How many suspension, wheels and tires complaints does NHTSA have for the 2020 Tesla Model 3?

NHTSA lists 49 complaints in this area for the 2020 Model 3, which is 11% of the 451 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall related to suspension or wheels on the 2020 Tesla Model 3?

Yes. Recall 21V835000 covers front suspension lateral link fasteners that may loosen and separate from the sub-frame on 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. Recall 24V935000 addresses a TPMS warning light issue on a broader range of Tesla vehicles including the 2020 Model 3.

At what mileage do suspension problems typically show up on the 2020 Model 3?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 2,000 miles for suspension, wheels and tire complaints on this model year.

Have suspension issues caused crashes or injuries on the 2020 Model 3?

NHTSA records 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury tied to Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints for the 2020 Model 3.

Is the 2020 Model 3 worse than other years for suspension complaints?

The 2020 model's 11% share of complaints in this area is lower than the 2018 model year's 20% and 2019's 14%, but higher than 2021 through 2025, which range from 3% to 6%.

2020 Tesla Model 3 Suspension, Wheels & Tires Problems

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints account for 49 of 451 total complaints (11%) filed on the 2020 Tesla Model 3. NHTSA lists 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury tied to this area, with a median mileage at failure of 2,000 miles. Two related recalls (24V935000 and 21V835000) cover TPMS warning lights and front suspension lateral link fasteners.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints: 49; 11% of 451
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 2,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical suspension symptoms owners report

Owners report front ball joints popping apart or separating without any sign of collision damage.
Some describe the steering arm snapping off from the steering knuckle, causing the front wheel to sit at an odd angle.
A wheel detached completely while driving at highway speed, damaging the side of the vehicle.
Owners note the front suspension sagging low enough that wheels rub inside the wheel wells after only a few hundred miles.
Some report a high-pitched noise from the steering wheel when turning while stationary.
One report describes a fatal crash after a front suspension repair performed about a month earlier.

When 2020 Tesla Model 3 suspension complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 18, 2019, latest Sep 10, 2026.

49 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2019 to Sep 2026; peak Oct 2020 (5).

Suspension, Wheels & Tires recalls for the 2020 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 21V835000Oct 25, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires2,791 vehicles
Suspension:critical fasteners
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.
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 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.

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 many suspension, wheels and tires complaints does NHTSA have for the 2020 Tesla Model 3?: NHTSA lists 49 complaints in this area for the 2020 Model 3, which is 11% of the 451 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall related to suspension or wheels on the 2020 Tesla Model 3?: Yes. Recall 21V835000 covers front suspension lateral link fasteners that may loosen and separate from the sub-frame on 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. Recall 24V935000 addresses a TPMS warning light issue on a broader range of Tesla vehicles including the 2020 Model 3.
At what mileage do suspension problems typically show up on the 2020 Model 3?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 2,000 miles for suspension, wheels and tire complaints on this model year.
Have suspension issues caused crashes or injuries on the 2020 Model 3?: NHTSA records 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury tied to Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints for the 2020 Model 3.
Is the 2020 Model 3 worse than other years for suspension complaints?: The 2020 model's 11% share of complaints in this area is lower than the 2018 model year's 20% and 2019's 14%, but higher than 2021 through 2025, which range from 3% to 6%.