Tesla Model 3 Creaking Noise – What Could Be Wrong?

You're excited to finally have a Tesla Model 3 of your own. You love driving it and rely on it for everyday trips like driving to work. But suddenly, you started hearing creaking noises from your Tesla and didn't know what was causing it. This could be irritating but don't worry, as we're here to answer what could be the reason why your Tesla is making these creaking noises. 

Most creaking noise complaints from Tesla Model 3 vehicles will usually be from the steering wheel and armrest. The following are the possible reasons why there is a creaking noise. 

Steering wheel

  • Suspension problems
  • Power control arm
  • Suspension
  • Ball Joints
  • Tire Rods
  • General Wear and tear

Armrest

  • Debris stuck in the window
  • Faulty window seal
  • Lack of lubrication
  • Faulty window regulator

Continue reading, as we have a lot to unpack here. In the following sections, we will explain the possible reasons behind the creaking noise from your Tesla and the solutions that you can do to solve them. We will also discuss other additional questions that you could have regarding your Model 3. At the end of the post, you can find other informative topics that will help you with your other Model 3-related questions. 

Reasons Why Your Tesla Model 3 Makes Creaking Noises (How To Fix Them)

Creaking noises from your Tesla could be irritating and unexpected from a vehicle like the Model 3. Luckily, you could finally fix this by knowing the reasons behind the creaking noise. 

Metallic white electric Tesla Model 3

Steering wheel

Creaking noises most commonly come from your steering wheel compared to other parts of your car. This happens either by turning it in park, stepping on the brakes in park, or turning at slow speeds. The following is the list of reasons why this could happen.

Suspension problems

One reason for such creaking is a faulty bushing in your suspension. You may also hear this when pressing on the brakes or accelerating. Sometimes, this could be heard while stepping on the brakes and turning the steering wheel. 

Bushings are like foams or cushions that act as the dampeners of suspension parts when they hit each other. They help reduce the vibration and the sound of the car while moving.

A creaking sound coming from under the vehicle could indicate damaged bushings. This can lead to major problems with your suspension and steering system. You will need to bring this to a local dealership or an auto shop that accepts EVs to have the bushing replaced. 

Power steering rack

A damaged power steering rack can also cause unwanted creaking, especially while turning at low speed or maneuvering your vehicle to park. The job of the power steering is to soften the vehicle's steering wheel, requiring less effort to turn the vehicle. 

This is likely because your power steering fluid is leaking. To fix this, you will have to drain all of the fluid and have it topped off. You will also have to replace the leaking part if there are any leaks. Again, go to a mechanic to have this repaired. 

Suspension

It's also possible that your entire suspension is broken. This could happen if you've hit road bumps or potholes at high speed, which could cause massive stress to the coil spring suspension that the Model 3 uses.

If this is the case, you will have to replace the damaged suspension, as you cannot repair it. Attempting to do so might result in the integrity of your vehicle being compromised. 

Ball Joints

Car spare parts

The ball joints in your car help put parts like your suspension and steering system together. A damaged ball joint due to wear and tear can cause creaks when you turn the steering wheel. This is not a good sign. It would be best if you immediately had this repaired as it can cause you to lose control while driving. 

Tire Rods

The tire rods connect the steering wheel and the steering knuckle. It is a vital part of your steering system. A damaged tire rod can cause creaking sounds at low speeds or while turning your steering wheel, especially while maneuvering or stationary. This could sound like something is grinding up against your wheels while you steer. 

Another indicator of this is that your alignment is off. Immediately have your car checked out by the dealer and have it serviced to prevent further damage. 

General Wear and tear

The wear and tear of components are expected, especially if you are using the vehicle daily. The more you use it, the more it will quickly wear out. Make sure that if you hear unwanted or unfamiliar noise with your Tesla Model 3, have it serviced or checked by a mechanic.

Creaking noises may indicate that some parts of your suspension are already worn out and needs replacing. It would be best if you did not ignore this, as it can damage your vehicle. 

Armrest

There were also complaints of creaking at the window side armrest of the vehicle. Luckily, these creaks are much easier to solve and fix compared to the ones mentioned prior. 

