2021 Tesla Model Y Front Suspension Fastener Recall
A recall has been issued for certain 2021 Tesla Model Y and Model 3 vehicles due to front suspension lateral link fasteners that may loosen. This issue can lead to wheel alignment shifts, instability, and an increased risk of a crash. Tesla will repair affected vehicles free of charge.
Si applica anche a
- Tesla Model 3
- 2021
Why This Matters
If the front suspension lateral link fasteners loosen, the lateral link can separate from the sub-frame. This separation can significantly shift the vehicle's wheel alignment, leading to instability while driving. Such instability increases the risk of a crash, posing a serious safety concern for occupants and others on the road.
What's Being Recalled
Tesla, Inc. has issued a recall, NHTSA ID 21V835000 (Tesla's number SB-21-31-003), for certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. This 2021 TESLA Model Y recall specifically addresses the front suspension lateral link fasteners. These fasteners may not be sufficiently tightened, allowing the lateral link to detach from the sub-frame.
Manufacturer's Remedy
Tesla Service will inspect the front suspension lateral link fasteners on affected vehicles. If necessary, they will tighten or replace the fasteners to ensure proper securement. This repair will be performed free of charge to the owner.
Important Warnings and Owner Information
Owner notification letters were mailed by Tesla on December 20, 2021. If you own a potentially affected vehicle, it is important to ensure this critical safety repair is completed.
Owners may contact Tesla customer service directly at 1-877-798-3752 for more information regarding this 2021 TESLA Model Y recall. You can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or visit www.nhtsa.gov to learn more.
Source: NHTSA Recall ID: 21V835000
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the issue with the 2021 Tesla Model Y and Model 3 suspension?
- The recall, identified by NHTSA ID 21V835000, addresses front suspension lateral link fasteners that may loosen. This can cause the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame, leading to wheel alignment issues and vehicle instability.
- Which Tesla models and years are affected by recall SB-21-31-003?
- Tesla's recall number SB-21-31-003 primarily affects certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. For the specific vehicles linked to this NHTSA document, it applies to 2021 Model Y and 2021 Model 3 vehicles.
- What are the potential consequences of the loose suspension fasteners?
- Loose front suspension lateral link fasteners can cause a lateral link separation, which shifts wheel alignment. This results in vehicle instability and significantly increases the risk of a crash.
- How will Tesla fix the front suspension fastener issue?
- Tesla Service will inspect the lateral link fasteners and either tighten them or replace them as needed. This repair will be provided to owners free of charge.
- How can I check if my 2021 Tesla Model Y is part of this recall?
- Owners were notified by mail starting December 20, 2021. You can also contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 or visit the NHTSA website (www.nhtsa.gov) and enter your VIN to check for open recalls, including this 2021 TESLA Model Y recall.
What Tesla Model Y owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 7 model years.
- 4,325
- Owner complaints
- 43
- Recalls
- 146
- Service bulletins
- 588
- Crashes reported
- 26
- Fires reported
- 403
- Injuries reported
The 2021 model year
1,096 complaints, the 2nd most of 7 model years on file. Owners reported 90 crashes, 6 fires and 26 injuries for this year, which also has 23 recalls on file.
Suspension, the system this article covers, accounts for 331 of 4,325 complaints (8%), including 80 for 2021.
Complaints by model year
| 2020 | 283 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,096 | |
| 2022 | 874 | |
| 2023 | 1,194 | |
| 2024 | 335 | |
| 2025 | 109 | |
| 2026 | 434 |
Most-reported systems
- Forward Collision Avoidance — 1,975
- Vehicle Speed Control — 589
- Service Brakes — 576
- Electrical System — 571
- Steering — 490
Latest recalls for the 2021 model year
- 26V507000 — Exterior Lighting (Aug 2026)
- 26V283000 — Back Over Prevention (May 2026)
- 24V935000 — Tires (Dec 2024)
Recent owner reports about suspension
The vehicle suffered severe, premature suspension control arm degradation resulting in loud creaking/squeaking, forcing an emergency out-of-pocket replacement costing over $1,000. This is a known systemic defect noted in Tesla TSB SB-20-31-006.
Read owner complaints →I brought the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center for a front suspension noise. During the alignment portion of that repair, the technician found a crack in the left side of the rear subframe casting, the structural member that locates the rear suspension links…
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
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