Chinese owners are increasingly reporting a rear-end problem with Tesla's Model Y L, saying the six-seat SUV's rear wheels can appear to "collapse" after extended trips or when the vehicle is carrying a full load, CarNewsChina reported.
Here's what to know
Owners began reporting that the space between the rear tire and wheel arch could shrink dramatically, CarNewsChina documented. Some said "not even a single finger" could fit in the worst cases.
Examples cited by owners vary widely. A driver in Hebei province said the rear suspension dropped significantly after a trip to Tibet at 5,592 miles (9,000 kilometers), while an owner in Shanghai said the rear wheel gap had tightened to about two fingers after nearly 18,641 miles (30,000 kilometers) since October 2025.
Drivers say the sagging creates more than a visual problem, according to CarNewsChina. They report that the drop can affect wheel alignment, increase chassis sway, and accelerate wear on the inner edges of the tires.
Owners say Tesla is replacing springs under warranty, but they're still expected to pay for tires that wear out prematurely, per the outlet.
More background
Produced at Tesla's Shanghai Gigafactory, the Model Y L is marketed as the company's flagship SUV in China and is meant to accommodate more passengers and cargo.
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According to owners cited in reports by CarNewsChina, Tesla's after-sales service treats 30.9 inches (784±mm) as "normal," with spring replacement typically approved only when the measurement falls below 30.1 inches (764mm). Some drivers have responded by using a simple "finger test" to judge whether their vehicles may be affected.
Some owners also question whether the repair holds up, per the outlet. One user said the suspension failed again just 10 days after a spring replacement and claimed a service center said it had no final solution.
The issue is also emerging as Tesla faces other pressure in China. The company has been linked to State Administration for Market Regulation recall notices tied to door handle issues, and reports say Tesla accounted for the highest number of recalled units in those notices.
What's being done?
Tesla China has not publicly commented on the suspension complaints, according to CarNewsChina. Customer service representatives have reportedly told owners to schedule inspections at service centers.
It remains unclear whether Tesla will continue with case-by-case repairs or offer a broader technical explanation and a more permanent remedy for Model Y L owners. As it stands, it appears the brand is content to leave it to drivers to do the finger test to determine if it's time to get the problem checked out.
Where can I learn more?
The stories below help round out the picture around the Model Y L complaints in China, and other problems plaguing Tesla. They show how questions about whether repairs will hold up can spill into bigger concerns about design, trust, and demand.
• In China, early Model Y L test drives drew criticism before owner suspension complaints intensified.
• Tesla owners say Full Self-Driving glitches have deepened mistrust around Model Y technology.
• The Cybertruck has faced major pitfalls of vehicle design as Tesla absorbs broader criticism.
That broader backdrop is part of why the suspension issue is drawing so much attention. For Model Y L owners, it's unfolding at a time when Tesla is already under greater scrutiny over how its vehicles hold up in everyday use.
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