How common are suspension, wheel, and tire problems on the 2018 Tesla Model 3?

NHTSA lists 200 complaints in this area for the 2018 Model 3, which is 20% of all 1,024 complaints filed for the year — the largest share among model years in this dataset.

Is there a recall for suspension issues on the 2018 Tesla Model 3?

Yes. Recall 23V235000 covers 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles for front suspension lateral link fasteners that may loosen and separate from the sub-frame. Tesla also issued recall 24V935000 for a TPMS warning light issue on 2017-2025 Model 3 vehicles.

At what mileage do these suspension problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 18,234 miles at the time of failure for suspension, wheel, and tire complaints on the 2018 Model 3.

Have suspension complaints led to crashes or fires?

NHTSA data tied to these complaints for the 2018 Model 3 shows 13 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury.

2018 Tesla Model 3 Suspension, Wheels & Tires Problems

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints account for 200 of 1,024 total complaints (20%) for the 2018 Tesla Model 3, the highest share of any model year in this dataset. NHTSA links 13 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury to this area, with a median failure mileage of 18,234, and there are two related recalls covering front suspension lateral link fasteners and a TPMS warning light issue.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints: 200; 20% of 1,024
Crashes reported: 13
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 18,234 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical suspension symptoms owners report

Owners describe front lower ball joints snapping, sometimes leading to loss of control or rollover.
Multiple reports describe a front wheel and complete suspension separating from the vehicle while driving.
Some complaints describe the lower suspension arm cracking or snapping, exposing bare metal underneath.
Owners report the suspension collapsing to the point that the wheel is sliced or wrenched off entirely.
A few complaints link a suspension arm failure to a subsequent fire after the wheel detached.
One report describes a suspension failure that owners believe caused a crash resulting in injuries.

When 2018 Tesla Model 3 suspension complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 17, 2018, latest Sep 21, 2026.

200 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2026 Q3 (20).

Suspension, Wheels & Tires recalls for the 2018 Tesla Model 3

NHTSA 24V935000Dec 17, 2024Suspension, Wheels & Tires696,281 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
NHTSA 23V235000Mar 31, 2023Suspension, Wheels & Tires422 vehicles
Suspension:critical fasteners
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.
Risk: 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.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints by Model 3 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20171 (4%)
2018200 (20%)
201989 (14%)
202049 (11%)
202121 (3%)
202223 (3%)
202326 (6%)
202410 (5%)
20257 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are suspension, wheel, and tire problems on the 2018 Tesla Model 3?: NHTSA lists 200 complaints in this area for the 2018 Model 3, which is 20% of all 1,024 complaints filed for the year — the largest share among model years in this dataset.
Is there a recall for suspension issues on the 2018 Tesla Model 3?: Yes. Recall 23V235000 covers 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles for front suspension lateral link fasteners that may loosen and separate from the sub-frame. Tesla also issued recall 24V935000 for a TPMS warning light issue on 2017-2025 Model 3 vehicles.
At what mileage do these suspension problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 18,234 miles at the time of failure for suspension, wheel, and tire complaints on the 2018 Model 3.
Have suspension complaints led to crashes or fires?: NHTSA data tied to these complaints for the 2018 Model 3 shows 13 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury.