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NHTSA closed its investigation of front suspension fore-link failures in certain Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles on August 12, 2024, and recommended that Tesla broaden a 2017 service bulletin. The agency identified 426 failure instances involving two specific fore-link part numbers, but did not order a recall or conclude that no safety defect existed.
What did NHTSA investigate?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) examined alleged front suspension fore-link failures in 2015–2017 Tesla Model S and 2016–2017 Model X vehicles. The subject parts were fore links bearing part number 1041570-00-A or 1041575-00-A. NHTSA opened the preliminary evaluation, PE20020, on November 22, 2020, after receiving 43 complaints alleging a left or right front fore-link failure. Its opening resume estimated the subject population at 114,761 vehicles; that estimate is not a count of vehicles that experienced a failure. NHTSA’s opening resume for PE20020 describes the initial scope and complaint count.
What did the investigation find?
In its August 12, 2024 closing resume, NHTSA reported 426 identified failure instances involving one of the two part numbers. These are failure instances reported during the investigation, not 426 crashes and not a population-wide failure rate. The 43 complaints cited when the evaluation opened and the 426 instances cited at closeout are different measures from different stages of the case.
- NHTSA said most failures occurred at 1–15 mph during parking maneuvers.
- It reported one minor crash associated with the identified instances and no injuries.
- In eight instances above 40 mph, NHTSA said the vehicles remained controllable, with no associated crash or injury resulting from the failure.
- The agency noted that driving after a fore-link failure could cause additional damage to other vehicle components. Its testing and review of reported failures had not shown a fore-link failure preventing controllability.
These findings describe the outcomes NHTSA reported in the reviewed instances; they do not establish that every failure would have the same outcome. NHTSA’s closing resume for PE20020 contains the agency’s closeout findings.
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- Control Arm Compatible With: Suspension Front Control Arm Kit For 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Tesla Model 3
- Control Arm Kit Contents: 2X Front Upper Control Arm with Ball Joint, 2X Front Lower Control Arm with Ball Joint Forward, 2X Front Lower Control Arm with Ball Joint, 2X Sway Bar Link Front, 2X Inner Tie Rod End, 2X Outer Tie Rod End
- OEM Part Number: 1044321-00-G, 1044326-00-G, 1044354-00-A, 1044359-00-A, 1044341-00-D, 1044391-00-D, 1044396-00-D / 1188396-00-B, 1044831-00-F-N, 1044841-00-E L=R
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- Pre-sale Note: If you are not sure if your vehicle fits this part, please provide me with your VIN number or REG NO! The best way to check compatibility is to check the part number on your old unit
What did NHTSA recommend, and how does it differ from the 2017 bulletin?
Tesla issued consumer satisfaction bulletin SB-17-31-001, “Replace Front Suspension Lower Fore Links,” on February 10, 2017. NHTSA’s opening resume says the bulletin addressed a manufacturing condition that might result in fore-link failure and applied to vehicles built approximately January 19 through May 25, 2016.
NHTSA later said that the bulletin’s covered subpopulation did not include 75% of the failure instances identified in PE20020. It recommended that Tesla expand the bulletin to cover every vehicle equipped with either part number 1041570-00-A or 1041575-00-A. The existing bulletin’s build-date scope and the recommended part-number scope are distinct:
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- Compatible With: 2017 - 2021 Tesla Model 3
- Control Arm Kit Contents: 2X Front Upper Control Arm with Ball Joint, 4X Front Lower Control Arm with Ball Joint Forward, 2X Front Sway Bar Link, 2X Tie Rod End Inner, 2X Tie Rod End Outer
- OEM Part Number: 1044321-00-G, 1044326-00-G, 1044354-00-A, 1044359-00-A, 1044341-00-D, 1044391-00-D, 1188396-00-B, 1044831-00-F-N, 1044841-00-E
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- Professional after-sales support: If you encounter any problems during the use of the product, Whether it's installation guidance or after-sales maintenance consultation, we will wholeheartedly serve you, If you are not sure if your vehicle fits this part, please provide me with your VIN number or OEM Number, The best way to check compatibility is to check the part number on your old unit.
| Coverage | Basis | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 bulletin | Approximate vehicle build dates, as described in NHTSA’s 2020 opening resume | Vehicles built approximately January 19 through May 25, 2016 |
| NHTSA’s 2024 recommendation | Installed fore-link part number | All vehicles equipped with 1041570-00-A or 1041575-00-A |
The recommendation was an investigative recommendation, not an NHTSA order, recall, or proof that Tesla expanded the bulletin or completed repairs. The closing resume sets out the recommendation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does the closure mean NHTSA found no safety defect?
No. NHTSA expressly cautioned that closing the evaluation did not establish that a safety-related defect was absent. The ODI closing resume states: “This does not constitute a finding by the Agency that a safety-related defect is not present; the Agency will take further action if warranted by additional information received.” The case record confirms that PE20020 opened on November 22, 2020, and closed on August 12, 2024. The ODI closing resume and NHTSA’s investigation identification record document the closeout.
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- Front Control Arm Kit Contents: 2X Front Upper Control Arm, 2X Front Lower Control Arm Forward, 2X Front Lower Control Arm Rearward, 2X Sway Bar Link Front
- OEM Part Number: 1043965-00-B, 1043966-00-B, 1041570-00-B, 1041575-00-B, 1027351-00-C, 1043996-00-A / 6007098-00-A, 1047896-00-A / 6008915-00-A
- Premium Quality: Material has excellent temperature resistance and wear resistance. Treated with an anti-corrosion coating for extended front control arm kit life
- Pre-sale Note: If you are not sure if your vehicle fits this part, please provide me with your VIN number or REG NO! The best way to check compatibility is to check the part number on your old unit
What should Tesla owners do?
If you own a potentially affected Model S or Model X, do not assume that the model year or the bulletin’s 2016 build window alone tells you whether your vehicle has one of the identified parts. The recommendation is based on the fore-link part number installed. Ask Tesla to check your vehicle’s VIN and service history, and have a qualified service provider inspect any suspected suspension damage. If a fore-link has failed or the vehicle shows a sudden change in handling, avoid driving it until it has been assessed; NHTSA warned that continued driving after failure could damage other components.
The investigation record does not establish current bulletin terms or whether Tesla implemented the recommendation. Confirm present coverage and repair guidance directly with Tesla or through NHTSA’s vehicle and recall resources.
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