Fremont delivery - car refused

[sundaymorning]

Hi everyone-

I'm sharing this so others can learn from my experience. My midnight silver EAP aero Model 3, VIN 68XX (manufactured 3/18 according to door sticker) was scheduled for delivery today @ 10 AM at the Fremont Delivery Center. Reading enough reports of car defects, I removed my emotion from the car pickup process and expected that there could be issues. My goal was to document everything and only reject the car in an extreme circumstance.

First issue was almost expected, a panel gap issue. The gap between the passenger side fender where it meets the A pillar was awfully large. The rubber end cap that bridges these two panels on the window was out of alignment because of it. The delivery specialist agreed that it looked out of spec, and would have the service manager take a look.

Next, I noticed a bunch of hairline scratches on the tail lights. Looks like it was from very reckless detailing. Not a dealbreaker either, but annoying.

Next, I got into the car and notice dirt on the plastic piece that covers the bottom edge of the door. Then, I run my fingers along the plastic and notice a very deep set of scratches...almost from someone kicking their shoe in the plastic while working on it. Using a flashlight revealed permanent damage to the plastic.

IMHO, all of these were minor except for the panel gap. I was still OK taking the car home at this point. My delivery specialist had the car driven from the delivery room to the back for the service team to see if they could buff out the blemishes and confirm the panel gap issue/document it.

Twenty minutes later, they confirmed that all of the issues were valid and there was nothing they could do about it now. I said OK, we signed the paperwork, and the car was driven to the front for me to drive home.

I was EXCITED now. I was about to drive my Model 3.

Keep in mind that the delivery room is very very dark. You will miss things, even with a flashlight. When I went outside to put my bag in the trunk, the first thing I noticed was a GIANT set of scratches about 6-8" on the rear bumper. How is this possible? Now, I'm just pissed. This can't be buffed out, and is going to require a repaint.

So my options were: 1) refuse delivery or 2) deal with an unknown repair period, without even knowing if a Tesla service center could repair this (might have to go to a body shop). I chose to refuse delivery. The car is back at the factory and I may end up getting a different VIN depending on what is ready first.

The kicker is that the service manager said something to the effect of "someone tried to remove this scratch already." I got the impression that this was a known defect either at the factory or the delivery center and they attempted delivery with it. Not cool.

Not a great experience, but the moral of the story is: if you care about a $55,000 car looking like a $55,000 car, go to your delivery appointment expecting to reject the car, and then be happy when you don't. Take your time to thoroughly inspect the car, with a flashlight, in both indoor & outdoor lights. There is a big difference in what Tesla can do when they own the car vs. when you take possession.

All of the paperwork has been voided, and now waiting for a follow-up this weekend. On the plus side, I did get a loaner Model S.

Hope this info helps someone!

-Dan

Dan can you provide photos?

 

[ValueAnalyst]

I'm giving the benefit of the doubt on this one. It sounds plausible, and the post lacks the usual red flags that trigger my FUDAR. If true, I don't think it's a widespread problem. It could happen with any car company.

In case dan180 isn't aware, there's been an increase of illegitimate posts by brand new accounts trying to badmouth Tesla. So we're all on alert, so to speak.

I'm with you. Got my FUDAR on High Alert.

 

[AmpedRealtor]

In all fairness to Tesla, they are trying to learn and do better... They are trying to improve, fast.

-Dan

No, they are not, and it's time for people to get real.

These are all the same issues owners of Model S and X have had to deal with and at 50% higher price points. SHAME ON TESLA for not improving QC after 5 years of production. Elon Musk is the one who has instructed production to deliver cars with cosmetic issues in order to drive up delivery numbers, and only pull back vehicles with mechanical defects. This has been documented by Reuters and others.

The problem is the attitude at the top, folks. Don't expect anything to change until competition starts putting the hurt on Tesla.

 

[davidc18]

This is a very old and sad story for Tesla but until they have to compete for customers they will not change.

