Fremont delivery - car refused

[skilly]

Like, say, if they hired Audi's A4 production director as their VP of Production? Someone who had been in charge of 380k vehicles/year?

um...., Audi/VW is a model of customer SAT? I think there are 25 billion reasons why that statement is ironic, funny and sad at the same time #dieselgate

Im a little challenged with anyone touching those VW based platforms at all. I realize that fit and finish is different from the emissions scandal, but they were part of the culture that found it acceptable to allow that to happen. Something had to have been a miss deep in the heart of that company's leadership.

 

[Joer293]

It’s a shame that a few bad scammers ruin legit concerns from owners.

 

[Arcam]

I don't want to cr@p on your thread OP, I feel your pain having refused delivery of 2 model S new inventory vehicles in the last 2 months on quality/damage grounds.. Tesla in fairness have loaned me a car whist they try and sort it out, my next and final attempt to collect a properly prepped and undamaged vehicle is next Tuesday.

 

[skilly]

As for the OP topic, the challenge here is that its an example through the lens of the customer with their perspective only. its missing key information such as % of cars refused, # of defects etc. Lighting in the Fremont delivery center is fine, but again, anyone with a keyboard and a perspective with an account, can come here and say otherwise. My delivery was fine and there were giant spot lights over every delivery parking spot.

The car industry REGULARLY fixes scratches and defects post manufacturing - most of the time that is done prior to final inspection, but to think that doesn't happen to all manufactures would be incorrect. Its a part of the industry. In reading some of the feedback about stock effect and quality control standards, I just feel that (1) Tesla gets extra scrutiny because of the press it gets as a "new" car company (2) its potential owners hold them to a higher standard than the typical car buying customer (3) they get even more grief over things that arent even available with any other car company (OTA updates; Autopilot features etc). Outright refusal of the order is your right, but thats what a due bill is for (99 out of 100 times)...keeping in mind that again, this is so common that the industry has this as part of their contracting policies!

The trouble with social media in general is that everyones opinion is weighed equally, where in real-time, in person conversations (where more context exists) that simply isn't the case.

 

[Jimp]

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

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

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

Could you post picture. It's important for people to know if these bad luck stories are real or fake news posted by people who short Tesla stock. Nothing personal, however, they are making ton of money doing it right now

 

[RedOctober]

As for the OP topic, the challenge here is that its an example through the lens of the customer with their perspective only. its missing key information such as % of cars refused, # of defects etc. Lighting in the Fremont delivery center is fine, but again, anyone with a keyboard and a perspective with an account, can come here and say otherwise. My delivery was fine and there were giant spot lights over every delivery parking spot.

The car industry REGULARLY fixes scratches and defects post manufacturing - most of the time that is done prior to final inspection, but to think that doesn't happen to all manufactures would be incorrect. Its a part of the industry. In reading some of the feedback about stock effect and quality control standards, I just feel that (1) Tesla gets extra scrutiny because of the press it gets as a "new" car company (2) its potential owners hold them to a higher standard than the typical car buying customer (3) they get even more grief over things that arent even available with any other car company (OTA updates; Autopilot features etc). Outright refusal of the order is your right, but thats what a due bill is for (99 out of 100 times)...keeping in mind that again, this is so common that the industry has this as part of their contracting policies!

The trouble with social media in general is that everyones opinion is weighed equally, where in real-time, in person conversations (where more context exists) that simply isn't the case.

You are correct. I have purchase several new cars from GM, Ford and Chrysler over the years. One chrysler van was so bad I thought I was being set up. Fog lamps plugged into wiring but no mounting bracket, total electronic failure, wrong rotors installed, steering wheel coming apart after one week, sliding doors so far out of alignment that water kept getting in, on and on. Does it mean they can’t build cars? Many issues with my Ford Lariat pick up from faulty seats needed replacement and rust issues. GM, I continually had AC issues and a year later rust around door molding. All new vehicles with issues and they are still in business.

 

[omarsultan]

After going through two deliveries, my two cents is is the issue is with a discrete part, like a piece of trim, make sure its noted by the delivery specialist, take delivery and let your service department deal with it. I believe that will end up being the quickest route to resolution and getting your car in your hands. The OP's issue with paint scratches is a tougher call, especially if there are in a noticeable spot or you have a hard-to-blend color.

 

[skilly]

Could you post picture. It's important for people to know if these bad luck stories are real or fake news posted by people who short Tesla stock. Nothing personal, however, they are making ton of money doing it right now

post pictures for what purpose. Assume it happened...now what?

