Discrimination or Model X part recall?

[Ramo]

So I arrive at my delivery appointment today to receive my highly anticipated Model X. I am given the customary walk thru and orientation. I sign the contract and initial all the corresponding paperwork. I hand over my certified cashier's check and insurance card.

Then I am taken inside the car to be tutored on the remaining interface features. Once nearly done a second "delivery specialist" appears then promptly informs me that they can't release my car because of a "3rd row seat latch recall". Naturally, I was puzzled by this revelation being that this appointment was actually a reschedule from a week prior. I politely ask the specialist, "is this recall on all the X's?" She said, "No." Then I asked how she knew this was an issue on my model X? The "specialist" explained that it appeared on a checklist that she had that went unnoticed before. So has this happened to anyone else? Is there truly a model X 3rd row seat latch recall? Or did a certain specialist assume that because of my appearance (still had on trucking work clothes), and skin color that I wasn't trustworthy enough to release the car to?

 

[Oloron]

So I arrive at my delivery appointment today to receive my highly anticipated Model X. I am given the customary walk thru and orientation. I sign the contract and initial all the corresponding paperwork. I hand over my certified cashier's check and insurance card.

Then I am taken inside the car to be tutored on the remaining interface features. Once nearly done a second "delivery specialist" appears then promptly informs me that they can't release my car because of a "3rd row seat latch recall". Naturally, I was puzzled by this revelation being that this appointment was actually a reschedule from a week prior. I politely ask the specialist, "is this recall on all the X's?" She said, "No." Then I asked how she knew this was an issue on my model X? The "specialist" explained that it appeared on a checklist that she had that went unnoticed before. So has this happened to anyone else? Is there truly a model X 3rd row seat latch recall? Or did a certain specialist assume that because of my appearance (still had on trucking work clothes), and skin color that I wasn't trustworthy enough to release the car to?

I don't remember the thread, but there was someone posting that they had a 3rd row seat that got stuck in the down position which required a trip back to the service center for repair/replacement. Maybe there were enough of the latches with problems that they decided replace them?

 

[Ramo]

I don't remember the thread, but there was someone posting that they had a 3rd row seat that got stuck in the down position which required a trip back to the service center for repair/replacement. Maybe there were enough of the latches with problems that they decided replace them?

Possibly! However, I would think they'd have known about the issue well before I arrived instead of moments before I drive out of the building for a test run.

 

[Muzzman1]

More than likely they had an oversight. We have left our 3rd row down since delivery to make room for the double stroller, but I can assure you, TMC has no intention of keeping a car any longer than they need to. They have WAY too much on their plate.
They don't want you to have an less than perfect car. That's how they try to do things. (My M3 order will be my 5th Tesla)

 

[cman8]

Honestly I think they are looking out for you. Im the last person who looks like should own a Model S. But cash money talks. so I wouldnt worry about it, you paid for it and their looking out for you.

 

[Canuck]

It's the latch. Let's say, to play to your suspicions, that they think the certified bank draft is a fake and suddenly need to make up a story to keep the vehicle there. That's probably where your suspicions lie? Well, you can't really steal a Tesla. They can find that car anywhere. I guess you could take out the SIM card and ship it overseas but really, they're looking at you as if that's your plan? No way. If the bank draft is a fake, they'd have that car back in no time. Plus, if someone planned to give them a fraudulent check don't you think that person would at least clean up and put on a suit to pull off that heist? But sorry to hear of the disappointment of not being able to drive it off the lot. That would have killed me.

 

[Ramo]

It's the latch. Let's say, to play to your suspicions, that they think the certified bank draft is a fake and suddenly need to make up a story to keep the vehicle there. That's probably where your suspicions lie? Well, you can't really steal a Tesla. They can find that car anywhere. I guess you could take out the SIM card and ship it overseas but really, they're looking at you as if that's your plan? No way. If the bank draft is a fake, they'd have that car back in no time. Plus, if someone planned to give them a fraudulent check don't you think that person would at least clean up and put on a suit to pull off that heist? But sorry to hear of the disappointment of not being able to drive it off the lot. That would have killed me.

Initially I was scheduled to take delivery a week before. And apparently the part is not in stock and has to be ordered. Being that I arrived on an Uber, why wasn't I given the option of taking my car and then returning for the service once the part arrived? They did offer to drive it to my house! However, I want to be the first one that drives my car to my house!

 

[benjiejr]

I'm very sorry to hear this @Ramo. I'd be extremely bummed if this happened; however, I sincerely don't believe they would do this unless there was some sort of safety concern. Best of luck to you and hope they get this resolved quickly. A nice gesture on their part would go a long way here.

 

[CmdrThor]

Discrimination is a pretty strong accusation. If you feel the delivery specialist was being racist / elitist you should probably speak with a manager at the service center. I am sure Tesla would take that very seriously.

 

[CaliX]

@Ramo funny we live in California where casual is in. But you never know about people's perceptions. I am mixed race and definitely don't look like I have the financial security I do but man if I sense anything unusual I will call them out on the spot. I like to use my favorite line "If I didn't know better I would think you were a racist" and watch them back pedal. If you feel they treated you unfairly makes some phone calls. I always think to myself about the time a few years back when Oprah was told she could not afford the handbag she looking at in a high end retail store... If it can happen to her it can happen to me. Now that I think of it Oprah drives a Tesla.

 

[Lawtq]

Lol Oprah could've bought that whole Street.

