Have you had this issue fixed? (Rear door harder to open)

[mhmhsh]

I took delivery of my 2020 Model 3 three days ago (long range AWD, red exterior, white interior, 19" sport wheels, FSD). Upon inspection I immediately noticed the rear left door is harder to open than all other doors in the cars. This is the second time it happens to me!

The first time was in October this year and the Model 3 (same configuration) I inspected at that time had the exact same problem with the rear left door. I refused delivery back then, but I had to take delivery now so I don't miss on the Colorado state rebate.

I paid close to 60K for this car so I don't feel happy that it has a defective door. My delivery specialist talked to a technician who tried to mitigate the force needed to open the door, but now there is a gap/misalignment when the door is closed (see attached pictures). I was advised to book a service appointment because it takes a couple of hours to fix the issue. The soonest appointment I found was 9 January 2020.

I am posting here because I am concerned they might not completely fix the problem when my service appointment comes around. I am almost certain this is a common problem (what are the odds that I experience the same defect twice in two new cars?). So If you were one of those who've had this hard door opening problem, did the service center fix it to your complete satisfaction?

 

[Manitoba Keith]

My passenger side door is a bit harder to close. Not so hard to close that I would book a service appointment for though. I imagine the striker needs to get adjusted.

 

[SMAlset]

The doors may be hard to close ( well require a firmer close) until the new seals get worked in. This is typical for many new Model 3s. Been something discussed on the thread for sometime. Not a defect, and the fact that two cars were like this is still explained by the firm door seals. Give the seals a month or two to relax.

If you have your car on Walk Away lock, make sure you hear the beep signifying it has closed and locked. If you don’t have that active, then before moving away from your car look over at the screen. If if hasn’t locked I believe you will still see an image of your car indicating a door/s were still open.

 

[mhmhsh]

The doors may be hard to close ( well require a firmer close) until the new seals get worked in. This is typical for many new Model 3s. Been something discussed on the thread for sometime. Not a defect, and the fact that two cars were like this is still explained by the firm door seals. Give the seals a month or two to relax.

My issue is not with closing the door, but opening it from the outside which is noticeably harder. This has happened only for the rear left door in both cars. If it was a seals thing, how come it did not happen on other doors in these cars (front doors, or rear right door)?

 

[SMAlset]

Sorry didn’t read closely enough. For some reason thought harder to close not open .

The Service Center will be able to adjust the door positioning and improve how it opens. Hinges might be a bit tight or need some grease and the door panel is meant to be adjusted as well for panel gaps. I suspect the delivery center people, who can do some quick fixes, didn’t have the time to work on it or maybe it’s just something left to service to adjust.

I would not be worried about it and if this was the only reason you passed on the first car, I would have accepted it and let Service adjust. Let us know how you make out. How is the rest of the car?

 

[mhmhsh]

Sorry didn’t read closely enough. For some reason thought harder to close not open .

The Service Center will be able to adjust the door positioning and improve how it opens. Hinges might be a bit tight or need some grease and the door panel is meant to be adjusted as well for panel gaps. I suspect the delivery center people, who can do some quick fixes, didn’t have the time to work on it or maybe it’s just something left to service to adjust.

I would not be worried about it and if this was the only reason you passed on the first car, I would have accepted it and let Service adjust. Let us know how you make out. How is the rest of the car?

I really hope they will fix it to the extent that I don't notice any difference between this door and the other doors. I just wish someone in this forum with the same defect would confirm the fix is satisfactory.

The rest of the car is ok, with the exception of a small damage in the tire at delivery time (see picture below). I believe the service center should just replace this tire.

 

[SMAlset]

Yes, on that tire!

 

[lkstaack]

I agree, that tire must be replaced.

 

[voxelman]

I don't think I would call that a small damage. You can see the cord in the side wall. So yes absolutely that tire should be replaced without any argument whatsoever.