Tesla’s Model Y L, the six-seat flagship SUV built at the Shanghai Gigafactory, is under scrutiny following a series of owner complaints about rear suspension issues. Recent changes to the official owner manual’s technical specifications have raised further questions among consumers. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about the model’s reliability and Tesla’s response to customer feedback.
Manual Specification Changes Raise Questions
Recent checks of Tesla’s official owner manuals have revealed inconsistencies in the Model Y L’s ground clearance figures. The tesla.cn website continues to list the unladen ground clearance at 169 mm (~6.65 inches), while the tesla.com version now displays a reduced figure of 166 mm (~6.54 inches).
Additional parameters have also been adjusted in the manual: the total vehicle height is now 1664 mm (~65.5 inches), the laden ground clearance is 118 mm (~4.65 inches), and the unladen ground clearance is 166 mm (~6.54 inches). These represent reductions of 4 mm, 4 mm, and 3 mm respectively compared to previous figures. According to CarNewsChina’s review of the Wayback Machine, these changes were not present as of 16 June 2026.
Tesla’s Response and Owner Complaints
When questioned by NBD about the 3 mm ground clearance discrepancy, Tesla China customer service did not provide a specific technical explanation. Instead, representatives pointed to factors such as road surface flatness, tyre pressure, vehicle load distribution, and chassis condition as possible influences on wheel arch height. Tesla has not issued an official statement clarifying whether these documentation changes reflect hardware or technical specification adjustments.
Since its launch in August 2025, the Model Y L has faced increasing criticism on social media. Owners have reported that the gap between the rear wheel arch and the tyre narrows significantly after long-distance travel or when the vehicle is fully loaded. Reported incidents have occurred after 9,000 km (~5,590 miles) to nearly 30,000 km (~18,640 miles) of use. Some owners have linked the suspension drop to abnormal inner-tire wear, with claims that tyres have reached safety limits prematurely.
Service Actions and Ongoing Issues
Tesla’s internal service guidelines define a ‘normal’ rear wheel arch height as 784 ± 20 mm (~30.87 ± 0.79 inches). Spring replacement is authorised only if the measurement falls below 764 mm (~30.08 inches). Tesla has replaced springs under warranty, now using a new part number (2188477-00-B) compared to earlier ‘A’ suffix versions. However, some owners report that the issue persists even after spring replacement.
As of now, Tesla has not disclosed the root cause of the rear suspension height abnormalities, leaving many owners seeking a permanent solution beyond temporary spring replacements.
Competitor Comparison
In the Chinese market, the Tesla Model Y L competes with other high-volume electric SUVs such as the Leapmotor C11 and BYD Tang EV. While Tesla’s combined sales volume in China remains more than double that of Leapmotor, the recent technical concerns and manual changes may influence buyer confidence. Competitors have focused on stability and after-sales service as key differentiators in this segment.
Historical Context
Tesla’s China sales experienced their first-ever annual decline in 2025, reflecting increased competition and shifting consumer expectations. However, the company saw a 24% year-over-year increase in June 2026 compared to June 2025, indicating a rebound in demand. Despite these fluctuations, Tesla maintains a strong market presence, with the Model Y L positioned as a flagship offering.
Why this matters
The recent changes to the Model Y L’s official specifications and ongoing suspension complaints highlight the importance of transparency and technical reliability for EV buyers. As Tesla continues to adjust its documentation without clear communication, consumer trust may be affected, especially in a market where after-sales support and technical clarity are increasingly valued.
These developments also underscore the competitive pressures Tesla faces in China, where domestic brands are rapidly improving quality and service standards.
What this means for buyers
Prospective Model Y L buyers should closely monitor Tesla’s official communications and service updates regarding the suspension issue. It is advisable to verify the latest technical specifications and inquire about warranty coverage for potential suspension repairs before making a purchase decision.
Buyers may also wish to compare the Model Y L’s after-sales support and technical transparency with those of direct competitors in the Chinese EV market.
Key Specs
- Production Location: Shanghai Gigafactory
- Seating Capacity: Six seats
- Unladen Ground Clearance (tesla.cn): 169 mm (~6.65 inches)
- Unladen Ground Clearance (tesla.com/manual): 166 mm (~6.54 inches)
- Total Height (manual): 1664 mm (~65.5 inches)
- Laden Ground Clearance (manual): 118 mm (~4.65 inches)
- Rear Wheel Arch Height (service guideline): 784 ± 20 mm (~30.87 ± 0.79 inches)
- Spring Replacement Threshold: Below 764 mm (~30.08 inches)
Source
Images sourced from: carnewschina.com, evchargingstations.com, caranddriver.com
