2026 Tesla Model Y Suspension Problems

Tesla was in FSD and had the latest software update installed on 8/6/28 which included the new FSD version released. On 8/7/28 on the way to work that my wife takes every time she goes to work the FSD ran over a large pot hole which it had never done before on the previous FSD version. The car started having rattling of the steering wheel and a rattling noise from over the rear driver wheel area. The next available Tesla service appointment was on 8/27 but we walked in and Tesla offered to do an alignment and found that the driver front and rear rims were bent from the pothole and we had to be pay close to 1800$. Thereafter, the rattling over the rear wheel well is louder but Tesla has not accommodated us with an earlier service appointment and refused to make any accommodations for the FSD update resulting in this damage.

NHTSA ID

11755680

Incident

Aug 7, 2026

Fore Link Snapped

NHTSA ID

11751911

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

Steering wheel vibration occurs at highway speeds between 70 and 75 mph on a 2026 Model Y with under 1,000 miles at time of complaint. The vibration was reported to the dealer, who performed a tire balance and alignment check and confirmed both were within specification. The vehicle was tested by the dealer during a service ride-along and no vibration was detected by the technician. However, vibration was independently confirmed by the owner in a same-model loaner vehicle on the same road, suggesting the issue may not be isolated to a single vehicle or tire set. Similar vibration issues have been reported by other owners of the same model year in online owner forums, with no documented fix currently available. Safety concern: reduced steering feedback at highway speeds. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11747655

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

Service Concern — Front Suspension / Rattling Noise Vehicle is experiencing a persistent rattling/knocking noise from the front area when driving over bumps, uneven pavement, or rough roads. Noise is noticeable at low to moderate speeds and appears suspension-related. Condition seems consistent with known Tesla Model Y service concerns regarding: * front upper control arm mounts, * front damper assemblies, * and wiper bracket pencil braces. Requesting inspection and evaluation of: * front suspension components, * damper assemblies, * upper control arm mounts, * and any applicable Tesla Service Bulletins related to front-end NVH/rattling concerns. Noise has become increasingly noticeable during normal driving conditions and is affecting ride quality. Please document findings and advise whether repairs are covered under warranty. The symptoms typically include: * Rattling noise over small bumps * Knocking or clunking from the front suspension * Noise on rough pavement, speed bumps, or uneven roads * Sometimes vibration or looseness felt near the dashboard/firewall area The repair procedure mentioned is consistent with a Tesla internal service approach for addressing front-end NVH issues (Noise, Vibration, Harshness). Here’s what each item means: Front Upper Control Arm Mounts These are suspension mounting components near the top of the front wheel assembly. If worn, loose, or improperly isolated, they can create: * Metallic knocking * Clicking during suspension travel * Vibration transferred into the cabin Replacing them helps stabilize suspension movement. Front Damper Assemblies The dampers (shock absorbers/struts) control suspension rebound and compression. Faulty or noisy dampers can produce: * Hollow clunks * Rattles over expansion joints * Repetitive knocking on rough roads Replacing the assemblies usually resolves internal damper noise. Wiper Bracket “Pencil Braces” These braces sit beneath the cowl/wiper assembly area. On some vehicles they c

NHTSA ID

11740760

Incident

May 12, 2026

Tesla 2026 Model Y was involved in a severe motor vehicle accident directly caused by a critical software and/or hardware malfunction of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. At the time of the incident, the vehicle’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software suite was actively engaged and driving the vehicle. While navigating, the system suffered an abrupt and uncommented control malfunction. Despite prompt attention, the autonomous system executed an erratic, uncorrectable maneuver that overrode human intervention thresholds, completely failed to respond safely to the immediate driving environment, and directly caused a collision.

