YearToAvoid

2021 Tesla Model 3 Suspension, Wheels & Tires Problems

NHTSA lists 21 Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model 3, 3% of its 663 total complaints. Median mileage at failure is 51,543 miles, with 3 crashes and 1 fire reported, and two related recalls (24V935000 and 21V835000).

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints
21
3% of 663
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
51,543 mi
Related recalls
2

Typical suspension symptoms owners report

  • Front suspension lateral link fasteners loosen or separate, causing knocking noises and, in some cases, suspension failure.
  • Wheels detach while driving after control-arm or lateral-link bolts unscrew, in some cases leading to loss of control and crashes.
  • Tires develop sidewall bubbles or blow out after a few thousand miles, prompting owners to suspect defective tires.
  • TPMS valve stems break during routine pressure checks, causing sudden tire deflation.
  • Rear suspension nuts are found missing or nearly out during tire service, discovered before failure occurred.

When 2021 Tesla Model 3 suspension complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 22, 2021, latest Sep 17, 2026.

2021 Tesla Model 3 suspension, wheels & tires complaints: complaints filed per month3Dec 2021Jul 2022Dec 2022Apr 2023Feb 2024Oct 2024Mar 2025Aug 2026
21 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2021 to Sep 2026; peak Aug 2024 (3).

Suspension, Wheels & Tires recalls for the 2021 Tesla Model 3

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  1. 20171 (4%)
  2. 2018200 (20%)
  3. 201989 (14%)
  4. 202049 (11%)
  5. 202121 (3%)
  6. 202223 (3%)
  7. 202326 (6%)
  8. 202410 (5%)
  9. 20257 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

How many suspension, wheel, and tire complaints does the 2021 Tesla Model 3 have?
NHTSA lists 21 complaints in this area for the 2021 Model 3, which is 3% of the 663 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for suspension issues on the 2021 Tesla Model 3?
Yes. Recall 21V835000, reported October 25, 2021, covers front suspension lateral link fasteners that may loosen and separate from the sub-frame. A second recall, 24V935000, addresses a TPMS warning light issue via an over-the-air software update.
At what mileage do suspension problems typically show up on the 2021 Model 3?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 51,543 miles at the time of failure for suspension, wheel, and tire complaints on this model year.
Did the 2021 Tesla Model 3 have wheel separation incidents?
Owner complaints describe wheels detaching while driving after lateral link or control-arm bolts came loose, including incidents linked to crashes.
How does the 2021 Model 3 compare to other years for this problem area?
The 2021 model year had 21 complaints (3% share), lower than 2018's 200 complaints (20% share) and 2019's 89 complaints (14% share), suggesting fewer suspension-related reports relative to those earlier years.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.