WHILE DRIVING WITH MY SON ON LOCAL ROADS, WITH NO UNUSUAL BUMPS OR POTHOLES, I EXPERIENCED AN ALARMING LOSS OF STABILITY. I SLOWED MY SPEED DOWN AND MADE IT HOME. ONCE THE CAR WAS IN THE DRIVEWAY, I SAW THAT THE REAR WHEEL WAS CANTILEVERED ABOUT 15 DEGREES FROM VERTICAL. ONCE I WAS ABLE TO HOIST THE CAR AND LOOK UNDERNEATH, IT BECAME CLEAR THAT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS A BROKEN LOWER CONTROL A…
2014 tesla Model S suspension problems
critical 82 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900
Complaints
82
Recalls
0
Crashes
25
Avg fix
$900
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEED AND TURNING THE CAR OVER SLIGHTLY UNEVEN SURFACES LIKE A DRIVEWAY OR CAR PARKS THE FRONT SUSPENSION MAKES A CLUNKING AND CLICKING SOUND. VIBRATION AND THUDS CAN BE FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL AND FOOTWELLS OF THE CAR. I BROUGHT TO TESLA AND THEY SAID THIS IS WEAR AND TEAR AND CHARGED ME $2,700 TO FIX EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY. MANY SIMILAR ISSUES HAV…
HERE IS A MODEL S IN THE SALVAGE YARD. SOMEBODY RAN INTO THE BACK OF IT. MOST LIKELY BECAUSE THE FRONT WHEEL AND SUSPENSION FELL OFF CAUSING IT TO SLOW DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY. HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/58905699/PHOTOS EVEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE INTACT. THE AIR-BAGS HAVE NOT DEPLOYED. SO WHY DID THE SUSPENSION FALL TO BITS? I THINK WE KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT. THE SUSPENSION PARTS ARE AS FRAGILE AS A…
Rear lower control arm broke, causing extreme twitch and near loss of vehicle control about 1/4 mile before getting on highway. There was a loud ping in a parking garage the day before while turning, but nothing seemed to be wrong with the car at that time and I assumed there must have been a water bottle cap or something that went under the tire (can't see ground well in a tight parking garage, …
HERE IS A MODEL S IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/38489036/?RESULTINDEX=14&TOTALRECORDS=19&BACKTO=%2FLOTSEARCHRESULTS%2F%3FFREE%3DTRUE&QUERY=TESLA&QUERY=TESLA&DISPLAYSTR=SEARCH%20RESULTS&VIEWEDLOT=38489036 THE FRONT LH WHEEL HAS BEEN TORN OFF BUT THE WHEEL AND TIRE ARE SHREDDED. THIS IS SIMILAR TO THE MANY OTHER CASES WHERE THE SUSPENSION HAS FAILED AND CAUSED A CRASH. IT IS ALMO…
Common questions
How serious is the suspension problem on the 2014 tesla Model S?
It's a serious issue. 82 complaints have been filed, including 25 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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