SB-23-31-001 Front Suspension Lateral Link May Separate – 2018-2019 Tesla Model 3

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SB-23-31-001 Page 1 of 6
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Tesla, Inc.
Service Bulletin Inspect Front Lower Lateral Links
SB-23-31-001
April 14, 2023
Classification Section/Group Mobile Service
Recall Bulletin 31 – Suspension Limited
Model Year Model Country/Region Version
2018–2019 Model 3 All All
The model(s) and model year(s) listed are a general approximation of the affected VIN list. Refer to the VIN/Bulletin Tracker or Customer/Vehicle profile to determine
applicability of this bulletin for a particular vehicle.
Recall Bulletin: Recall Bulletins are mandatory service procedures that, unless they can be completed via a software update that a
customer installs through the normal course of ownership, must be carried out by Tesla-certified Service Centers. Recall work
performed by uncertified technicians could lead to unsafe conditions or voided warranty provisions.
Condition
On certain Model 3 vehicles, the bolts that secure the front lower lateral links to the subframe may need to be retorqued
to internal specification.
Correction
Inspect and confirm that all bolts that secure the front lower lateral links to the subframe are torqued to internal
specification. Re-torque the bolts to specification as needed. If necessary, replace the front subframe and/or the front
lateral links.
NOTE: Mobile Service can only perform inspection of the front lower lateral link bolts (refer to Inspection Only
(Mobile Service)). If the bolts are properly torqued, Mobile Service can close the bulletin by using Correction
Code S132131003. If any bolts are not properly torqued, the vehicle must be towed to a Service Center for any
additional work required; use Correction Code 31000010 to track labor for the inspection. The bulletin should
remain open, and should be closed by the Service Center after the repair is performed.
Correction Description Correction Time
Inspect Vehicle; Front Lower Lateral Link Bolts Properly Torqued (Service Center) S012131003 0.15
Inspect Vehicle; Replace LH Front Lower Lateral Link S022131003 0.60
Inspect Vehicle; Replace RH Front Lower Lateral Link S032131003 0.60
Inspect Vehicle; Replace LH and RH Front Lower Lateral Links S042131003 0.70
Inspect Vehicle; Replace Front Subframe (RWD) S052131003 2.05
Inspect Vehicle; Replace LH Front Lower Lateral Link And Front Subframe (RWD) S062131003 2.10
Inspect Vehicle; Replace RH Front Lower Lateral Link And Front Subframe (RWD) S072131003 2.10
Inspect Vehicle; Replace LH and RH Front Lower Lateral Links And Front Subframe
(RWD)
S082131003 2.15
Inspect Vehicle; Replace Front Subframe (Dual Motor) S092131003 2.95
Inspect Vehicle; Replace LH Front Lower Lateral Link And Front Subframe (Dual Motor) S102131003 3.00
Inspect Vehicle; Replace RH Front Lower Lateral Link And Front Subframe (Dual Motor) S112131003 3.00
Inspect Vehicle; Replace LH and RH Front Lower Lateral Links And Front Subframe
(Dual Motor)
S122131003 3.05
Inspect Vehicle; Front Lower Lateral Link Bolts Properly Torqued (Mobile Service) S132131003 0.20
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Part Number Description Quantity
Parts Required – – –
If Necessary 1109263-00-B
1111145-00-A
1456640-00-A
1461654-00-A
1461643-00-A
1111543-00-A
1109912-00-A
1044341-00-D
1111151-00-A
1115558-00-A
1117669-00-A
One of the following:
• 1044531-00-B or
1044531-00-C*
• 1044521-10-N or
1044521-11-N **
NUT&WSHR[SW],M14x1.5,[10],ZNFL,PTP
NUT,HF,M10-1.5,[10],ZNNI,PTP
DBL,HF,M14x120+M10x16,CMAT,[109],ZNFL
BOLT,HF,M10-1.5×94,[109],ZNFL,CMAT
BOLT,HF,M12-1.75×99,[109],ZNFL,CMAT
NUT,HF,M12-1.75,[10],ZNNI,PTP
BOLT,HF,M14-2.0×65,STL[109],ZNFL
FR LWR LATERAL LINK ASSY
BOLT,HF,M10-1.5×30,[109],ZNFL,SMAT
Dual Motor Vehicles
NUT&WSHR[SW],M24, STL[8],ZNFL,SERR
BOLT,5-LOBE,M6x19,[109],ZNNI,MAT,PTP,SEAL
FR SUBF ASSY MDL3/Y
FR SUBF ASSY MDL3/Y
FR SUBFRAME STRUCTURE
FR SUBF ASSY, MDL3/Y
2
4
2
2
2
2
1–4
1–2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
* For front subframes 1044521-00-N with M10 steering gear nuts.
