Containment Hold

[c1916]

Went to pick up our Model 3 this afternoon.

Arrived at the center and was told the vehicle could not be released due to a "Containment Hold" put on the vehicle by Fremont.

Could not (Would not?) answer as to why there was a hold, nor would they hazard a guess as to how long it would be until the car could be released to us. The car was sitting in the service bay ready for the hand-off, and they did allow us to eyeball the car, but refused to open the doors.

Seemed embarrassed that they weren't able to advise us before we traveld to/walked into the dealership, but the refusal to say what triggered the hold came off a bit heavy handed. Were polite throughout, not terribly off-putting, just a bit weird and secretive.

Anyone else have a "Containment Hold" story? Should I be looking for anything in specific when we go back for the pickup next week? Anyone else on a delivery schedule for today have delivery refused? Or rescheduled before you arrived at the center? If I'm the only one, that suggests a specific flaw that showed up on OTA diagnostics.

 

[bonnie]

It's not uncommon as part of a manufacturing process to update a part and go forward with a build under a deviation - and usually that deviation says something along the lines of 'we're going to do this before it's fully validated and released, but we won't let the product ship until testing is completed and paperwork done'. Ninety nine times out of 100, there isn't an issue - it's just a way to keep manufacturing flowing. And usually the paperwork from manufacturing engineering catches up quickly.

If that's what 'containment hold' means (never have heard that term before, tbh), then the delivery folks were probably under the impression that internal paperwork would be completed & were probably surprised to find out it wasn't. Hence the 'no notice' to you. It would also explain why they were being vague about what was going on.

If I got this scenario right, the good news is that Tesla isn't releasing vehicles until all the i's are dotted, but that doesn't help you. But it does say that if I'm right on this, that there is nothing to worry about on your car, no flaw to be concerned with.

 

[c1916]

In the scenario you've described, wouldn't there be a whole bunch of people reporting similar "holds?"

I did ask at the center about whether there had been any other M3's released today, and the answer was "yes" so again, I'm back to thinking that there's something specific to my particular vehicle.

I'm perfectly happy with them making sure that everything is on point before delivering, but why bother with secrecy? Hell...just make something up....I'd never know the difference. There's enough techno-babble that would sound plausible to the layman. By specifically saying "We can't tell you why the hold is in place" my spidey sense goes up.

I wasn't familiar with the phrase either. I asked what it meant and they said it's essentially orders from Fremont.

 

[bonnie]

In the scenario you've described, wouldn't there be a whole bunch of people reporting similar "holds?"

I did ask at the center about whether there had been any other M3's released today, and the answer was "yes" so again, I'm back to thinking that there's something specific to my particular vehicle.

I'm perfectly happy with them making sure that everything is on point before delivering, but why bother with secrecy? Hell...just make something up....I'd never know the difference. There's enough techno-babble that would sound plausible to the layman. By specifically saying "We can't tell you why the hold is in place" my spidey sense goes up.

I wasn't familiar with the phrase either. I asked what it meant and they said it's essentially orders from Fremont.

The delivery folks probably don't know what was or was not released at the factory. (They didn't know your car was on hold.)

I'd not be happy at not being told, but the reality is that delivery might not know the actual reason. When are you rescheduled to take delivery?

 

[suwaneedad]

This helps me understand why Fremont is scheduling the handovers nationally right now...presumably lots of the vehicles sitting at delivery centers are awaiting diagnostic seals of approval from Fremont, or waiting for a cargo mat to catch up to the car/etc...stuff that can be buttoned up at the SC so didn't make sense to store the vehicle in Fremont. Get it to 'the last mile.' That said, it doesn't explain this mistake of telling the customer to come get their car, and then saying just kidding.

 

[jsrawa]

This might explain the lack of invites recently?

 

[cwerdna]

If that's what 'containment hold' means (never have heard that term before, tbh), then the delivery folks were probably under the impression that internal paperwork would be completed & were probably surprised to find out it wasn't. Hence the 'no notice' to you. It would also explain why they were being vague about what was going on.

I also have never heard this term before.

I've definitely seen stop sale orders be placed on cars, but it's usually a blanket order that affects all vehicles in a dealer's inventory and in transit until a particular issue is rectified. And, for new cars and probably used ones where the dealer is of the same brand as the car in question, if there's an open recall (assuming there is a fix), it's mandated (in the US) the recall work be performed before the vehicle's sold.

 

[nogajim]

This helps me understand why Fremont is scheduling the handovers nationally right now...presumably lots of the vehicles sitting at delivery centers are awaiting diagnostic seals of approval from Fremont, or waiting for a cargo mat to catch up to the car/etc...stuff that can be buttoned up at the SC so didn't make sense to store the vehicle in Fremont. Get it to 'the last mile.' That said, it doesn't explain this mistake of telling the customer to come get their car, and then saying just kidding.

The hold reminds me of an Atlanta owner who had their delivery delayed for installation of an “upgraded” part. Seemed to be the only one of many delivered that week.

 

[Garlan Garner]

Sorry to hear that OP. I'm not sure what "containment hold" really means. I also don't know what causes one. I hope they get it cleared up very soon whatever it is.

 

[Big Earl]

It could be any number of things ranging from waiting for a part or paperwork to receiving some electronic phone-home from the car about a problem that needs to be corrected. Hopefully they'll get the issue resolved quickly and get you in your car without further ado.

 

[Garlan Garner]

I hope this delivery delay doesn't stop Tesla from making model 3's.

Does the production line shut down during things like this?

 

[c1916]

No rescheduling date. Waiting for my delivery specialist to e-mail with options.

I will politely "push" again for information when I'm in the shop for pick-up. Even if all of this was done at the behest of Fremont (which I certainly believe it was), it's not too much to ask for the local folks to say "Hey, so what code fired on this car that resulted in the hold? The owner is asking."

 

[DrComputer]

As Bonnie said, this is not new for Tesla (or any other manufacturer). When I was to take delivery of my Roadster 2.0 back in June of 2009 it was delayed (on hold) because they were waiting for some specific dash part that was new for the 2.0's that hadn't arrived on time. I had to wait until July to take delivery. Delays happen.... life goes on.

 

[Terran]

I was also delayed; original pick up date was 1/19. Talked to a few Tesla people at the Las Vegas office, one said battery issue, another said mechanical. Got a call a few days ago to pick up my car on 2/2 at the Costa Mesa office, The DS said the delay was due to the car not accepting software upgrades. They had to performer a "Hard Reset", According to him, my car wasn't the only one that was affected. After one day of ownership found only a few minor flaws. One of which include the front USB not providing any power.

Delivered with version 2017.13.550ee35, VIN 200X, came with alcantara.

 

[SMAlset]

@c1916 what is your VIN number? That might be an indication. Maybe some part that applies to a certain range is affected since you said others were getting their Model 3 delivered from your Store. I remember on MS deliveries a while back they were holding deliveries up for some part issue. @Terran's post was interesting. I'm sitting here waiting for an invite and think we'll be in the next batch if I can make any judgment from the TMC spreadsheet. Kind of thought it might have been this past week or hoped so (have a Dec-Feb estimate). If there has been a hold up due to a part or system issue, it might also explain why the delivery parking lot hasn't looked replenished after the latest East coast deliveries went out. Much easier to take care of before owners get them and then have to schedule appointments.

 

[Petesjca]

Just curious... Where is Hinsdale?

 

[SMAlset]

I'm guessing Hinsdale, IL., Chicago suburb. Especially since it would seem to be an east coast/midwest delivery timeframe.

 

[pdxgibby]

Quarantined vehicle? Did it have a fever? Maybe the only cure is more cowbell.

 

[Petesjca]

Thanks SMAlset!

 

[suwaneedad]

The hold reminds me of an Atlanta owner who had their delivery delayed for installation of an “upgraded” part. Seemed to be the only one of many delivered that week.

I stopped by Atlanta (Decatur) today and an employee mentioned in passing that the recent M3s "now" come with a center headrest in the rear that telescopes. It may be that he was comparing S to 3, but I'm almost certain he was comparing early 3s with current 3s. Also, the logjam of inventory in Atlanta is no more. Two weeks ago, 44 M3s awaiting delivery. Today, ~15 remain, and an employee mentioned they receive "at least" 3 per day. Looks like things are smoothing out.