That's a great question, especially since EVs are the only cars that Tesla produces. I'd never buy a Bolt unless it underwent a major face lift that de-weirdmobilized into something that looks like an S, 3 or X, but this is something I hadn't thought of... could the Bolt be a more reliable car than the 3?
Most likely the data will show that it is. Regardless of historical anecdotes about GM products, times have changed. JDPower just today released the 3-years-in-service reliability study for this year, and
Buick was on top. Even assuming the demographic of the buyer reduces the frequency of problem reports, Buick and Chevrolet were both in the top six. GM has significant corporate experience/knowledge in overall vehicle development and testing protocols, with fairly well proven processes for vehicle assembly. Of course, all companies have problems, things go wrong, and I'm sure this post will be followed by some horror stories about some domestic automobile. But, all existing companies have improved dramatically over the last 20 years and differences between the best and worst are now quite small... 1.1 problems per vehicle...the chance of one additional visit. Here is a quote from JDPower press release today:
"Whether it's GM or Hyundai-Kia or Ford, they've really made some great strides in recent years, just in the fundamental improvements in vehicle dependability," Sargent said. "They've learned from their premium competitors and are doing a great job at catching up."
Tesla, being relatively new, and as any newcomer would, has a lot of learning to do, given where we recently saw them on such a fundamentals as welding steel. For those who haven't spent their career in an auto company and the plants (as I have), this is far more complex than most folks imagine. The knowledge benefits of time and experience have yet to accrue to a level some of us find minimally required.