Debris stuck in the window

Check your window to see if any debris is stuck, like small rocks or an accumulation of dirt. These can cause screeching noises as they rub against your window when you open and close them. Try to see if you can pluck the debris out. If it is too deep, you might consider having it serviced.  

Faulty window seal

Car windows will have rubber seals around them to prevent water from penetrating the car, making it weatherproof. These rubbers could cause creaking if they are worn out or damaged. You can just simply replace these as they are also fairly cheap. 

Lack of lubrication

As your windows roll up and down, they go through tracks. As time goes by, these tracks dry up due to their constant use. You will need lubrication to solve this. Using regular lubricants, like typical oil-based ones, can attract more dust. That is why you must use window-specific lubricants. 

Check out this window lubricants on Amazon.

Faulty window regulator

A faulty window regulator will most likely cause creaking noises, especially if you use your windows. Your regulator is the mechanism that enables you to operate your windows. They can get loose, either by road bumps or over time. Just tighten these, and this should fix your problem.

When diagnosing creaks, make sure to have a trusted mechanic check your vehicle, as locating these can be frustrating. Before replacing any parts, make sure that the parts you are replacing do, in fact, need to be replaced. 

How much does it cost to repair creaking noises in your Tesla Model 3?

How much does it cost to repair creaking noises in tesla model 3, Tesla Model 3 Creaking Noise - What Could Be Wrong?

This will depend on where the creaking comes from. If it is a suspension problem, it could get quite expensive, as you can pay up to $5000, depending on the work. You can expect anywhere from a few bucks to a hundred dollars for other minor issues like window cleaning, lubrication, and regulator tightening. 

Each Tesla dealership will have its own price for a diagnostic fee, but you can expect to pay a ballpark of about $195, give or take. This would be on top of the cost of fixing your issue, so we advise that you be ready for payments. 

What are other common complaints with the Tesla Model 3?

Newest navy tesla model 3 charging at supercharger station

Since EV innovation is relatively young compared to fuel-powered vehicles, they will have problems that most owners will complain about, specifically about the Tesla Model 3. The following are some of them. If you are currently experiencing one, do not worry, as you are not alone.

  • Poor build quality
  • Poor blind spot monitoring
  • Power steering failure
  • Creaking
  • Privacy issue
  • Battery replacement
  • High-cost maintenance

How much is the maintenance cost of a Tesla Model 3?

It could cost you roughly $830 a year to maintain your Tesla. This is nearly $200m more than the average cost of maintaining other vehicle brands. Reliability is also not what Tesla's known for, as they have one of the worst in the market. 

Is it worth buying a Tesla Model 3?

Tesla model 3 electric vehicle at store car

This would really depend on what your preference is. Yes, a Tesla might not be as reliable as your early 2000s Toyota Corolla, but it certainly has more features. It's also an EV, meaning it has way fewer emissions than gas-powered vehicles.

The technology on these vehicles is truly expansive. Features like self-dive mode and anti-theft features are the best on the market. Anti-crash features have also been one of the main reasons why Teslas are always praised.

Admit it or not, Tesla cars are the blueprint of future cars. And sooner or later, most vehicles will follow suit until all the odd features that are in Teslas will be the norm for all vehicles. 

Here's A Short Recap Of What We've Learned

Tesla car on display during the opening of the brussels motor show

Usually, if your Model 3 makes creaking sounds, it will either come from your steering wheel or your armrest by the window. A simple lack of lubrication, damaged components, or general wear and tear could cause this.

We suggest going to your nearest Tesla dealership and having your car serviced. It is also best to keep up with preventive maintenance and regularly have your vehicle PMSed to avoid such hassles. 

We hope we have answered your question about the creaking noises in your Tesla Model 3. Do you have more Tesla Model 3-related queries that you want to be answered? You're in luck! Check out some of our previously written articles below to learn more!

Tesla Model 3 Subwoofer Not Working – Why And What To Do?

Tesla Model 3: Electrical System Backup Power Is Unavailable – What To Do?

Tesla Model 3 Makes A Banging Noise While Charging – Why?

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