 

[CRM guru]

I'm new on the Tesla community forum as I am doing some work on if I want to order a Model 3. Never owned an EV before and I am considering a Model 3. If you order the car, when should you expect it? I know there is a big backlog but just wondering when I would get the car? 3 months? 6 months? A year? And I'm becoming concerned about quality. Seems to me, the Model 3 still has bugs and production issues. I guess the point of my posting is if I put down a deposit, can I get my money back and if my car has issues like Dan's if I refuse how much longer will it take? Thanks

 

[erthquake]

I'm new on the Tesla community forum as I am doing some work on if I want to order a Model 3. Never owned an EV before and I am considering a Model 3. If you order the car, when should you expect it? I know there is a big backlog but just wondering when I would get the car? 3 months? 6 months? A year? And I'm becoming concerned about quality. Seems to me, the Model 3 still has bugs and production issues. I guess the point of my posting is if I put down a deposit, can I get my money back and if my car has issues like Dan's if I refuse how much longer will it take? Thanks

Order it. You won't regret it. It's an amazing car.

 

[Big-T]

Do you guys remember the article where they said each Tesla goes thru hundreds of inspections before it goes to the consumer? Hmmmm

 

[Chocomonsters]

Hi everyone-

I'm sharing this so others can learn from my experience. My midnight silver EAP aero Model 3, VIN 68XX (manufactured 3/18 according to door sticker) was scheduled for delivery today @ 10 AM at the Fremont Delivery Center. Reading enough reports of car defects, I removed my emotion from the car pickup process and expected that there could be issues. My goal was to document everything and only reject the car in an extreme circumstance.

First issue was almost expected, a panel gap issue. The gap between the passenger side fender where it meets the A pillar was awfully large. The rubber end cap that bridges these two panels on the window was out of alignment because of it. The delivery specialist agreed that it looked out of spec, and would have the service manager take a look.

Next, I noticed a bunch of hairline scratches on the tail lights. Looks like it was from very reckless detailing. Not a dealbreaker either, but annoying.

Next, I got into the car and notice dirt on the plastic piece that covers the bottom edge of the door. Then, I run my fingers along the plastic and notice a very deep set of scratches...almost from someone kicking their shoe in the plastic while working on it. Using a flashlight revealed permanent damage to the plastic.

IMHO, all of these were minor except for the panel gap. I was still OK taking the car home at this point. My delivery specialist had the car driven from the delivery room to the back for the service team to see if they could buff out the blemishes and confirm the panel gap issue/document it.

Twenty minutes later, they confirmed that all of the issues were valid and there was nothing they could do about it now. I said OK, we signed the paperwork, and the car was driven to the front for me to drive home.

I was EXCITED now. I was about to drive my Model 3.

Keep in mind that the delivery room is very very dark. You will miss things, even with a flashlight. When I went outside to put my bag in the trunk, the first thing I noticed was a GIANT set of scratches about 6-8" on the rear bumper. How is this possible? Now, I'm just pissed. This can't be buffed out, and is going to require a repaint.

So my options were: 1) refuse delivery or 2) deal with an unknown repair period, without even knowing if a Tesla service center could repair this (might have to go to a body shop). I chose to refuse delivery. The car is back at the factory and I may end up getting a different VIN depending on what is ready first.

The kicker is that the service manager said something to the effect of "someone tried to remove this scratch already." I got the impression that this was a known defect either at the factory or the delivery center and they attempted delivery with it. Not cool.

Not a great experience, but the moral of the story is: if you care about a $55,000 car looking like a $55,000 car, go to your delivery appointment expecting to reject the car, and then be happy when you don't. Take your time to thoroughly inspect the car, with a flashlight, in both indoor & outdoor lights. There is a big difference in what Tesla can do when they own the car vs. when you take possession.

All of the paperwork has been voided, and now waiting for a follow-up this weekend. On the plus side, I did get a loaner Model S.

Hope this info helps someone!

-Dan

Dan

You did a right thing by not accepting a vehicle to your satisfaction regardless of car’s price. Many earlier buyers were caught between the dilemma of not getting a car or getting a car not meeting standard industry expectation. Now more Model 3s are available, and its availability will improve over time. You waited couple years already. What is few more weeks? Hope your next Model 3 will be better.

 

[brkaus]

I'm new on the Tesla community forum as I am doing some work on if I want to order a Model 3. Never owned an EV before and I am considering a Model 3. If you order the car, when should you expect it? I know there is a big backlog but just wondering when I would get the car? 3 months? 6 months? A year? And I'm becoming concerned about quality. Seems to me, the Model 3 still has bugs and production issues. I guess the point of my posting is if I put down a deposit, can I get my money back and if my car has issues like Dan's if I refuse how much longer will it take? Thanks

The $1000 deposit is FULLY refundable. When it is actually order time, they will ask for an additional amount of money (I think %1500). At that point, it becomes non-refundable and your given an more specific delivery time.