** For front subframes 1044521-00-N and earlier with M8 steering gear nuts.
These part numbers were current at the time of publication. Use the revisions listed or later, unless
otherwise specified in the Parts Catalog.
Special Tools
1066521-00-A
1071271-00-A
1090880-00-A
1049463-00-A
1099645-00-C
1115118-00-B
1090881-00-A
1059330-00-B
1096075-00-A
1133187-00-A
1050448-00-B
1083188-00-B
1130480-02-A
1135762-00-A
1498673-00-A
1081547-00-A
1130279-00-A
1140311-00-A
1065131-00-A
1479505-00-A
1080589-00-A
1054717-01-A
All Vehicles
Powertrain Table
Chassis Height Measurement Tool
Steering Wheel Holder
Steering Wheel Level
Subframe Fixture
Socket Internal Torx Plus 3/8in Dr. T40
Brake Pedal Depressor
Dual Motor Vehicles
Socket External Torx 1/4in Dr. E10 5-Lobe
Hydraulic Hub Puller
Socket External Torx 1/2in Dr. E18
Vacuum Refill Tool
Multimeter
Slim Test Probes
Coolant Hose Plug Kit
Cable Axle Removal Kit
Slide Hammer
Drive Unit Sling
HV Connector Lever Lock
Battery Coolant Drain Kit
M3/Y Vacuum Fill Adapter
Mobile Service Inspection
Wheel Chocks
Jack Stand, Jackpoint
Shop Supplies THREADLOCKER, LOCTITE 222, PURPLE
Molykote M-77 (For Dual Motor Vehicles)
SB-23-31-001 Page 3 of 6
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Procedure (Service Center)
1. Remove the front aero shield panel (refer to Service Manual procedure 12030102).
2. Perform a torque check on the bolts that attach the LH and RH front lower lateral links (4 bolts total) to the front
subframe (115 Nm) (Figure 1).
CAUTION: Check that the bolt heads are fully flush with the lateral link flanges and that there are no gaps
between the bolt heads, flanges, and subframe. Gaps between these components are a sign of possible cross
threading and should be investigated.
Figure 1 – LH shown; RH similar
• If all 4 bolts are already torqued to specification and no signs of cross threading are observed, the subframe
does not need replacement. Take note and skip to step 7.
• If any of the 4 bolts are missing, damaged, not already torqued to specification, or if signs of cross threading
are observed, continue to step 3.
3. Inspect the front lateral link and front subframe to lateral link attachment point (Figure 2), noting damage such as
cracks, bent arms/flanges, or damaged bolts.
Figure 2 – LH shown; RH similar
• If damage to the front subframe has been observed in steps 2 or 3 (such has cross threading, cracks,
bent arms/flanges, or damaged bolts), take note and skip to step 6.
• If damage to the front subframe is not observed, take note and continue to step 4.
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4. Remove any damaged front lower lateral links, and then hand tighten new lateral link(s) to the front knuckle and
front strut. Do not attach the new lateral link(s) to the front subframe yet (refer to Service Manual procedure
31013402).
5. Where the front lateral link to subframe bolt(s) were missing, damaged, or not torqued to specification, attempt to
install new bolt(s) (115 Nm) (Figure 1).
CAUTION: Check that the bolt heads are fully flush with the lateral link flanges and that there are no gaps
between the bolt heads, flanges, and subframe. Gaps between these components are a sign of possible cross
threading and should be investigated.
• If all new bolts can be torqued to specification and no signs of cross threading are observed, the front
subframe does not need replacement. Take note and skip to step 6.
• If any of the new bolts cannot be torqued to specification, or if signs of cross threading are observed, the
front subframe needs replacement. Take note and continue to step 6.
