Quick answer: Tesla Model Y suspension noise usually comes from two places: the front upper control arms (a creak when turning, then a clunk over bumps) and the rear control arm bushings (a creak from the back). The Model Y is heavier and taller than the Model 3, which puts more load on these parts. AT Automotive in Sacramento replaces Model Y upper and lower control arms and struts and shocks, with an inspection and upfront quote first.
Last updated: November 2026
Common Tesla Model Y Suspension Problems
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Creak when turning in parking lots | Front upper control arm ball joint | Replace upper control arms, usually as a pair |
| Creak from the rear over bumps or driveways | Rear control arm bushings | Replace worn rear control arms |
| Clunk over bumps | Worn upper arm ball joint, lower arm bushings, or end links | Inspect on a lift and replace the worn part |
| Clunk when braking or pulling away | Front lower control arm (lateral link) bushing or fasteners | Inspect and replace the lower arm |
| Floaty, bouncy, or harsh ride, faster tire wear | Worn struts or shocks | Replace struts or shocks |
Why the Model Y Is Hard on Its Suspension
The Model Y shares a lot of parts with the Model 3, but it’s a heavier, taller SUV. Owners often load it with family, gear, and cargo, and many run 20- or 21-inch wheels with low-profile tires that send more of each bump into the suspension. That extra load is why rear bushing creaks show up more on the Model Y, and why the front upper control arms can wear sooner.
Model Y Suspension by Model Year
2020–2024 Model Y. These are the cars we see most for front upper control arm creaks and rear bushing noise. Select 2020–2021 cars were part of a lateral link recall, and 2021–2023 cars are named in the 2026 NHTSA investigation (see below). Many are now out of Tesla’s basic warranty.
2025 and newer Model Y (refreshed). The refreshed Model Y has a revised suspension that Tesla says gives a smoother, quieter ride, and many parts differ from the earlier car. It’s too new to show clear wear patterns, and most are still under warranty. We match parts to your exact VIN.
Recalls and the 2026 NHTSA Investigation
- Recall 21V-835: select 2020–2021 Model Y (and 2019–2021 Model 3) where the front lateral link bolts weren’t tightened correctly at the factory. Tesla inspects and fixes this free.
- NHTSA investigation PE26006 (opened July 29, 2026): about 1.2 million 2021–2023 Model Y and 2018–2020 Model 3 vehicles, after 156 owner complaints of a front lower lateral link coming loose, often without warning. This is an investigation, not a recall.
What to do: check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Open recalls are fixed free at Tesla. If your 2021–2023 Model Y has started clunking from the front, have the lateral links and their fasteners inspected rather than waiting it out.
How We Repair Model Y Suspension
- We check front and rear suspension on a lift, since Model Y noises often come from the back as well as the front.
- We give you an upfront quote before any work starts.
- We use quality parts matched to your Model Y’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 Y 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 Y Suspension Repair Near You
AT Automotive is at 8561 Weyand Ave. in Sacramento, open Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm. We serve Model Y owners across Sacramento, Elk Grove, and Rancho Cordova. Driving a Model 3? See our Tesla Model 3 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 Y creak or clunk over bumps?
The most common cause is a worn front upper control arm ball joint, which starts as a creak when turning and becomes a clunk over bumps. On the Model Y, worn rear control arm bushings are another frequent source of creaks. We inspect the car on a lift to find which part is actually worn.
Why does my Model Y creak from the rear?
Rear creaks on the Model Y usually come from the rear control arm bushings. The rubber ages and loses lubrication, and the heavier Model Y puts more load on them. Replacing the worn arms stops the noise.
Is my Model Y part of the 2026 NHTSA suspension investigation?
In July 2026 NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation (PE26006) covering about 1.2 million 2021–2023 Model Y and 2018–2020 Model 3 vehicles over front lower lateral links coming loose. It is an investigation, not a recall. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and have the front suspension inspected if you hear new clunks.
Does the refreshed 2025+ Model Y have the same suspension problems?
The refreshed Model Y has a revised suspension that Tesla says gives a smoother, quieter ride, and many parts differ from the 2020–2024 model. It is too new to show clear wear patterns, and most are still under Tesla’s warranty. We match parts to your VIN before ordering.
How much does Tesla Model Y suspension repair cost?
It depends on which parts are worn and how many need replacing. We inspect the car on a lift and give you an upfront quote before starting any work. Call AT Automotive at (916) 957-6884.
Should I replace control arms on both sides of my Model Y?
Usually, yes. Both sides wear at a similar rate, so when one arm starts making noise the other is often close behind. Doing them together saves a second visit.