NHTSA ID

11740400

Incident

May 18, 2026

Service Concern — Front Suspension / Rattling Noise Vehicle is experiencing a persistent rattling/knocking noise from the front area when driving over bumps, uneven pavement, or rough roads. Noise is noticeable at low to moderate speeds and appears suspension-related. Condition seems consistent with known Tesla Model Y service concerns regarding: * front upper control arm mounts, * front damper assemblies, * and wiper bracket pencil braces. Requesting inspection and evaluation of: * front suspension components, * damper assemblies, * upper control arm mounts, * and any applicable Tesla Service Bulletins related to front-end NVH/rattling concerns. Noise has become increasingly noticeable during normal driving conditions and is affecting ride quality.

NHTSA ID

11740003

Incident

May 4, 2026

The car is unstable on the highway when there is a crosswind - either from wind gusts or from large vehicles. The car is easily pushed by wind until lane assist activates to stop it from going outside of the lane. It feels very unsafe to drive on the highway. This is how the car was when it was bought. An alignment was done during the first Tesla service visit and that helped slightly. The second Tesla service visit they said the vehicle was operating as expected and then checked wheel balance after I insisted. They said they fixed wheel balance but it still did not change how the car handles in crosswind. The third Tesla service visit (different service center) they said the vehicle was working as expected and said they could not drive for a significant distance to test. If lane assist ever fails when I'm not ready to instantly react to a gust of wind, it feels like it would easily move into another lane or off the road. When passing large vehicles where wind changes direction, the car sometimes gets pushed left and right which sometimes triggers an alarm and shows an on screen message saying to take control of steering. I test drove another of the same model car for an hour and had the same unstable feeling in the wind but was unable to test long enough to find an area with high crosswind.

NHTSA ID

11739597

Incident

May 22, 2026

2025/2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper experiences noticeable vibration starting at approximately 75 mph on smooth highways. The vibration is felt throughout the entire vehicle: steering wheel, doors, seats, and pedals/floor. It is not limited to the steering wheel. Tire balancing, alignment, and foam checks have all been performed with no resolution. Tesla service states the issue is ‘normal/within spec.’ Video of the vibration with speedometer visible is attached. This matches a widespread pattern reported by other Juniper owners. Video: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11738360

Incident

May 15, 2026

I am reporting a suspected defect involving the front suspension or steering system of my Tesla Model Y. The vehicle produces loud popping, knocking, and rattling noises from the front end when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, particularly as the steering approaches full lock in either direction. The noise appears to originate from the front suspension or steering components and occurs consistently during normal operation. This issue raises concerns about potential premature wear, component failure, or loss of steering control, which could pose a safety risk.

NHTSA ID

11724354

Incident

Mar 13, 2026

I am filing a complaint regarding a suspension defect on my new Tesla Model Y Juniper. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, I began hearing a distinct knocking / clunking noise coming from the suspension when driving over small road imperfections and at low speeds. The noise is clearly abnormal for a new vehicle and sounds like loose or defective suspension components. I brought the vehicle to a Tesla service center, but the issue has not been resolved. Despite inspection and attempted repairs, the knocking noise continues to occur. This raises serious concerns about the quality and safety of the suspension system. Based on information from other Tesla owners, this appears to be a recurring issue affecting multiple Model Y Juniper vehicles. A persistent suspension defect on a new vehicle may pose a safety risk and should be investigated. I request that NHTSA review this issue and investigate whether there is a manufacturing or design defect affecting the suspension system of the Tesla Model Y Juniper. Vehicle Information: Model: Tesla Model Y (Juniper refresh) 7SAYGDEE9TF559226 Issue: Knocking / clunking noise from suspension Condition: Occurs at low speed and over small road bumps Status: Tesla service attempted repair but the problem persists (left and right front upper control arm replaced) This problem should not exist on a brand-new vehicle and requires proper investigation.

NHTSA ID

11724197

Incident

Mar 3, 2026

Brand new car and its widely reported of front suspension noise, particularly with the RWD models. My car is the RWD model and I have the distinct and noticeable front suspension noise at non highway speeds.