6. Replace all parts noted as damaged.
CAUTION: If new front lateral link(s) were installed in step 4, make sure to fully torque the fasteners that
attach the front lateral link(s) to the front knuckle and front strut (refer to Service Manual procedure 31013402).
• RWD Front Subframe (refer to Service Manual procedure 30010302).
• Dual Motor Front Subframe (refer to Service Manual procedure 30010312).
• LH and/or RH Front Lower Lateral Link (refer to Service Manual procedure 31013402).
NOTE: If replacing a lateral link AND a front subframe, replace the link after the subframe has been
removed from the vehicle.
NOTE: If the lateral links were replaced in step 4, there is no need to replace them again.
7. Install all parts that were removed for access.
Inspection Only (Mobile Service)
1. Chock the RH rear wheel (Figure 3).
Figure 3 – Model Y shown, Model 3 similar
2. Remove the LH front wheel cap (refer to Service Manual procedure 34015021).
3. Loosen the LH front wheel.
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4. Raise and support the LH front of the vehicle with a floor jack (refer to Service Manual procedure 10001105).
5. Remove the LH front wheel lug nuts, and then remove the LH front wheel from the vehicle.
6. Repeat step 1 through step 5 to lift the RH front of the vehicle.
7. Remove the bolts (x4) that attach the corners of the front aero shield panel to the vehicle (Figure 4).
WARNING: Do NOT work under the vehicle to remove the bolts.
Figure 4
8. Perform a torque check on the bolts that attach the LH and RH front lower lateral links (4 bolts total) to the front
subframe (115 Nm) (Figures 5-7).
WARNING: Do NOT work under the vehicle to perform torque check.
CAUTION: Check that the bolt heads are fully flush with the lateral link flanges and that there are no gaps
between the bolt heads, flanges, and subframe. Gaps between these components are a sign of possible cross
threading and should be investigated.
Figure 5 – LH shown; RH similar
SB-23-31-001 Page 6 of 6
For feedback on the accuracy of this document, email ServiceBulletinFeedback@tesla.com
Figure 6 – Front Bolt Figure 7 – Rear Bolt
• If all 4 bolts are already torqued to specification and no signs of cross threading are observed, the subframe
does not need replacement. Install all parts that were removed for access and close this bulletin using
Correction Code S132331001.
• If any of the 4 bolts are missing, damaged, not already torqued to specification, or if signs of cross threading
are observed, install all parts that were removed for access, and tow the vehicle to a Service Center for further
inspection. Use Correction Code 31000010 to track work performed, but DO NOT close the bulletin.

**************************************************************************************************************

13101 Tesla Road
Austin, TX 78725
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

(if applicable; if not, remove this line)
<City, State, ZIP>
This notice applies to your vehicle,
NHTSA Recall No: 23V-235
Dear Tesla Owner,
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Tesla, Inc. has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain Model Year 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles. Our records show that you are the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
REASON FOR THIS RECALL
The front suspension lateral link on Model 3 vehicles is attached to the sub-frame using two fasteners that may have been improperly tightened. If a fastener is not secured to the correct specification, the fastener may loosen over time or separate from the sub-frame, which could cause the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame. If a fastener becomes loose enough or separates from the sub-frame such that the lateral link separates from the sub-frame, the wheel alignment could shift and cause instability, which may adversely impact vehicle controllability and increase the risk of a collision.
WHAT TESLA WILL DO
Tesla Service will inspect affected vehicles for proper torque of the fasteners that secure both front suspension lateral links to the sub-frame. If a loose or missing fastener is found during the inspection, Tesla Service will re-torque the fastener to the correct specification. In the unlikely event that vehicle damage from a loose or missing fastener is found during the inspection, Tesla Service will replace the damaged component.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Please schedule a service appointment through your Tesla mobile app. Alternatively, if you wish to contact your nearest Tesla Service Center or require technical assistance, please visit www.tesla.com/findus or call 1-877-79-TESLA (1-877-798-3752). For awareness, the inspection of the front suspension lateral link to sub-frame fasteners will take approximately 12 minutes. The repair, if necessary, may take between 30 minutes and 3 hours, depending on the results of the inspection. The inspection may be completed by Tesla Mobile Service where available. The repair, if necessary, must be completed at a Tesla Service Center.
