Jeep backed into my car and now the rear hatch is not flush, repair shop says it wasn't the jeep

[thirty6chamber]

A jeep backed into my 2022 Model S, damaging the bumper but also making an impact on the rear hatch door (right side of the license plate). The black bar that connects the taillights is now loose on the right side which tells me something shifted, causing the bar to disconnect from the panel it was adhered to. I also noticed that the edge of the right side hatch door is no longer flush with the adjacent body panel. When I took my vehicle to a reputable tesla repair shop (Fix Auto El Monte) the estimator told me that my car came with the misaligned panels and there is nothing he can do to realign it because the hatch is made of aluminum. It's just bad Tesla building quality. I've attached some photos to compare the left side and right side of the hatch door. I want to call shenanigans on what he's telling me but wanted confirmation first. Let me know what ya'll think.

 

[ThomasD]

Get a second opinion

 

[mswlogo]

Who’s the estimator working for? Your insurance or the Jeep that hit you?

If it’s the other insurance company then get your insurance company involved. They will fight on your behalf.

 

[SoCal Buzz]

A jeep backed into my 2022 Model S, damaging the bumper but also making an impact on the rear hatch door (right side of the license plate). The black bar that connects the taillights is now loose on the right side which tells me something shifted, causing the bar to disconnect from the panel it was adhered to. I also noticed that the edge of the right side hatch door is no longer flush with the adjacent body panel. When I took my vehicle to a reputable tesla repair shop (Fix Auto El Monte) the estimator told me that my car came with the misaligned panels and there is nothing he can do to realign it because the hatch is made of aluminum. It's just bad Tesla building quality. I've attached some photos to compare the left side and right side of the hatch door. I want to call shenanigans on what he's telling me but wanted confirmation first. Let me know what ya'll think.

View attachment 798259View attachment 798260

Can you show overall picture of the impact areas? If hatch was hit on right side it seems obvious it could misalign the panel fit. And you clearly need to find a better shop that will do the work whatever it takes. Your insurance should represent your interest.

 

[father_of_6]

Couple whacks with a mallet will sort this confusion out.

 

[Jayy178]

My car looks like that and was something I noticed at delivery and called out. Will be going into SC to have it reviewed along with all other at delivery issues.

 

[Bull]

Get a second opinion

Get a second opinion from a Tesla certified body shop. Hopefully there is one in your area.

 

[Jayy178]

FYI I had my car checked out by SC and they said it is "within spec". I didn't buy it, but then when I saw 2 other refresh S vehicles in the lot, they had the exact same issue lol.

 

[yamanote]

Both my Plaid and LR had this exact issue on the rear right quarter panel where it meets the trunk lid. The left side quarter is bowed out as well but to a lesser extent.

I feel like it is an issue with the mold used to make this quarter panel.

 

[Bull]

FYI I had my car checked out by SC and they said it is "within spec". I didn't buy it, but then when I saw 2 other refresh S vehicles in the lot, they had the exact same issue lol.

It should not matter if it is "within spec". What should matter is whether or not yours looked like that before the incident. If yours was a perfect fit then that is what you should get back when they body shop is done.

 

[Jayy178]

Im not the person who was hit. I was just clarifying that several other cars have this same fitment and that it may not be caused from rear end of the OP.