Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is investigating reports that certain Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may experience front suspension failures involving the lower lateral links, potentially causing a sudden loss of vehicle stability or steering control.
In July 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into approximately 1.2 million Tesla vehicles following reports that front lower lateral links may detach. The investigation concerns certain 2018–2020 Tesla Model 3 and 2021–2023 Tesla Model Y vehicles.
The front lower lateral link is part of the vehicle’s suspension system and helps keep the wheel properly aligned and stable. If the lateral link separates while the vehicle is being driven, the affected wheel may shift out of position, potentially leaving the vehicle difficult to control or undrivable.
NHTSA’s investigation follows 156 consumer complaints concerning alleged lateral-link separations. Some owners report that the failure occurred without meaningful advance warning and left their vehicles requiring towing.
Tesla has previously recalled certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles for front suspension lateral-link fasteners that could loosen and allow the lateral link to separate. Those recalls, however, covered substantially smaller vehicle populations than the vehicles currently under investigation. NHTSA has not yet determined that all vehicles covered by the current investigation contain a safety defect.
Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is investigating whether certain Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles contain a broader front suspension defect and whether affected owners have been required to pay for suspension repairs that should have been covered by Tesla.
Owners May Have Experienced:
- A front lower lateral link becoming loose, damaged, or detached;
- A sudden change in wheel alignment or vehicle handling;
- Loss of steering control or vehicle stability;
- Suspension noises, clunking, squeaking, or vibration before a failure;
- The vehicle becoming undrivable and requiring towing;
- Replacement of one or both front lower lateral links or related suspension components;
- Being told that a lateral-link failure was unrelated to an earlier Tesla recall; or
- Paying approximately $1,000 or more for suspension repairs.
Potential Claims May Include:
- Defective front suspension or lateral-link components;
- Premature failure of suspension components;
- Breach of express or implied warranties;
- Failure to adequately repair or address repeated suspension problems;
- Out-of-pocket repair and towing expenses;
- Loss of use or diminished vehicle value; and
- Violations of applicable consumer-protection laws.
Signs You May Be Affected:
- You own or lease a 2018–2020 Tesla Model 3 or 2021–2023 Tesla Model Y;
- Your vehicle experienced a loose, damaged, or separated front lateral link;
- Your wheel suddenly shifted out of alignment;
- Your vehicle became difficult or impossible to drive because of a suspension failure;
- Tesla recommended replacing front lateral links, compliance links, or related suspension components;
- You paid out of pocket for a lateral-link or related suspension repair; or
- Tesla told you that your suspension failure was not covered by a prior recall or warranty.
If you have encountered these issues, Migliaccio & Rathod LLP would like to hear from you. Please complete the contact form on this page, send us an email at [email protected], or give us a call.