But this is terrible behaviour. On the day on delivery?! Totally ruined his delivery experience

 

[ABCCBA]

So I arrive at my delivery appointment today to receive my highly anticipated Model X. I am given the customary walk thru and orientation. I sign the contract and initial all the corresponding paperwork. I hand over my certified cashier's check and insurance card.

Then I am taken inside the car to be tutored on the remaining interface features. Once nearly done a second "delivery specialist" appears then promptly informs me that they can't release my car because of a "3rd row seat latch recall". Naturally, I was puzzled by this revelation being that this appointment was actually a reschedule from a week prior. I politely ask the specialist, "is this recall on all the X's?" She said, "No." Then I asked how she knew this was an issue on my model X? The "specialist" explained that it appeared on a checklist that she had that went unnoticed before. So has this happened to anyone else? Is there truly a model X 3rd row seat latch recall? Or did a certain specialist assume that because of my appearance (still had on trucking work clothes), and skin color that I wasn't trustworthy enough to release the car to?

Tesla does not discriminate. If you have money, they will take it! And that they did with you. Did they by chance just happen to have a loaner vehicle sitting right outside the delivery door? Saw this first hand and frankly it pissed me off when they did it to a friend. This is obviously a Telsa Motors corporate directive to ensure that they get the full purchase price instead of people declining delivery.

 

[Aljohn]

I don't think "discrimination" -- social or racial. However, if events unfolded as described, I would be upset that apparently they didn't disclose the issue (known) until you paid and accepted the car. If so, that is a terrible way to do business. I would suggest you investigate if this was the case just to get a first quarter delivery.

 

[Vitold]

So I arrive at my delivery appointment today to receive my highly anticipated Model X. I am given the customary walk thru and orientation. I sign the contract and initial all the corresponding paperwork. I hand over my certified cashier's check and insurance card.

Then I am taken inside the car to be tutored on the remaining interface features. Once nearly done a second "delivery specialist" appears then promptly informs me that they can't release my car because of a "3rd row seat latch recall". Naturally, I was puzzled by this revelation being that this appointment was actually a reschedule from a week prior. I politely ask the specialist, "is this recall on all the X's?" She said, "No." Then I asked how she knew this was an issue on my model X? The "specialist" explained that it appeared on a checklist that she had that went unnoticed before. So has this happened to anyone else? Is there truly a model X 3rd row seat latch recall? Or did a certain specialist assume that because of my appearance (still had on trucking work clothes), and skin color that I wasn't trustworthy enough to release the car to?

Do you have low VIN#? There were early reports of latch issues. Sounds like DS may have tried to fool you into taking a delivery of a undrivable car but I doubt it was based on who you are (except the fact you have the money). Did they at least offer a loaner car?

 

[loganintx]

I don't remember the thread, but there was someone posting that they had a 3rd row seat that got stuck in the down position which required a trip back to the service center for repair/replacement. Maybe there were enough of the latches with problems that they decided replace them?

Put the race card back in your pocket. There are issues with the 3rd row getting stuck in the down position. You've already bought the car and paid them with certified funds. Not giving you your car that you bought would serve them no purpose.
Sorry you had an awkward experience but I for one would appreciate them trying to fix any known issues before letting me drive off in my car only to have me bring back it in the near future.

 

[jeffro01]

Tesla is not now, nor have the ever been, discriminatory in any way\shape\form. I take offense to your suggestion that your experience was due to the color of your skin. Do you play the race card often or just when you don't get what you want? Tesla is simply trying to avoid unnecessary customer frustration for having to take their X right back to the service center due to known issues. You should be happy that they are proactive, or do you just like playing the race card to see what it'll get you???...

Mods, please feel free to delete\move my post as needed.

Wow...

Jeff

 

[digicool]

They clearly wanted the money even though the car was not ready for delivery. There is no way I would believe that it was an oversight on their part to not notice the issue before the papers were signed. You cant do this to a customer who buys a $100K+ car. What is the point of a "delivery specialist" when they can afford to oversee like they did?

I too don't think there is any kind of discrimination involved here. They could have corrected the situation by returning the check, destroying the signed papers and re-scheduling the delivery once the car was ready. After that compensate Ramo for what happened. That way, they learn to take the business seriously like what it should be. *EDIT: I would have accepted no less if they did that to me. Ramo clearly is a nice person*

 

[X Fan]

smh

 

[efusco]

Please play nice here.
I do think that implying that this was somehow discriminatory is a huge leap.
Let's turn the situation around... They released the car to you, there was an injury because of the unnoticed latch issue, would you then claim that they released the car to you without concern about the latch because of your skin color??

Stuff happens and while disappointing and frustrating, it's not necessarily because of the color of your skin or the clothes you wear. IMO, you should thank them for catching the problem proactively ask if there is some sort of compensation (free jacket, T-shirt, first service visit, whatever) to show their concern for your delay that was clearly their fault. But please let's not make completely unfounded accusations of racism or whatever.

 

[omarsultan]

So has this happened to anyone else? Is there truly a model X 3rd row seat latch recall? Or did a certain specialist assume that because of my appearance (still had on trucking work clothes), and skin color that I wasn't trustworthy enough to release the car to?

Dude this last sentence says more about your personal insecurities than it does anything about Tesla. You could vent about build QA or the thoroughness of the Delivery Specialist which would be understandable. Immediately jumping to profiling and discrimination is....odd.