 

[DR61]

Is anyone else a bit worried that the delivery room is very dark and you need to bring your own flashlight?

Sounds like the kind of scam a dodgy used car salesman would try.

No, not worried a bit. All the delivery centers are different. The one my car will come to has the delivery center in a covered outside area for all Tesla models

 

[RedRose13]

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

Thanks fir all this information. I am due to pick up my M3 on Saturday March 31st. I have printed out your post and will take it with me and inspect the car thoroughly !!!
Red Ruby13

 

[dan180]

Thanks fir all this information. I am due to pick up my M3 on Saturday March 31st. I have printed out your post and will take it with me and inspect the car thoroughly !!!
Red Ruby13

Better to print one of the delivery checklists posted in this forum. Those are helpful in making sure you thoroughly inspect the car!

 

[Kutu]

It wasn't a Model 3, but I refused my original Model X because of damage to rear lift-gate that would have required a new lift-gate. Tesla ordered me a new Model X and delivered it, in Florida, in less than 4 weeks. After driving it since August 2016, I could be happier!

 

[Dr. Pete]

@dan180
Thank you for your detailed account of the delivery problems with your Tesla. I also had an unsatisfactory experience (though it turned out well).
I had ordered an inventory Model S 100D from the Portland Service Center. As the delivery day arrived I received an e-mail from Tesla with a photo showing damage to the front of the car (deep gouges which stood out as black zebra stripes against the white paintwork). They asked me if I still wanted to take delivery, and offered me a discount (I’m not certain, but I think it was $1,000). I declined. Tesla worked with me and located a Model S 100D with my preferred configuration still on the assembly line. In two weeks I had my gorgeous new 100D with 5 miles on the clock. It was perfect, with one small exception, slight misalignment of the driver’s side window resulting in excess wind noise. This was promptly corrected by Tesla’s mobile device technician, who came to my home (around 40 miles south of Portland) and realigned the window in about 15 minutes. Since then (about a year ago) I have had no problems of any kind with the car.

The lesson for me: Yes, there may be issues with the car at the time of delivery, but Tesla was extremely responsive and wanted me to have a good delivery experience. I have referred two friends who subsequently bought Model S Teslas, and I continue to be an enthusiastic evangelist for the brand.

 

[pdq]

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 were smart not to deal with an "unknown repair period". From my personal experience with my 2015 P90D, if any replacement parts would be required to make your car right, the typical wait time is between 3 and 6 months and the Model 3 is much earlier in it's production life, and parts might be even harder to come by.

 

[Parker]

I definitely want to do a facelift conversion. What would it cost to sell me all the parts required?

 

[bgrenell]

I took delivery of a midnight blue model three long-range 19 inch auto pilot interior upgrade and I couldn’t be happier. All the panel gaps are perfect the paiby seems superb and, above all I am shocked by how well it drives handles and accelerates. I have had many three series BMWs and comparing it to my current 335 I much prefer the model three. Interestingly my wife does not like my 335 BMW but she loves the model three. It’s a rare car that can check both boxes appealing to the two of us with such different preferences On delivery I immediately bought a bunch of Tesla stock thinking I had insider trading information. Unfortunately Tesla is down almost 15% since then. We shall see how that develops

 

[insaneoctane]

Photos of the paint imperfections would certainly be helpful as well as what is simple paint correction vs worse (ie repaint). Seems to me that if the damage is deeper than the clearcoat then repaint might be necessary? Honestly these details are challenging to me!

 

[Kutu]

It wasn't a Model 3, but I refused my original Model X because of damage to rear lift-gate that would have required a new lift-gate. Tesla ordered me a new Model X and delivered it, in Florida, in less than 4 weeks. After driving it since August 2016, I could be happier!

That was supposed to be could NOT be happier!!

 

[insaneoctane]

I took delivery of a midnight blue model three long-range 19 inch auto pilot interior upgrade and I couldn’t be happier. All the panel gaps are perfect the paiby seems superb and, above all I am shocked by how well it drives handles and accelerates. I have had many three series BMWs and comparing it to my current 335 I much prefer the model three. Interestingly my wife does not like my 335 BMW but she loves the model three. It’s a rare car that can check both boxes appealing to the two of us with such different preferences On delivery I immediately bought a bunch of Tesla stock thinking I had insider trading information. Unfortunately Tesla is down almost 15% since then. We shall see how that develops

Use your car to guide you.... That stock should recover just fine....

 

[RedRose13]

Better to print one of the delivery checklists posted in this forum. Those are helpful in making sure you thoroughly inspect the car!

If I can find it I will !! Thanks ...