NHTSA ID

11723277

Incident

Mar 9, 2026

1. There is a constant thunking noise coming from the front suspension when traveling on slightly bumpy roads at low speeds. 2. Both front seats squeak and squeal as if they are loose and not bolted in correctly. 3. Front brakes screach and squeal when coming to a stop in cold or wet weather, escpecially pronounced during cold weather. (This is an active service bulletin in all vehicles made in their Berlin factory but is happening in U.S. built vehicles as well.

NHTSA ID

11722218

Incident

Nov 20, 2025

I am reporting a suspected defect involving the front suspension or steering system of my 2026 Tesla Model Y AWD. The vehicle produces loud popping, knocking, and rattling noises from the front end when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, particularly when the steering approaches full lock in either direction. The issue is most noticeable when entering or exiting uneven surfaces such as sloped driveways or parking lot entrances where the suspension is under load. During these conditions, the front suspension produces distinct mechanical popping or knocking sounds that appear to originate from the front wheel or suspension area. The noise does not occur while driving straight. It becomes significantly more noticeable when turning left or right at low speeds and worsens as the steering approaches full lock. In addition to the noise, a noticeable mechanical jolt or feedback can be felt through the steering wheel when the popping or knocking occurs. This issue began suddenly without any warning signs. One moment the vehicle was operating normally, and the next the popping and knocking noises began. Since that time the issue has continued consistently during turning maneuvers. The vehicle has not been involved in any collision and has been driven under normal conditions. Numerous other 2026 Tesla Model Y owners have reported similar front suspension symptoms, suggesting this may represent a broader pattern of potential suspension or steering component issues. Because the noise and feedback occur through the steering system while the suspension is under load, this raises concern that a suspension or steering component may be shifting, binding, or prematurely wearing. This condition raises safety concerns because abnormal movement or failure of steering or suspension components could affect vehicle control during turning or emergency maneuvers. I request that this issue be investigated for a possible defect trend affecting Tesla Model Y vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11722114

Incident

Mar 4, 2026

One only needs to google or ask an AI about "Tesla Model Y Juniper" front end suspension noises and you will find links to hundreds of complaints and at least two YouTube videos now. Based on reports from recent 2026 Tesla Model Y owners, particularly those with the Juniper refresh, the front-end noises over rough or bumpy roads at very slow speeds sound like a widespread suspension-related issue. It's often characterized as a clunk, rattle, or knocking from the front suspension, especially when the suspension compresses and unloads over uneven surfaces like driveways, speed bumps, or minor road imperfections. Youtube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECerCsSdEeI&list=WL&index=3 For the rubbing-type noises when turning the wheels all the way left/right (full lock), this is another frequently reported quirk in Model Ys, though less tied specifically to 2026 builds. It often presents as a grinding, scraping, or creaking sound. I had scheduled an appointment with Tesla Service, however, there are a lot of cases where the Service Center provides a repair or is supposedly removing the Pencil Braces. Based on all the repairs I've read, 1. The issues still remain. 2. Service Center's don't really seem to know how to provide repairs to fix the issues, and it seems different Service Centers are providing different repairs (they don't really have a fix). 3. There are many cases where supposedly, Tesla Service Technician's are informing customers that Tesla is aware of this widespread issue and their engineers are supposedly working on a permanent solution. I currently don't see any reason to have a Tesla Service Center tear apart my brand-new Tesla, simply to provide a temporary solution. And, if Tesla engineers are indeed working on these issues, I would rather wait. Finally, I am filling this complaint to 1. Notify NHTSA if they're currently unaware of this issue and 2. To have a record of my complaint, if it turns out I need to utilize the Lemon Law or a buy back.

