Quick answer: Most Tesla Model 3 suspension noise comes from the front upper control arms. It starts as a creak when turning at low speed and can turn into a clunk over bumps. The ball joint is built into the arm, so the fix is replacing the arm, usually both sides. AT Automotive in Sacramento replaces Model 3 upper and lower control arms and struts and shocks, with an inspection and upfront quote first.
Last updated: November 2026
Common Tesla Model 3 Suspension Problems
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Creak or squeak when turning at low speed | Front upper control arm ball joint | Replace upper control arms, usually as a pair |
| Clunk or knock over bumps | Worn upper arm ball joint, lower arm bushings, or end links | Inspect on a lift and replace the worn part |
| Clunk or crunch when braking or accelerating | Front lower control arm (lateral link) bushing or fasteners | Inspect and replace the lower arm |
| Bouncy, harsh, or noisy ride | Worn struts or shocks | Replace struts or shocks |
| Creak from the back of the car | Rear control arm bushings | Inspect and replace rear arms |
Model 3 Suspension by Model Year
2017–2023 Model 3. Front upper control arm creak is the best-known suspension complaint on these cars. Water gets past the ball joint seal, the grease washes out, and the joint wears. Tesla issued a service bulletin on the problem, but many owners end up needing new arms. These years are also the ones named in past lateral link recalls and the 2026 NHTSA investigation (see below).
2024 and newer Model 3 (Highland). The refreshed Model 3 has a redesigned front suspension, and its control arms are not the same parts as the 2017–2023 car. These cars are newer, so most are still under Tesla’s warranty. Some owners have reported front-end creaks early on, but it’s too soon to call it a widespread pattern. We match parts to your exact year and VIN.
Recalls and the 2026 NHTSA Investigation
The front lower lateral link (part of the front lower control arm) has a recall history on the Model 3:
- Recall 21V-835: select 2019–2021 Model 3 (and 2020–2021 Model Y) where lateral link bolts weren’t tightened correctly at the factory. Tesla inspects and fixes this free.
- Recall 23V-235: 422 2018–2019 Model 3 vehicles with similar lateral link failures.
- NHTSA investigation PE26006 (opened July 29, 2026): about 1.2 million 2018–2020 Model 3 and 2021–2023 Model Y vehicles, after 156 owner complaints of a front lower lateral link coming loose, often without warning. This is an investigation, not a recall, and NHTSA says it goes beyond the earlier recalls.
What to do: check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Open recalls are fixed free at Tesla. If your 2018–2020 Model 3 has started clunking from the front, don’t wait. Have the lateral links and their fasteners inspected.
How We Repair Model 3 Suspension
- We put the car on a lift and check every joint and bushing for play, so we replace the part that’s actually worn.
- We give you an upfront quote before any work starts.
- We use quality parts matched to your Model 3’s year.
- We tighten everything to Tesla’s torque specs and test drive the car.
- We tell you if the car needs an alignment afterward.
Warranty: Check Tesla First, Then Come See Us
Suspension parts are covered under Tesla’s basic warranty (4 years or 50,000 miles), and recalls are always free at Tesla. Once your Model 3 is out of warranty, you don’t have to go back to a service center. We work on Teslas every day, with shorter waits and straightforward pricing.
Tesla Model 3 Suspension Repair Near You
AT Automotive is at 8561 Weyand Ave. in Sacramento, open Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm. We serve Model 3 owners across Sacramento, Elk Grove, and Rancho Cordova. Driving a Model Y? See our Tesla Model Y suspension repair page. For everything else, see our independent Tesla repair services.
Or call (916) 957-6884.
Our Warranty
Every repair at AT Automotive is backed by a 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty on parts and labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Tesla Model 3 creak when I turn the wheel?
On most Model 3s, a creak or squeak when turning at low speed comes from the front upper control arm ball joint. Water gets past the joint’s seal, the grease washes out, and the joint wears. The ball joint is built into the arm, so the fix is a new upper control arm.
Should I replace both front upper control arms on my Model 3?
Usually, yes. Both arms see the same water, heat, and road conditions, so when one starts creaking the other is often close behind. Doing them as a pair saves a second visit.
Is my Model 3 part of the 2026 NHTSA suspension investigation?
In July 2026 NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation (PE26006) covering about 1.2 million 2018–2020 Model 3 and 2021–2023 Model Y vehicles over front lower lateral links coming loose. It is an investigation, not a recall. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any open recalls, and have the front suspension inspected if you hear new clunks.
Are 2024+ Highland Model 3 control arms the same as older Model 3 arms?
No. The 2024 refresh (Highland) has a redesigned front suspension, and its control arms are different parts from the 2017–2023 Model 3. We match parts to your car’s year and VIN before ordering.
How much does Tesla Model 3 suspension repair cost?
It depends on which parts are worn and whether one or both sides need replacing. We inspect the car on a lift first and give you an upfront quote before any work starts. Call AT Automotive at (916) 957-6884.
Is it safe to drive a Model 3 with a creaking suspension?
A light creak is usually an early wear warning. A clunk, a loose-feeling steering wheel, or the car pulling or wandering should be checked soon, since worn joints affect handling and tire wear.