Right now, if you were to place an initial deposit today no one really knows when it would be available. But, it is fully refundable

 

[WileyTheMan]

I appreciate the feedback that was presented here. Certainly a rejection like this will not go unnoticed by Tesla and will be documented. Scrutinizing deliveries like this is not being picky, it's protecting the large amount of money you are spending. For me, aside from my house, this will be the largest single purchase I've done. You darn right I'll be combing through it.

That all said, I think all these issues could have been addressed after delivery by service centers, especially after noting them before taking it home. In this case, I probably would have gotten some assurance from the delivery specialist that they would be addressed by a SC and taken delivery. Everyone has their threshold for defects. Obviously yours was reached, OP. Good for you for sticking to your guns.

 

[Brian & Sue]

Hi everyone-

I'm sharing this so others can learn from my experience. My midnight silver EAP aero Model 3, VIN 68XX (manufactured 3/18 according to door sticker) was scheduled for delivery today @ 10 AM at the Fremont Delivery Center. Reading enough reports of car defects, I removed my emotion from the car pickup process and expected that there could be issues. My goal was to document everything and only reject the car in an extreme circumstance.

First issue was almost expected, a panel gap issue. The gap between the passenger side fender where it meets the A pillar was awfully large. The rubber end cap that bridges these two panels on the window was out of alignment because of it. The delivery specialist agreed that it looked out of spec, and would have the service manager take a look.

Next, I noticed a bunch of hairline scratches on the tail lights. Looks like it was from very reckless detailing. Not a dealbreaker either, but annoying.

Next, I got into the car and notice dirt on the plastic piece that covers the bottom edge of the door. Then, I run my fingers along the plastic and notice a very deep set of scratches...almost from someone kicking their shoe in the plastic while working on it. Using a flashlight revealed permanent damage to the plastic.

IMHO, all of these were minor except for the panel gap. I was still OK taking the car home at this point. My delivery specialist had the car driven from the delivery room to the back for the service team to see if they could buff out the blemishes and confirm the panel gap issue/document it.

Twenty minutes later, they confirmed that all of the issues were valid and there was nothing they could do about it now. I said OK, we signed the paperwork, and the car was driven to the front for me to drive home.

I was EXCITED now. I was about to drive my Model 3.

Keep in mind that the delivery room is very very dark. You will miss things, even with a flashlight. When I went outside to put my bag in the trunk, the first thing I noticed was a GIANT set of scratches about 6-8" on the rear bumper. How is this possible? Now, I'm just pissed. This can't be buffed out, and is going to require a repaint.

So my options were: 1) refuse delivery or 2) deal with an unknown repair period, without even knowing if a Tesla service center could repair this (might have to go to a body shop). I chose to refuse delivery. The car is back at the factory and I may end up getting a different VIN depending on what is ready first.

The kicker is that the service manager said something to the effect of "someone tried to remove this scratch already." I got the impression that this was a known defect either at the factory or the delivery center and they attempted delivery with it. Not cool.

Not a great experience, but the moral of the story is: if you care about a $55,000 car looking like a $55,000 car, go to your delivery appointment expecting to reject the car, and then be happy when you don't. Take your time to thoroughly inspect the car, with a flashlight, in both indoor & outdoor lights. There is a big difference in what Tesla can do when they own the car vs. when you take possession.

All of the paperwork has been voided, and now waiting for a follow-up this weekend. On the plus side, I did get a loaner Model S.

Hope this info helps someone!

-Dan

Thank you so much for sharing your unfortunate delivery experience. A few thoughts in response:

1. We have been invited to design our Model 3, but are holding out for AWD and white interior (a necessity in the Midwest. Once we reach our delivery date, we will be sure to go over the vehicle inside and out, and more importantly, resist the excitement of possession and push back if we find material flaws.

2. We own a Model S, and never allow our baby to experience a car wash. Our MS is wrapped, pampered and covered when parked in our garage, and will only be washed by hand to avoid any potential paint damage.

3. We accept the possibility that your new M3 may not be perfect upon delivery. We will be polite, but firm in expecting minor to material flaws will be mitigated. Fortunately we have the convenience of owning a MS and another vehicle to meet our needs and therefore, allow us the luxury of pushing back and refusing delivery in the event of a material flaw.

