2021 LR Model 3 - How do I fix this annoying trunk lid alignment?

[ilikemypizza]

I can't seem figure out where the issue of my trunk lid alignment is coming from.

The left side of the trunk lid sits more inset/inward by maybe 1/4 of an inch and the gap is about 1/4 wider. The right side is almost touching the bumper (almost too close for my liking, honestly).

I've tried adjusting the rubber adjustment knobs but that only seems to fix the gap at the bottom and then it throws the actual trunk panel off. I looked at the bolts, but I don't believe that is going to fix this issue either... but maybe that's it?

The nearest service center said "it's within spec, bro" which is why I am coming here for help for any DIY tips and advice. Maybe I just take it to a body shop and pay for it at this point? Should I try the service center again and tell them I'll pay for it even if it is "within spec"?

Thanks in advance for any constructive advice here. I looked at pictures of the 2021 I test drove and it didn't have this problem, so it must be something that can be adjusted.

 

[ilikemypizza]

Update: It seems to be related to the trunk latch. I got it to look a bit better, but still far from perfect. When I have more daylight I'll monkey around more with it

 

[paintnewbie]

Is this the new Chinese made model 3? how is the alignment now doing?

 

[ilikemypizza]

Is this the new Chinese made model 3? how is the alignment now doing?

It's from Fremont. Its better, but not perfect. Its no longer rubbing against the bumper so that's a plus

 

[jjrandorin]

Is this the new Chinese made model 3? how is the alignment now doing?

if the persons location under their name shows ANY location in the United States, they will not have the model 3 made in the china manufacturing plant, full stop.

 

[KenC]

Whatever you do, make sure your adjustments don't cause any rubbing in other sections.

 

[ilikemypizza]

Moral of the story here - don't mess with it. I broke my rear glass and have an expensive service appointment coming up in a few weeks. I'm also having them fix that trunk or proving to me its "within spec"

 

[Doggiedog]

I had the same problem with mine. I took it into the service center and they agreed there was an unacceptable gap and made some adjustments. I hadn't used my trunk in a while but when I did and tried to drive off, I had an alarm that my trunk was open. I pushed the trunk back in thinking nothing was wrong but when I had to open the trunk again, the arm started scraping against the frame. The trunk wouldn’t close properly anymore and I had to pull the trunk down by force to get it to close. It seems in an attempt to fix the gap, they made the tolerance too tight causing the rubbing. Took it in last week and they said it would need body work since the paint is scraped off and the metalwork is bent so it’s getting fixed right now. Long story short, sometimes the cure is worse than the symptom. The gap wasn’t bothering me that much so maybe I shouldn’t have had it looked it. Still, I can understand if it bothers you especially when you spent so much on the car.

 

[ilikemypizza]

I had the same problem with mine. I took it into the service center and they agreed there was an unacceptable gap and made some adjustments. I hadn't used my trunk in a while but when I did and tried to drive off, I had an alarm that my trunk was open. I pushed the trunk back in thinking nothing was wrong but when I had to open the trunk again, the arm started scraping against the frame. The trunk wouldn’t close properly anymore and I had to pull the trunk down by force to get it to close. It seems in an attempt to fix the gap, they made the tolerance too tight causing the rubbing. Took it in last week and they said it would need body work since the paint is scraped off and the metalwork is bent so it’s getting fixed right now. Long story short, sometimes the cure is worse than the symptom. The gap wasn’t bothering me that much so maybe I shouldn’t have had it looked it. Still, I can understand if it bothers you especially when you spent so much on the car.

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Yikes, thanks for sharing. I had service look at it today actually. Ultimately you're right in that the fix can cause more harm than good. Mines still not perfect but I'm the only one who will notice it anyways. I'm just going to learn to live with it.

 

[Doggiedog]

I'm still waiting for my car back. This LR loaner in chill mode really makes me miss my Performance. In fact, I took the loaner to Brooklyn last weekend and forgot where I parked it. Had to walk around 4 blocks to find it. Was wishing I had my car then so I could locate it on the app.

 

[GoldCountryCA]

I can't seem figure out where the issue of my trunk lid alignment is coming from.