NHTSA ID

11721250

Incident

Jan 13, 2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding a newly leased 2026 Tesla Model Y Premium RWD, which I took delivery of on February 6, 2026 from Tesla Watertown, MA. I am a returning Tesla customer and entered this lease after test driving the same model on January 24, which did not exhibit any issues. Immediately upon driving the vehicle off the lot (approximately 12 miles), I noticed a persistent rattling noise from the front suspension area. The noise occurs over normal road conditions and has been present since delivery, significantly affecting the quality and value of the vehicle. On February 9, Tesla Watertown evaluated the vehicle and later replaced both front upper control arm (FUCA) mounts. On February 10, before repairs were completed, multiple safety systems suddenly disabled while driving, including regenerative braking behavior, traction and stability control, lane safety features, and automatic emergency braking, creating a dangerous situation. I returned the vehicle immediately and was provided a loaner. I picked up the vehicle on February 13 and was told the suspension issue was resolved, but the noise remained. I then sought a second opinion at Tesla Peabody, where a master technician conducted a ride-along and confirmed the condition. He verified that the latest FUCA parts had been installed and the front structural “pencil braces” had been removed per Tesla guidance. I was informed the vehicle falls into a known noise category affecting 2026 RWD Model Y vehicles and that there is currently no repair or engineering solution available. This defect has existed since delivery and remains unresolved after multiple service visits and component replacements. I have contacted Tesla regional leadership and customer support multiple times without response.

NHTSA ID

11719201

Incident

Feb 6, 2026

Went for a tire rotation. Service tech noticed the following- THE PASSENGER REAR CONTROL ARM HAD A BOLT THAT WAS BACKING OUT OF IT & THE NUT WAS MISSING. THE BOLT HAD RUBBED THROUGH THE WHEEL WEIGHT ON THE WHEEL THAT WAS ORIGINALLY ON THE RIGHT REAR. Photo is included of the rear control arm bolts for both sides of the car. Only the right rear had a problem.

NHTSA ID

11716052

Incident

Feb 5, 2026

Front suspension makes knocking and rattling noise - Tesla's solution was to remove structural braces from the car that transmit the noise - the car has not been recertified with the braces removed, I am concerned about adverse safety, especially in small frontal overlap collision.

NHTSA ID

11714093

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

The defect involves the front suspension and/or steering system of a new 2026 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Symptoms—persistent front-end clunking/thunking (primarily driver-side), steering instability, and vibration—began immediately upon delivery in late 2025, with Tesla notified same afternoon as delivery. The vibration now begins around 60 mph and intensifies with speed. Steering feel is excessively vague on-center (requiring constant correction to maintain lane position) yet overly twitchy and sensitive to inputs, creating inconsistent and unpredictable handling. The condition has progressively worsened and now renders the vehicle unsafe at highway speeds due to risk of loss of control. No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms have appeared prior to or since onset. Tesla service centers have had multiple opportunities to evaluate the vehicle under warranty. The problem has not been confirmed objectively by Tesla; during at least one evaluation, a technician drove only at speeds below complaint threshold (despite requests to test at the speeds where symptoms occur), stated he did not feel the issue, and performed no further diagnosis. Multiple appointments were canceled or rescheduled by Tesla (including one after I arrived). The vehicle was repeatedly returned without documented objective testing or repair addressing the complaint. During one visit, the Tesla app indicated an active “visual quality check” while the vehicle remained parked outside and not being worked on for an extended period (documented). To rule out tires, I installed a brand-new set; the vibration worsened afterward. Safety risk: Unresolved steering/suspension instability increases the risk of loss of vehicle control at highway speeds, endangering occupants and other road users. Odometer at onset: 15 miles Current odometer: 3596 miles

