Recall 21V835 affects 2,791 2019-2021 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles for loose lateral link fasteners. Free repair at any franchised Tesla dealer.
Tesla is recalling 2,791 2019-2021 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles because front suspension lateral link fasteners can loosen and let the link separate from the subframe. A separated lateral link can shift wheel alignment, cause instability, and increase the risk of a crash; Tesla will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front lateral link on 2019-2021 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles is part of the front suspension. It helps hold the wheel assembly in the correct position as the suspension moves over bumps, turns, and braking forces. The lateral link is attached to the subframe with fasteners that must stay tightened to the correct specification.
On affected vehicles, those fasteners were not reliably secured during assembly. Tesla found that an operator, after unsuccessful attempts to torque a fastener, loosened a fastener that had already been tightened correctly. If the torque record did not capture that loosening, the vehicle left production with a fastener that was loose or able to loosen further.
As the fastener loosens, the lateral link can separate from the subframe. Before that happens, owners can hear an abnormal noise from the front suspension, especially while driving over uneven pavement or turning.
Who's affected?
Model 3 and Model Y are included across the 2019, 2020, and 2021 model years, with front suspension and suspension fasteners listed as separate component categories.
| 2019 Tesla Model 3 | front suspension |
|---|---|
| 2020 Tesla Model 3 | suspension component |
| 2019 Tesla Model 3 | suspension component |
| 2020 Tesla Model 3 | front suspension |
| 2020 Tesla Model Y | suspension component |
| 2020 Tesla Model Y | front suspension |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | suspension component |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | front suspension |
| 2021 Tesla Model 3 | suspension component |
| 2021 Tesla Model 3 | front suspension |
| Units affected | 2,791 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 39 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A separated lateral link can shift wheel alignment, make the vehicle unstable, and increase the risk of a crash. Abnormal noise from the front suspension is a warning sign. If you hear it, slow down, avoid unnecessary driving, and schedule service. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2021 Tesla Model 3 or Model Y is included in this recall.
- Contact Tesla Service to schedule the free front suspension lateral link fastener inspection and repair that keeps the lateral link secured to the sub-frame.
- Bring the recall notice if Tesla mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V835 when you contact Tesla Service.
- Drive cautiously until Tesla completes the repair. Stop driving and contact Tesla Service if the vehicle feels unstable.
What happens at the repair
At Tesla Service, a Tesla technician checks the front suspension lateral link fasteners and tightens them or replaces them as needed. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related lateral link fastener repair, Tesla's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Contact Tesla customer service or ask the service advisor how to submit prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 25, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 27, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| October 27, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 20, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 24, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 24, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V835?
Recall 21V835 covers 2,791 2019-2021 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles with front suspension lateral link fasteners that can loosen. If the link separates from the sub-frame, wheel alignment can shift, creating instability and increasing crash risk. Tesla Service will tighten or replace the fasteners for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2021 Tesla Model 3 or Model Y is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V835. If it is, contact Tesla Service or call 1-877-798-3752 to arrange inspection and repair of the front suspension lateral link fasteners. Reference Tesla recall SB-21-31-003 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Tesla Service will tighten or replace the affected lateral link fasteners free of charge. The free repair applies at Tesla Service regardless of where the vehicle was purchased.
Is it safe to drive a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y with recall 21V835?
The risk is front suspension instability if the lateral link separates from the sub-frame. Wheel alignment can shift and increase crash risk. Tesla has not issued a do-not-drive order for this recall, but owners with an included VIN should arrange the free repair promptly.
What if I bought my Tesla Model 3 or Model Y used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If Tesla did not mail you the December 20, 2021 owner notice, check your VIN and contact Tesla Service with recall 21V835 or Tesla recall SB-21-31-003.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V835000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 1-877-798-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V835 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V835000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →