Tesla’s Model Y L, the six-seat SUV produced at the Shanghai Gigafactory, is under scrutiny in China as owners report a surge of rear suspension failures. Social media platforms have seen a rise in complaints, with many users describing the issue as a widespread batch defect rather than isolated incidents. The controversy comes just a year after the Model Y L’s launch and amid ongoing regulatory challenges for Tesla in the region.
Owner Reports Highlight Rear Suspension Issues
Numerous Tesla Model Y L owners in China 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. In severe cases, the clearance reportedly becomes so small that ‘not even a single finger’ can fit into the gap.
One owner from Hebei province experienced a severe suspension collapse after 9,000 km (~5,590 miles) during a fully loaded trip to Tibet. Another Shanghai-based owner, who has driven nearly 30,000 km (~18,640 miles) since October 2025, noted that the rear wheel gap shrank to just two fingers in width, resulting in increased chassis swaying and a higher risk of underbody scraping.
Consequences and Tesla’s Response
Owners have reported that the suspension drop alters wheel alignment, causing abnormal wear on the inside of the tyres. Some claim their tyres have already worn down to the safety limit. While Tesla replaces the springs for free under warranty, owners are responsible for the cost of replacing prematurely worn tyres.
Tesla China has not issued a public statement regarding the issue. Customer service representatives have advised affected owners to book appointments at service centres for inspection. According to Tesla’s after-sales policy, a ‘normal’ rear wheel arch height is defined as 764 mm (~30 inches) or above, and spring replacement is only authorised if the measurement falls below this threshold.
Owner-Led Diagnosis and Ongoing Concerns
To simplify self-diagnosis, affected owners have developed a ‘finger test’: a four-finger gap is considered normal, three fingers is a warning sign, and two-and-a-half fingers or less typically indicates failure. Some owners argue that replacing the springs is only a temporary fix, with reports of the suspension collapsing again within days of a replacement. In at least one case, a service centre reportedly refused a second replacement, stating there was no final solution.
Competitor Comparison
Tesla faces intense competition in China from domestic brands such as BYD, Li Auto, and Aito, all of which have focused on quality and after-sales service to attract buyers. While Tesla’s Model Y L targets the premium SUV segment, rivals like the BYD Tang and Li Auto L7 have gained market share by addressing local consumer concerns and offering extended warranties or more robust after-sales support.
Historical Context
Tesla sold 68,805 vehicles globally in 2025, reflecting a 9.32% year-on-year increase. However, the company’s market share in China has declined due to rising competition from local automakers. Tesla has also faced regulatory scrutiny, with recent recall notices from the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) making it the automaker with the highest number of recalled units.
Why this matters
The surge in suspension-related complaints raises questions about the long-term durability of the Model Y L and Tesla’s approach to after-sales support in China. As the company faces growing competition and regulatory pressure, addressing these quality concerns will be critical to maintaining consumer trust and market position.
What this means for buyers
Current and prospective Model Y L owners in China should be aware of the reported suspension issues and monitor their vehicles for signs of rear wheel arch sagging, especially after long trips or heavy loading. Buyers may want to compare after-sales support and warranty coverage with competing brands before making a purchase decision, as local rivals are increasingly prioritising customer service and reliability.
Key Specs
- Model: Tesla Model Y L
- Seating: Six-seat SUV
- Production Location: Shanghai Gigafactory
- Official Launch Date: August 2025
- Normal Rear Wheel Arch Height: 764 mm (~30 inches) or above
- Spring Replacement Policy: Authorised if measurement falls below 764 mm
- Warranty Coverage: Spring replacement free under warranty; tyre replacement at owner’s cost
Source
Images sourced from: carnewschina.com, caranddriver.com, motortrend.com