NHTSA ID

11711573

Incident

Dec 10, 2025

A structural chassis component (V-brace) was permanently removed from my vehicle by Tesla Service during a service visit. The removal was performed under a Tesla-described engineering retrofit (Tesla Service Article 9188600). The component was not reinstalled or replaced, and Tesla stated that once removed it cannot be reinstalled. The service visit was originally initiated due to a persistent rattle/noise from the vehicle The safety concern arises from: •A permanent modification to a structural chassis component, performed without my authorization. •Removal of a component originally installed for structural reinforcement and stability, creating uncertainty regarding vehicle rigidity, crash behavior, and handling. •The continued presence of an unresolved structural noise/rattle, which can be distracting to the driver and may indicate an underlying structural or mechanical issue. The vehicle was sold and delivered with this component installed, and its removal was not disclosed or approved prior to service. The noise/rattle was present prior to the service visit and prompted the service appointment. The structural component removal occurred during the service visit. The problem was reproduced and confirmed by Tesla Service and they: •Acknowledged the noise/rattle concern. •Performed a structural retrofit involving removal of the V-brace. •Marked the concern as “resolved”, despite the noise still being present. •Later stated the noise is considered “normal”, even though it is not present in all Model Y vehicles, including the Juniper variant. No warning lights or system messages appeared. The only symptom was a persistent rattle/noise originating from the vehicle chassis The vehicle was inspected and modified by Tesla Service, acting on behalf of the manufacturer. The modification was performed under a Tesla engineering directive. No independent service center, insurance representative, or law enforcement agency has inspected the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11705746

Incident

Dec 13, 2025

I recently purchased a new Tesla Model Y in July 2025 . The vehicle has a loud clunking/creaking noise coming from the front suspension at low speeds, especially when driving over small bumps, turning into driveways, or when the road surface is uneven. The noise is noticeable inside the cabin and feels like a mechanical component is shifting. I brought the vehicle to Tesla Service twice the first time they could not replicate the sound, the second time they noticed it right away and replaced the front right and left dampers which did nothing at all, I think the noise is much worse after they did this. Then they said the noise is normal characteristic for this vehicle, I am sorry they should not be saying this in normal, especially for a brand new car. I am concerned that this may be related to a suspension component failure or premature wear that could impact steering stability or control over time. Since this affects a brand-new vehicle and others have reported similar symptoms online, I believe this should be monitored as a potential safety defect. I am requesting that NHTSA track this issue to ensure Tesla provides a recall and make the proper corrections and repair campaign as it is necessary.

NHTSA ID

11703407

Incident

Jul 14, 2025

The vehicle exhibits harmonic oscillation in the steering column since the day I drove the vehicle home on the interstate. Even though tires had been balanced out of pocket due to long service center wait times with a road force balancer, balanced again at the service center, match mounted and road force balanced again out of my own pocket, noise reducing foam removed and balanced on an uncalibrated balancer that resulted in a same day bring back and final road force balance. Service center refused to troubleshoot further after lead tech drove vehicle after third attempt of repair. I asked whether the tech felt the vibration and the service advisors face turned red, and fed the line that it is normal NVH from the solid front drive unit mounts and that was Tesla's stance. This issue has been widely reported online to vehicles that are RWD as well. The bad wheel balance exacerbates the harmonic in the column. Exceptional wheel balancing with RVF down to 6lbs on the front wheels only made it less intense. When driving on any uneven road, or crossing bridge expansion gaps for example, the steering oscillation gets worse, as the uneven roads make it worse. Reasonably assumed at this point it is not caused by just a balance issue. Tesla refused to try a set of known good wheels on the vehicle. This is not normal NVH or general road feel; something in the front end of the vehicle gets into harmonic oscillation. I asked if Tesla would like to keep the car for a proper diagnostic and whether they had looked into other components of the front end, and if they were not going to diagnose further I'd request a buyback. The simple response was that a buyback request would be initiated. It could be a myriad of issues, none of which should be my responsibility to try and track down or fix on a vehicle that exhibited the behavior since day one and still does after 1500 miles. I've passed the account to the service center manager and district manager yet to no reply.

