794+ real-world cases
Sourced from NHTSA complaints · Reddit · Technical Service Bulletins
This is among the lowest-cost suspension repairs on Tesla Model 3/Y, but the clunking sound is severe enough that owners often assume far more serious damage. Replace before the metal sleeve begins to gouge the subframe.
TeslaNoiseClub has documented 794+ cases of Front Lower Control Arm Bushing wear on Tesla Model 3/Y — the rubber degrades faster than OEM estimates due to Tesla's stiff suspension tune, producing a persistent clunk over bumps that worsens with heat cycling.
Fault Cause
The rubber bushing inside the front lower control arm hardens and cracks over time due to heat cycling and road stress. As the rubber deteriorates, a metal-to-metal gap opens, producing an impact clunk whenever the suspension compresses — most noticeable over speed bumps or rough pavement.
Symptoms
Diagnosis Steps
1. Drive slowly over a speed bump or pothole and listen for a clunk from the front of the vehicle. 2. Inspect the bushing visually for rubber cracking, separation from the metal sleeve, or visible gaps. 3. With the vehicle raised, use a pry bar to apply load to the control arm and check for movement at the bushing.
Confirmation Method
Raise the vehicle and use a pry bar to lever the front lower control arm upward and downward. Excessive movement or a clunking sound at the bushing mounting point confirms wear.
NHTSA Complaint Samples(794+ total)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) official complaint database
Tesla MODEL 3 · 2024 · Filed 08/27/2025
The contact owned a 2024 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 65 MPH, and was driving on the exit ramp, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respon
Tesla Model Y · 2024 · Filed 04/20/2026
While driving, my vehicle released a loud pop and metal noise. After pulling over large bolts fell from the front of my car caused by a suspension issue. Tesla service later confirmed that the problem
Tesla Model Y · 2024 · Filed 02/26/2026
Component/System: Braking System (Caliper Bolt) and Suspension (Control Arm/Linkage Bolt). Description of Incident: While traveling on a tollway at 70 mph, I heard a faint noise followed by a severe m
Community Reports
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Tesla Model 3 · 2023
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Replacement Parts
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Model 3/Model Y make a Thud or Clunk when Speed bumps or Braking or Starting off or Turning?
The rubber bushing inside the front lower control arm hardens and cracks over time due to heat cycling and road stress. As the rubber deteriorates, a metal-to-metal gap opens, producing an impact clunk whenever the suspension compresses — most noticeable over speed bumps or rough pavement. Based on 794+ real-world cases in the TeslaNoiseClub database, this is one of the most commonly reported suspension noise issues on Model 3/Model Y.
How do I know if my Tesla Front Lower Control Arm Bushing needs replacement?
Raise the vehicle and use a pry bar to lever the front lower control arm upward and downward. Excessive movement or a clunking sound at the bushing mounting point confirms wear.
Is it safe to drive my Tesla with Thud or Clunk from the Front Wheel?
This is among the lowest-cost suspension repairs on Tesla Model 3/Y, but the clunking sound is severe enough that owners often assume far more serious damage. Replace before the metal sleeve begins to gouge the subframe.
How many Tesla owners have reported this Front Lower Control Arm Bushing issue?
TeslaNoiseClub has recorded 794+ cases of Front Lower Control Arm Bushing failure across Model 3/Model Y, sourced from NHTSA official complaints, Reddit community reports, and technical service bulletins.
Tesla Model Y knocking or clunking sound over speed bumps — what is causing it?
A repetitive clunk from the front of a Tesla Model Y when crossing speed bumps or rough pavement is the classic symptom of a worn front lower control arm bushing. The rubber inside the bushing cracks and hardens, creating a gap between the bushing and its metal sleeve. Every time the suspension compresses over a bump, the gap closes with an impact — producing the knock. This is one of the most common front suspension complaints on the Model Y in the TeslaNoiseClub database.
Tesla front end clunking noise that gets worse in summer — is that normal?
Yes, this pattern is a known characteristic of front lower control arm bushing wear on Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Warmer temperatures cause the already-hardened rubber bushing to expand slightly, which can alter how the gap loads under compression — sometimes making the clunk louder or more frequent. If the sound is worse in summer and briefly improves in cold weather, bushing wear is the most likely cause rather than a more serious structural issue.