Shocking Experience: Stock Front Tire Fell Off Our Car During a Holiday Trip
Stock Front Tires Fell Off
It was a shocking experience when a huge bolt came unscrewed and dropped under the tire of our car, causing it to tilt forward. We were not notified about the recall for this issue until after we researched it. This could have been a dangerous situation if it had happened while my daughter was in the backseat and the car on FSD at 75 MPH on the freeway.
We are now stuck in Florida and need to drive back to Texas before school starts in January. The front left tire is also creaking like an old Cadillac after being driven for 300,000 miles. It is concerning that such a high quality vehicle has parts falling off of it.
The creaking noise may be due to the front upper control arm ball joint, which can be replaced under warranty by Tesla. It is fortunate that the lower suspension bolt falling off did not cause an accident. However, it is still scary and my wife is terrified to get back in the car. We may end up having our insurance total the car (sending it back to Tesla as a lemon) and get a safer vehicle if Tesla doesn't fix this.
Recalls do happen to all makes and models of cars, but Tesla has not had very many recalls that required physical work on all their models. To ensure safety, Tesla should send notifications for recalls to app for any vehicle with a pending (physical) recall, and keep it there under service till the owner gets it remediated.
It is unfortunate that this happened during a holiday trip, but hopefully it can be fixed quickly enough to not impact our schedule too much. Let’s forget about it for a few days and enjoy the holidays!
In the meantime, we are researching our options for getting the car fixed. We have contacted Tesla and they are sending a tow truck to pick up the car and take it to their service center. We are also looking into other local repair shops that may be able to fix the issue faster than Tesla.
We hope that this issue can be resolved quickly and without any further issues. It is important to stay safe on the roads and make sure that all vehicles are in good condition. We will keep everyone updated on our progress and hopefully have a happy ending to this story!
Do recalls come to the car owner?
Yes, Tesla owners do get notifications for recalls.
Is it safe to keep driving the car if the front left tire is creaking?
Yes, it is safe to keep driving the car if the only problem is a creaky front upper control arm ball joint. Tesla would replace the upper control arm under warranty.
Can I classify my car as a lemon if this happens?
No, usually classifying a car as a lemon requires multiple instances and the manufacturer gets a number of attempts to fix it. You just got unlucky. It happens to all manufacturers and models on the road.
How can I make sure that nothing else was missed when Tesla repairs it?
Make sure to let Tesla Service know to check all your suspension components when they repair it to ensure that nothing else was missed.
Is there any way to prevent this from happening again?
Any vehicle with a pending (physical) recall can have a notice sent to app. Keep it there under service till the owner gets it remediated. Also, make sure to have your car serviced regularly and check the tires for any signs of wear or damage.
What should I do if the front tires fall off while driving?
If the front tires fall off while driving, it is important to remain calm and take control of the vehicle. Immediately move to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Call a tow truck or roadside assistance service to get your car towed to a nearby service center.
Is there anything else I should be aware of?
Yes, always keep an eye on your tire pressure and tread depth. Make sure to check them regularly and replace them when necessary. Additionally, make sure to inspect your suspension components for any signs of wear or damage.