Tesla implies that with every concern. The car is set to the slowest acceleration and gentlest handling settings possible to maintain the longevity of the car's components. Independent mechanics not affiliated with Tesla Motors inspected the car and agreed that the failures were abnormal and not to be expected at such a low milage. The issues that began early into the warranty period were sudddenly no longer addressed once the warranty expired: a clear violation of the MMWA of 1975.

NHTSA ID

11571675

Incident

Dec 19, 2019

We have taken the vehicle to Tesla service center multiple times (3 or 4) for the passenger side suspension creaking. Fore and aft links replaced as well as upper control arms. Car continues to make noise and service center stating they cannot duplicate the problem - this is happening to multiple model x.

NHTSA ID

11570558

Incident

Aug 6, 2021

"On August 18, 2023, I was driving at 70 mph on I-95 near the 100-mile mark using Full Self-Drive. The front driver-side suspension housing cracked, causing the bottom part of the suspension to detach. This led to the front tire striking the upper part of the wheel, resulting in a tire blowout. A piece of metal from the suspension fell onto the road and hit the rear driver-side tire, causing it to also blow out. The vehicle lost control and came to a stop on the left side of the road."

NHTSA ID

11556906

Incident

Aug 18, 2023

Premature internal damage to the front half shafts causes the front end to shudder during acceleration between 0-50 mph. This shuddering is distracting and can be felt through the steering column creating a safety risk to the driver and others in the vehicle. I have had Telsa service "repair" this issue under warranty 3 times. AUG 31, 2021 went into Service Center for the Service Bulletin to be Applied to Reseal Area Around Both Front Upper Control Arm Ball Joints With Urethane (Model X) - Modify FEB 2, 2022 went into Service center for the Service Bulletin to be Applied to Inspect Vehicle, Replace Front Halfshafts, Reposition Clevis (Raven Front Drive Unit) - Remove and Replace JUL 28, 2022 went into Service Center for the Service Bulletin to be Applied to Inspect Vehicle, Replace Front Halfshafts, Reposition Clevis (Raven Front Drive Unit) - Remove and Replace I took the vehicle to Tesla for a 4th time in Aug 2023 and because the car is out of warranty they would not repair it under the Bulletin. I decided to take the vehicle to a suspension mechanic and the front axle shafts were removed and rebuilt. The left front rearward lower control arm was also removed and replaced because it was cracked.

NHTSA ID

11542175

Incident

Aug 15, 2023

Loud knocking noise in acceleration, louder on left. Tesla service center says LH/RH Aft Lower Front Suspension Links and Left/Right Front Lower Fore Links need replacing. This is a known issue. Charging $3000 for repair. Although they have stated it is safe to drive. Doesn’t sound safe from what others have experienced.

NHTSA ID

11540202

Incident

Jul 12, 2023

My Tesla Model X has 55,000 miles on it. My entire suspension has failed and was replaced. The control arms for the front left and right side have failed as well. My car has been in the shop multiple times in the last 6-8 months. Fortunately I have an extended warranty on the vehicle. But still have to pay a $200 deductible. These parts are being replaced several times.

NHTSA ID

11513547

Incident

Mar 24, 2023

Tesla Suspensions system squeaking problems is well known among the Tesla owners community and Tesla wouldn’t do anything about it. I bought my vehicle in 12/2019 and have brought it in at least 4 times to get the squeaky noise fix and at least 2 more times complaining about it. That’s 6 times in the span of 2 years. Tesla is well aware of the issue but couldn’t find a solution. When schedule for service thru Tesla App, it even have an option for squeaking/noise. Many owners ended up paying so much money after the warranty expired to get the suspension repair.

NHTSA ID

11501332

Incident

Jan 10, 2023

Tesla model X is infamous for its acceleration shudder. they have replaced the drive shafts twice already. when you accelerate the wheel vibrates only between 15-35 mph. When you brake hard it does the same thing.

NHTSA ID

11481860

Incident

Aug 29, 2022

My Model X vibrates at low speeds. I took it to service center multiple times. They couldn’t fix the issue. Looks like the suspension issue as it makes noise when the car goes up or down using air suspension.

NHTSA ID

11477500

Incident

Aug 4, 2022

There is an abnormally loud squeaking noise when driving, turning, and going over any surface at all speeds. The noise sounds like metal is being stretched and is about to break. After carefully listening to the vehicle, it is found that the noise is coming from the control arms. Although unbearable, the problem has not put my passengers and me in danger. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by the Tesla Service Center in Burlingame, California. The Tesla dealer has inspected the vehicle or component, and a re-inspection is scheduled for May 11, 2022. The problem appeared suddenly while driving last Thursday, April 28, without any prior symptoms or warning. The vehicle and parts are available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11463331

Incident

Apr 28, 2022

I saw a warning light briefly about the suspension then the car started making very large squeals is sounds like metal on metal in the steering underneath me as the driver and the front end - looked at the suspension pictures and not seeing anything with the ride on the computer screen. I have 62,000 mikes on my car - owned it for a little more than 14 months - drive a lot as a real estate broker

NHTSA ID

11444357

Incident

Dec 15, 2021

I had my car for almost 12 months and have drive ~11000 miles. In the past one month, I started experiencing a violent shudder/vibration during initial acceleration between ~30-40mph. Tesla service has refused to act upon this issue saying they don't have a fix for this issue. They do have a service bulletin SB-21-39-001 issued for this problem but mentioned that this is not a permanent fix for this issue. Finally, nothing was done to address the issue.

NHTSA ID

11420762

Incident

May 15, 2021