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Wiki Mega-consolidated delivery quality issues thread and checklist

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Interesting observations from someone who took delivery of a LR recently. I'd probably would have rejected the vehicle had I seen all those things up front.

2021 Tesla Model S Owner Says Quality Issues Not Okay On $100K Car
Haha, yep, that's me :) I usually hate making these types of videos because it's usually taken out of context into the world of negativity, but I also wanted it to be helpful to those waiting on or are about to take delivery of their new rides so they're aware of these potential issues.
 
As I'm hoping to take delivery of my Model S Plaid soon, I've trying to put together a consolidated list of all the issues folks have been finding at the time of delivery of their cars, so I can look out of those before accepting delivery of mine.

The goal would be to note all these issues, take photos of them, and decide whether you want to take delivery as is and deal with them at service centers, or raise them to delivery specialists and potentially refuse delivery.

I know there's already a refresh issues thread going, and I've been inspired by that one a lot, but this one is specifically for things to look out for at delivery, and it's also not a pros/cons or list of dislikes.

Note that this does NOT include software issues or missing features, which we hope will be fixed with OTA updates over time.

If you've already taken delivery and see anything missing, please add it by incrementing the list with a numbered item.

Hoping this list will help others who are also about to take a deliver. Enjoy!

  1. Paint scratches/dents/swirl marks
  2. Paint bubbles/foreign objects under paint
  3. Adhesive residue on paint, lights, glass, or exterior trim
  4. Panel gaps: door, trunk lid, or frunk misalignment
  5. Trunk liner not secure/popped up
  6. Clear coat sag on leading edges
  7. Rubber seal hanging down behind front grill
  8. Condensation in head/tailights
  9. Watermarks on windshield that can’t be wiped off
  10. Spoiler misalignment/edges lifting
  11. Scratched glass (on the outside)
  12. Rear license plate frame dented/bent
  13. Passenger door not closing
  14. Door handle stuck when retracting, continuous whirring sound
  15. Door handle rubbing against door shell when presenting
  16. Door bottom corner inside folds
  17. Driver door inside trim nick on panel (where it meets the dash when closed)
  18. Yoke rubber cover coming loose on corner
  19. Worm/vein in yoke airbag cover
  20. Interior trim scratches
  21. Adhesive residue on interior trim, console, seats, etc.
  22. Seat bolster wrinkled
  23. Bubbles in door panels
  24. Center console sliding door not staying open/always slids shut
  25. Interior fabric in door panel not fully set/glued down
  26. Ambient floor lights not all working
  27. Loose object ratting/rolling around inside door panel
  28. Dent in the main speaker grill in dash under windshield
  29. Rear door panels misalignment
  30. Ooor seams on rear seats
  31. Front side triangle window not connected to the weatherstrip
  32. Loose A pillar
  33. Lightbulb in the center console storage popped out
  34. Clogged up perforations in a-pillar speaker grill
  35. Interior rubber seals misaligned (trunk, doors)
  36. Windshield/rear/side windows glass distortion
  37. Scroll wheel on yoke squeaks when rolling up/down
  38. Sideview mirrors squeak (touch or open/close door)
  39. Carpeting not extended all the way to the rubber seals in door sill
  40. Glue in joints of the yoke
  41. Driver side door handle gets stuck in extended position
  42. Frunk internal insulation is loose by fender near the lid piston
  43. Wheel well has trim sticking out
  44. Frunk lid standoffs not touching body on one side
Quite the list, I know.. but wait, there's more!

The below issues would only be noticeable upon driving, so not sure they can be checked before taking delivery:
  • Ultrasonics not sensing objects
  • Steering yoke rubs when you turn
  • Car pulling to one side or the other (misaligned wheels)
  • Sideview mirrors shake/vibrate at speed
  • Turn signal error due to Broken wire
  • Rattles on various trim while driving
  • Rattle from outside of car with window down
  • Rattle in back somewhere when going over a bump
  • Slight vibration in steering wheel above 70pmh
  • Whistling wind noise at speed
  • Clunk/thud in front suspension when going over speed bumps
  • Vibration when accelerating from 38-42mph

Good luck to everyone taking deliveries!!
-Marc
thank you for compiling the list!
 
