AI DamageRecalls
US probe into Tesla Model 3 and Y suspension links: over 1,100 such cars after accidents in Ukraine
On 29 July 2026 the US regulator NHTSA opened preliminary evaluation PE26006: 156 owners of Model 3 2018–2020 and Model Y 2021–2023 report the front lower lateral link detaching, which may lead to loss of control. There is no recall yet. In Ukraine 813 Model 3 and 1,170 Model Y of these years are for sale after an accident, 468 and 662 of them via a US auction.
Why it matters for cars after an accident
A hit to a wheel or kerb loads exactly these front suspension links. Almost half of imported Model 3 and Model Y of these years (48% and 47%) had a front impact. If the link already has a factory weakness, the risk only grows after a crash, and the repair may or may not have touched these parts.
Our position
Until there is a recall, no repair at the manufacturer’s cost is planned. So for a Tesla after an accident we advise checking the front lower links and their mounts separately: play, impact marks, fresh nuts. More in our guide Suspension after a wheel impact.
Sources
- NHTSA, preliminary evaluation PE26006 opened 29 July 2026.
- VinWind editorial analysis: public listings of cars after accidents in Ukraine, snapshot 22–23 October 2026.