The Tesla Model X has a well-documented history of suspension and steering issues that have drawn attention from both consumers and federal regulators alike. Owners across multiple model years have reported problems ranging from clunking noises over bumps to outright control arm failures and sudden loss of steering assist. The NHTSA has investigated these complaints, Tesla has issued multiple recalls and technical service bulletins, and a class action lawsuit has even been filed alleging that certain suspension components are prone to premature failure.
If your Model X keeps going back to the service center for the same defect, California’s lemon law may entitle you to financial relief. Below, we’ll go over the most common problems that plague these vehicles and how state consumer protections may apply to your situation.
Common Suspension and Steering Issues in the Model X
Owner complaints filed with the NHTSA paint a consistent picture across several model years. Some of the most frequently reported problems include:
- Broken front suspension fore links
- Control arm failures
- Sudden drops in the front end of the vehicle
- Premature wear on upper and lower ball joints
- A 2022 software update that caused the electronic power steering system to misread road imperfections as steering inputs
Despite the well-known nature of many of these issues, many owners continue to report the same problems returning after repairs.
Lemon Law Claims Based on These Issues
A single trip to the service center for a suspension rattle probably won’t make your Model X a lemon on its own. However, in certain circumstances, such as when the defect keeps coming back, California’s lemon law may provide a path to relief. Your vehicle may qualify if:
- The suspension or steering defect is covered by Tesla’s manufacturer warranty
- The problem substantially impairs the vehicle’s safety, use, or value
- Tesla has had a reasonable number of opportunities to fix the issue and hasn’t been able to
- The vehicle has been in the shop for 30 or more cumulative days for warranty-related repairs
Suspension and steering defects tend to meet the lemon law’s “substantial impairment” standard more easily than many other types of complaints because of the direct safety risks they create. A vehicle that loses steering assist without warning, for instance, clearly puts the driver and others on the road in danger.
Contact My Lemon Firm for Help With Your Tesla Model X in California
If your Model X has been back to the service center multiple times for the same complaint and the problem still isn’t fixed, you may have a valid lemon law claim against Tesla. The most important thing you can do right now is hold onto every repair order and make sure the service advisor documents your complaint in detail each visit.
Contact My Lemon Firm today for a free consultation at (310) 361-4886. Our experienced lemon lawyers in California can help you evaluate your best course of action at that time.