Tesla has quietly revised several measurements in the Model Y L owner’s manual in China, weeks after owners began reporting sagging rear suspension.
According to a comparison between an April version of the Model Y L manual and the latest version by X user @Tslachan, the vehicle’s listed overall height and ground clearance measurements hve been lowered by several millimetres.
The most notable change is overall vehicle height, which was previously listed at 1,668 mm but is now 1,664 mm, a reduction of 4 mm.
Ground clearance has also been revised. Minimum clearance when the Model Y L is fully loaded has dropped from 122 mm to 118 mm, also a 4 mm reduction. Unladen ground clearance has been lowered from 169 mm to 166 mm, a difference of 3 mm.
Other dimensions shown in the comparison have also changed slightly, including the front overhang, which has been revised from 896 mm to 889 mm. The vehicle’s 3,040 mm wheelbase and 1,040 mm rear overhang remain unchanged.
As we reported earlier this month, the changes come amid complaints from Model Y L owners in China that the rear of their vehicles has sagged over time, reducing the gap between the tires and wheel arches. In some cases, owners have also reported uneven tire wear and changes in vehicle handling.
Tesla has reportedly been replacing rear springs under warranty on vehicles that fall below its specified tolerance. However, at least one owner claimed the problem returned shortly after receiving replacement springs, raising questions about whether replacing the springs provides a permanent solution.
It is not clear why Tesla changed the dimensions in the owner’s manual, and the revisions alone do not establish any connection to the reported suspension problems. Tesla has also not publicly indicated that the updated measurements were made in response to owner complaints.
However, changing these official figures is an unusual move, and given the timing, it is difficult to ignore the potential connection to the suspension complaints.
Always get the latest - make Drive Tesla your preferred source on Google
Are you buying a Tesla? If you enjoy our content and we helped in your decision, use our referral link to get three months of Full Self-Driving (FSD).Drive Tesla uses affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