4. We are loyal Tesla owners who think our MS is an exceptional vehicle that is a joy to drive. Our experience to date with the Cincinnati Service Center has been exceptional as well. In the event of a disconnect as occurred with the M3 delivery in this thread, we would be forgiving, but would not lower our high standards regarding delivery just the same.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience!

 

[nvx1977]

I'm with you. Got my FUDAR on High Alert.

Pretty sure the OP is legit. His config (MSM + Aero + EAP) and VIN (68xx) matches my own. However given his build date, I wanted to see if my car and his were built at the same time. I have not yet taken delivery yet and will be on the lookout for the issues he reported.

 

[ValueAnalyst]

Pretty sure the OP is legit. His config (MSM + Aero + EAP) and VIN (68xx) matches my own. However given his build date, I wanted to see if my car and his were built at the same time. I have not yet taken delivery yet and will be on the lookout for the issues he reported.

Please report back with pics.

Everything I’ve read says Model 3 build quality has been significantly better than Model X rollout, and it has improved consistently.

 

[cab]

Sad that this is still the case at Tesla 6 years after the S debuted. A couple of my buddies and I all own Model Ses and have often opined "What the heck is going to happen if they just start cramming these things out and let the service centers just fix all the issues? The service centers are going to get overwhelmed!". In a new car I'd practically prefer serious mechanical issues requiring repair over paint body or general construction issues....sigh.

 

[dan180]

I'm with you. Got my FUDAR on High Alert.

Struggling to find words for immature responses like this. Trolls and these responses go into the same bucket.

See attached.

 

[Bet TSLA]

I took delivery of my Model 3 back on Christmas eve. It was pretty much perfect (well, the software was a bit rough, and that's still true). From what I've seen and heard, that's what most people are getting. My replacement Model S, delivered a week later, had one minor problem which they quickly dealt with to my satisfaction. So far as I can tell, Tesla is improving quality over the years. I'm impressed at how well they are managing given their rapid growth. I hope it continues. And I think they're attitude is good.

I'd be willing to bet that the OP becomes a very happy customer soon.

 

[KentuckyX]

I’m anxiously awaiting my VIN for the very configuration you almost took delivery of. If it arrives this week and it’s 68xx, I’ll be Messaging you.

 

[JayyyDeee]

The OP has joined recently, and there are quite a few responses from people who also have joined recently with arguments/verbiage pushed by many TSLA shorts on multiple platforms including Seeking Alpha, Twitter, TMC investment forums and so on.

I question the validity of this post, especially since it has no pics of the issues, VIN, "the sticker," among other reasons.

based on my Model S delivery there is no reason why OPs delivery is not possible

 

[im.thatoneguy]

Photos please =) I hope they can trace the scratcher and fire that person.

Don’t fire the scratcher, mistakes happen. Fire the person who approved the scratch as acceptable for delivery.

 

[xspace]

To help manage expectations, I think people have to realize that Teslas are not Audis or Mercedes. The fit and finish on Teslas is not the same, so you will need to ratchet down your expectations on that. I did with my Model X, which was shipped directly to my home. Sure enough, the problems that had been occurring with the new Model X's for one year were still in the Model X that I received. Fortunately, there was no scratching, but there were issues like green paint on the black rubber around the windows, a scraped rim (which they fixed the day before delivery, thankfully), a big piece of chromy trim bouncing around INSIDE my back bumper, squeaky falcon wing doors, squeaky middle seat back/forth movement, etc. The paint also suffers orange-peel, not even close to the quality of my old Audis or Mercedes. I considered wet-sanding the car on receipt, before I applied a full xPel wrap + ceramic coating, but ultimately opted on just the full wrap and ceramic. So, the paint isn't what I'd want from a new high-end car, but it's good enough. I applied the full wrap ($6.2K), because I was told that the Tesla paint just doesn't hold up to the winters, and will become sand-blasted looking in spots after 3y or so with Canada's sandy roads. Panel gaps are not the most even, plastic chromy trim doesn't perfectly line up, etc. What you can expect is bad-ass performance, quiet drive, great looks, over-the-air updates with new features. Maybe don't be too picky over and above that, and you'll be happy with your purchase. We're ecstatic with ours!