If you previously paid for a repair that addresses the recall described in this notice, you may be eligible for a refund. To verify eligibility and learn how to request a refund, please contact Tesla online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/ contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Additional detail can be found in our General Recall Reimbursement Plan, which is available online at https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/downloads/tesla-recall-reimbursement-plan.pdf.
If you believe that Tesla has failed or is unable to remedy this defect without charge or within a reasonable time, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, by calling 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or by visiting www.safercar.gov.
Federal law requires any lessor who receives a notification of a noncompliance or safety-related defect determination pertaining to any leased motor vehicle to send the notice to the lessee within 10 days.
If you no longer own the vehicle, update vehicle ownership in your Tesla Account. For more details adding or removing vehicles from your Tesla Account, visit www.tesla.com/support/account-support#add-remove-products.
Thank you for being a Tesla customer. We are committed to ensuring that your vehicle provides the highest possible level of safety.
TESLA, INC.**************************************************************************************************************OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-235
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Submission Date :
Tesla, Inc. MAR 31, 2023 NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-235 Manufacturer Recall No. : SB-23-31-001 Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Tesla, Inc.
Address : 1 Tesla Road
Austin TX 78725 Company phone : 6506815000
Population :
Number of potentially involved : 422 Estimated percentage with defect : 1 %
Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2018-2019 Tesla Model 3 Vehicle Type :
Body Style :
Power Train : NR
Descriptive Information : The recall population includes select MY 2018-19 Model 3 vehicles and was determined based upon a review of manufacturing records.
Production Dates : JAN 05, 2018 – MAR 30, 2019
VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : The front suspension lateral link on Model 3 vehicles is attached to the sub- frame using two fasteners. Manufacturing records and customer complaints suggest that there may be a correlation between certain manufacturing record characteristics and the fastener loosening over time. A loose fastener could cause the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : If a fastener becomes loose enough or separates from the sub-frame such that the lateral link separates from the sub-frame, the wheel alignment could shift and cause instability, which may adversely impact vehicle controllability and increase the risk of a collision.
Description of the Cause : NR Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur : If the fasteners that secure the lateral link to the sub-fame become loose, abnormal noise may occur and be detectable by the customer from the front
pension. Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-235 Page 2 Involved Components : Component Name 1 : BOLT,HF,M14-2.0×65,STL[109],ZNFL
Component Description : Front lateral link to subframe bolt Component Part Number : 1109912-00-A Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer
Name : NR Address : NR
NR
Country : NR Chronology :
– From January 2022 to March 16, 2023, Tesla received and investigated customer complaints alleging lateral link separation or unusual noises from lateral links. Investigation into the production records for these vehicles showed all torque and angle values fall within production control limits, but a correlation was identified between vehicles with customer complaints and certain torque and angle record characteristics. – On March 17, 2023, although the production records do not indicate low torque values or missing bolts, out of an abundance of caution, Tesla made the determination to file a voluntary recall to inspect and repair, as necessary, the population of vehicles identified through the investigation described above. – From service data covering January 2018 through March 2023, Tesla identified 25 warranty claims and 2 field reports (occurring between January 4, 2019, and December 23, 2022) that are related to or may be related to this condition. Tesla is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or deaths related to this condition. The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-235
Page 3
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : Tesla Service will inspect affected vehicles for proper torque of the
fasteners that secure both front suspension lateral links to the sub-frame. If a loose or missing fastener is found during the inspection, Tesla Service will re-torque the fastener to the correct specification. In the unlikely event that vehicle damage from a loose or missing fastener is found during the inspection, Tesla Service will replace the damaged component. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component :
Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production :
Customers who have replaced the lateral link fasteners or other components at their own expense due to this issue prior to the recall notification may be eligible for reimbursement per Tesla’s General Recall Reimbursement Plan.
Confirmed torque and angle of each fastener to the correct specifications. A multi-spindle tool, which secures the fasteners simultaneously, has been applied to the assembly step along with improved torque angle controls. Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : All Tesla stores and service centers will be notified on or shortly after
April 4, 2023. Owner notification letters will be mailed in accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 577.7.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : APR 04, 2023 – APR 04, 2023
Planned Owner Notification Date : MAY 30, 2023 – MAY 30, 2023
* NR – Not Reported

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