The left side of the trunk lid sits more inset/inward by maybe 1/4 of an inch and the gap is about 1/4 wider. The right side is almost touching the bumper (almost too close for my liking, honestly).

I've tried adjusting the rubber adjustment knobs but that only seems to fix the gap at the bottom and then it throws the actual trunk panel off. I looked at the bolts, but I don't believe that is going to fix this issue either... but maybe that's it?

The nearest service center said "it's within spec, bro" which is why I am coming here for help for any DIY tips and advice. Maybe I just take it to a body shop and pay for it at this point? Should I try the service center again and tell them I'll pay for it even if it is "within spec"?

Thanks in advance for any constructive advice here. I looked at pictures of the 2021 I test drove and it didn't have this problem, so it must be something that can be adjusted.


View attachment 661087

I had a similar issue, trunk was hitting passenger side bumper. Turns out the bumper wasn’t installed correctly. They fix that portion pretty quick. Also, the skirt seal was installed behind the bumper…

 

[ilikemypizza]

When I had service take a look a few weeks ago, they had my trunk realigned (I messed with the hinge bolts and messed it up). Unfortunately, that gap still persists. It's just something I'll have to live with. I might try moving the trunk latch and see if that has any impact. But I don't think the issue is at the hinge like I originally thought. Im really not sure what would cause that to happen when everything else seems to be aligned. Maybe my bumper? But it seems fine looking at it

 

[Doggiedog]

Now my rear spoiler is starting to come off. Seems like it wasn't fully glued into place. I'm going to have to take it in to the service center as mobile service isn't available for this kind of repair.

 

[ilikemypizza]

Now my rear spoiler is starting to come off. Seems like it wasn't fully glued into place. I'm going to have to take it in to the service center as mobile service isn't available for this kind of repair.

Good luck.. Hopefully they don't goof that up

 

[ilikemypizza]

Just giving an update - I was able to get it much much better to a point where it won't bother me anymore. I slightly adjusted the latch plate and added a plastic spacer on the right side of the trunk to make the gap even. At least it looks symmetrical now lol

 

[Sasmf]

This is exactly why I won’t have Tesla mess with the hood on my 2021 M3. It’s quite off from the factory but I’m just terrified they will mess it up even more. So I learn to live with it. When the Germans have a good EV for around $65k I’ll just buy one of those.

 

[chamshaw]

My 2019 3 LR has generous but acceptable gaps all round. To test yours, get a small soft-cover booklet of 24 to 32 pages (12 to 16 leaves) and slide into as many gaps as you can. If gaps are no closer than 16 to 20 pages, leave well alone, especially if the weather-sealing is good.

 

[Acejam]

Just giving an update - I was able to get it much much better to a point where it won't bother me anymore. I slightly adjusted the latch plate and added a plastic spacer on the right side of the trunk to make the gap even. At least it looks symmetrical now lol

View attachment 687822

I'm having the exact same issue. Passenger side trunk is too far inward, actually rubbing on the bumper since the bumper goes "up", causing a small mark. I had Tesla SC adjust it once, but now there is a bigger gap up by the C pillar, and it still touches. Any chance you could post a picture of the latch plate and spacer you're referring to? Also if you could show which bolts you adjusted, that would be very helpful.

 

[ilikemypizza]

I'm having the exact same issue. Passenger side trunk is too far inward, actually rubbing on the bumper since the bumper goes "up", causing a small mark. I had Tesla SC adjust it once, but now there is a bigger gap up by the C pillar, and it still touches. Any chance you could post a picture of the latch plate and spacer you're referring to? Also if you could show which bolts you adjusted, that would be very helpful.

Honestly, you might just want to live with it. Yours isn't bad.. although the one pic seems pretty off (IMG_1584).

Theres a few points of adjustment but I recommend getting a buddy to help hold things in place. Two bolts on each hinge of the trunk. There are also rubber gaskets you can twist and turn a bit. There are a few other good threads in this forum on that topic

 

[darbsrewop]

Honestly, you might just want to live with it. Yours isn't bad.. although the one pic seems pretty off (IMG_1584).

Theres a few points of adjustment but I recommend getting a buddy to help hold things in place. Two bolts on each hinge of the trunk. There are also rubber gaskets you can twist and turn a bit. There are a few other good threads in this forum on that topic