NHTSA ID

11702670

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

Obviously Tesla accepts the very serious problem that it is presenting in the vast majority of Model Y juniper 2026 specifically in the RWD line, they are making deliveries of these vehicles without having gone through a rigorous quality control that determines that the noise actually exists and that over time they could affect too many components of the suspension and end up compromising the stability of the vehicle, violating road safety issues, it is something unprecedented and absurd that they do not even take the task of checking the cars exhaustively and determining the root failure that this suspension problem implies, it is a noise as if the front shock absorbers did not work and were totally dislocated, out of their normal location.

NHTSA ID

11702619

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

Severe lateral swaying / side-to-side swaying (“boat-like” or “floaty” motion) at highway speeds (65–80 mph) on any concrete-surface interstate, especially grooved or slightly uneven concrete (typical on Illinois highways such as I-90, I-294, I-55, etc.). Description of safety concern: The vehicle continuously rocks side-to-side in a pronounced, pendulum-like motion that requires constant steering corrections to stay in the lane. The motion is severe enough to cause motion sickness in passengers within minutes and makes the driver tense and fatigued. In crosswinds or when passing trucks the swaying becomes even worse and feels unstable. I no amount of lane centering or driver input fully eliminates the sensation. Service history: December 2025 – Schaumburg, IL Tesla Service Center • Technician test-drove with me on I-90 and immediately felt the exact swaying I described. • Service advisor and service manager both stated this is a “normal characteristic of the 2025 Model Y Juniper” and that no repair or adjustment is possible. • Loaner 2025 Model Y Juniper provided exhibited identical swaying behavior. I do not believe constant, pronounced lateral instability at normal highway speeds is an acceptable “characteristic” in any passenger vehicle. It impairs control, increases driver fatigue, and creates a legitimate safety risk, especially in adverse weather or emergency maneuvers. Tesla refuses to acknowledge this as a defect. I am therefore requesting NHTSA investigate whether the 2025 Tesla Model Y suspension calibration and/or damper tuning creates an unreasonable safety risk due to excessive lateral instability on typical U.S. concrete highways

NHTSA ID

11702553

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

Hi, its not really an incident but I found what have happened suspicious. I got my tesla from the delivery zone at the Giga factory in Austin, TX last Wednesday. Right after the delivery i found an issue with steering wheel alignment. Steering wheel was tilted right and car was pulling right in the road. I addressed this issue to Tesla and visited service center last Saturday Nov-22nd. Technician confirmed an issue. Wheels alignment was performed on the vehicle and it was returned to me on the same day. As soon as I got the the road I found that issue wasn't fixed. It went better but not fully fixed. I came to the service center again. Senior technician took a ride with me and confirmed the issue again. She also told me that they will probably will have to look into suspension because alignment didnt help last time and it could be more serious issue. The car was taken care of and returned to me in 90 min or so. Service advisor told me that suspension and steering were torqued and another alignment performed. When I took it to the road and I found that issue was fixed and I'm happy now but ifter that i recieved a message from the Service Center that I found suspicious. Despite the communication in person in the message afterwards was stating that no issues were found (See attach). I found this suspicious and decided to let you know as that may look like an attempt to hide some serious safety concern with steering. Please find screenshot in the attachment

NHTSA ID

11701417

Incident

Nov 24, 2025

I recently purchased a new Tesla Model Y (Juniper refresh). The vehicle has a loud clunking/creaking noise coming from the front suspension at low speeds, especially when driving over small bumps, turning into driveways, or when the road surface is uneven. The noise is noticeable inside the cabin and feels like a mechanical component is shifting. I brought the vehicle to Tesla Service. They confirmed the noise and told me it is not caused by the damper assembly but is a known issue that Tesla’s engineering team is currently investigating. However, no permanent fix is currently available, and the issue has not been resolved. I am concerned that this may be related to a suspension component failure or premature wear that could impact steering stability or control over time. Since this affects a brand-new vehicle and others have reported similar symptoms online, I believe this should be monitored as a potential safety defect. I am requesting that NHTSA track this issue to ensure Tesla provides a proper correction and repair campaign if necessary.

NHTSA ID

11696007

Incident

Aug 20, 2025