The Model Y is quiet. That's great, until the only sound left is a creak every time you turn into your driveway. Front suspension noises are some of the most talked-about Model Y complaints, and in 2026 one of them got the government's attention. Here's how to sort a harmless noise from a "park it" problem.
The NHTSA investigation (2021-2023 Model Y)
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation opened a preliminary evaluation into nearly 1.2 million vehicles: 2018-2020 Model 3 sedans and 2021-2023 Model Y crossovers. The concern is the front lower lateral link, a suspension arm that can detach from the assembly.
- 156 owner complaints triggered it
- Owners described losing directional control, and some cars had to be towed
- Many reported no warning light first, though some heard creaking or squeaking in slow turns
- No crashes, injuries or deaths have been officially linked to it
- No recall had been ordered as of the reports in early August 2026
Tesla has had two smaller suspension recalls before (about 2,800 Model 3s in 2021 and 422 vehicles in 2023), tied to assembly errors. NHTSA says these new complaints look unrelated to those.
The 2025+ Model Y rattle bulletins
The refreshed Model Y had its own noise issue. Tesla's SB-25-31-005 covers 2025+ Model Y in North America (built at Fremont and Giga Texas) that rattle or knock over bumps and rough roads under 20 mph. The fix:
- New front upper control arm (FUCA) mounts
- New front damper assemblies on Premium trims
- Removing the wiper bracket "pencil braces"
- An alignment check afterward
Tesla's labor time is about 1.3 to 1.6 hours. A follow-up bulletin, SB-26-31-003, replaces both front dampers again with updated parts on cars still noisy after the first fix. Drive Tesla Canada reports the work is done at Service Centers, not by Mobile Service. Tesla calls it a non-safety condition. On a car this new it should fall under the basic warranty, but confirm with Tesla.
What each noise usually means
| Noise or feel | Common cause | How urgent |
|---|---|---|
| Creak or groan in slow turns | Front upper control arm ball joints | Get it checked soon |
| Crunch when turning sharply or lock to lock | Front lower compliance (radius) arm bushing | Get it checked soon |
| Rattle or knock over small bumps, 2025+ car | Items covered by SB-25-31-005 | Book under warranty |
| Knock or clunk from one corner over a sharp bump | Loose or failing arm or link | Inspect promptly |
| Wandering, constant steering corrections, inner tire wear | Worn bushings or alignment | Fix before buying tires |
Whiteline (a parts maker, so keep that in mind) says owners commonly report wear starting past about 40,000 miles, and that arms often wear in sets.
Easy things to check first
- Check for recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls with your VIN, and look in the Tesla app for any open service notes.
- Look at your front tires. Inner-edge wear is a big clue.
- Record the noise. A phone video in a slow parking-lot turn helps Tesla reproduce it.
- Note when it happens: cold mornings only, bumps only, or turning only.
What it costs
| Situation | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 2025+ car under SB-25-31-005 / SB-26-31-003 and warranty | Usually $0 (confirm) |
| Front control arm or suspension repair, out of warranty | About $600 to $1,200 (Recharged) |
| Aftermarket front arm pair (parts only) | About $250 to $366 (Whiteline) |
| Labor for the main front arms | About 2.5 to 4 hours, plus an alignment |
| Several arms replaced at a Service Center | Low thousands (Whiteline) |
What to ask before you pay
- "Which exact arm or joint is bad, and can you show me the play?"
- "Is this covered by my warranty or any bulletin?"
- "Are you replacing both sides?"
- "Is the alignment included?"
Is it worth fixing?
Yes. Suspension arms are what keep the wheels pointed where you're steering, so they're not a "live with it" repair. A creak on a newer car is usually a warranty visit. On an older 2021-2023 car, keep an eye on the NHTSA case in case a recall follows, and keep receipts if you pay out of pocket.
More on this SUV is on the Tesla Model Y repair page. Uneven tire wear too? Read our Model Y tire cost guide. Information checked October 14, 2026.