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Haha, yep, that's me :) I usually hate making these types of videos because it's usually taken out of context into the world of negativity, but I also wanted it to be helpful to those waiting on or are about to take delivery of their new rides so they're aware of these potential issues.
Your video is extremely helpful. I'll keep it in mind when I take delivery as well as the items on the list. Keep us posted on what service offered to fix for you and what they claim is a feature ;)
 
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No rush! thanks.
Sorry if these are duplicates of the ones you already have listed, but here we go:

- Bubbles/fisheye on paint/clearcoat
- Wrinkled/uneven rubber gasket around the doors
- Rubber cover around the front trunk area on the passenger side is a little loose/short
- Excess paint/drip on corner of some pieces
- Some door handles recessed more than normal causing the light to be partially hidden
- Deep paint scratch under driver side view mirror
- Paint peeling off and/or insulation inside front body panel on driver side
- Loud rattling noise from rear passenger seat on the driver’s side
- Rattling noise from driver door
- Squeaking noise on front driver and passenger door handles
- Squeaking noise on side view mirror black plastic trims
- Big tear on the side of the dashboard near the A pillar on the driver side
- Some type of residue on dashboard
- Chips/scratches on front bumper
- White residue/pieces under/on the paint/clear coat
- Scuffs/swirls very noticeable under sunlight especially on the trunk lid
- Whistling noise from A/C when passenger side is not active
 
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Sorry if these are duplicates of the ones you already have listed, but here we go:

- Bubbles/fisheye on paint/clearcoat
- Wrinkled/uneven rubber gasket around the doors
- Rubber cover around the front trunk area on the passenger side is a little loose/short
- Excess paint/drip on corner of some pieces
- Some door handles recessed more than normal causing the light to be partially hidden
- Deep paint scratch under driver side view mirror
- Paint peeling off and/or insulation inside front body panel on driver side
- Loud rattling noise from rear passenger seat on the driver’s side
- Rattling noise from driver door
- Squeaking noise on front driver and passenger door handles
- Squeaking noise on side view mirror black plastic trims
- Big tear on the side of the dashboard near the A pillar on the driver side
- Some type of residue on dashboard
- Chips/scratches on front bumper
- White residue/pieces under/on the paint/clear coat
- Scuffs/swirls very noticeable under sunlight especially on the trunk lid
- Whistling noise from A/C when passenger side is not active
Re the whistling; any particular tune?! 🤣
 
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Sorry if these are duplicates of the ones you already have listed, but here we go:

- Bubbles/fisheye on paint/clearcoat
- Wrinkled/uneven rubber gasket around the doors
- Rubber cover around the front trunk area on the passenger side is a little loose/short
- Excess paint/drip on corner of some pieces
- Some door handles recessed more than normal causing the light to be partially hidden
- Deep paint scratch under driver side view mirror
- Paint peeling off and/or insulation inside front body panel on driver side
- Loud rattling noise from rear passenger seat on the driver’s side
- Rattling noise from driver door
- Squeaking noise on front driver and passenger door handles
- Squeaking noise on side view mirror black plastic trims
- Big tear on the side of the dashboard near the A pillar on the driver side
- Some type of residue on dashboard
- Chips/scratches on front bumper
- White residue/pieces under/on the paint/clear coat
- Scuffs/swirls very noticeable under sunlight especially on the trunk lid
- Whistling noise from A/C when passenger side is not active
Thanks! I'll add the non-duplicate ones.

Edit: done.
 
Sorry if these are duplicates of the ones you already have listed, but here we go:

- Bubbles/fisheye on paint/clearcoat
- Wrinkled/uneven rubber gasket around the doors
- Rubber cover around the front trunk area on the passenger side is a little loose/short
- Excess paint/drip on corner of some pieces
- Some door handles recessed more than normal causing the light to be partially hidden
- Deep paint scratch under driver side view mirror
- Paint peeling off and/or insulation inside front body panel on driver side
- Loud rattling noise from rear passenger seat on the driver’s side
- Rattling noise from driver door
- Squeaking noise on front driver and passenger door handles
- Squeaking noise on side view mirror black plastic trims
- Big tear on the side of the dashboard near the A pillar on the driver side
- Some type of residue on dashboard
- Chips/scratches on front bumper
- White residue/pieces under/on the paint/clear coat
- Scuffs/swirls very noticeable under sunlight especially on the trunk lid
- Whistling noise from A/C when passenger side is not active
See my post regarding the last item.
 
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I had these same issues as @MrExitStrategy :
- Some door handles recessed more than normal causing the light to be partially hidden
- White residue/pieces under/on the paint/clear coat
- Whistling noise from A/C when passenger side is not active - specifically when fan speed is set to 6 or higher

Will also add:
- Gloss black trim around driver rear quarter window sticking out (attached photo) - in service replacing the entire trim now
- Passenger door rubber trim pinched by window - fixed by service by re-installing the rubber trim

I didn't notice this on my car:
- Scuffs/swirls very noticeable under sunlight especially on the trunk lid

There were a few very small paint defects/dust particles embedded in the paint, but was actually fairly swirl-free. Most new cars come with swirls due to improper washing by the dealer (which is pretty much unavoidable unless they are employing professional detailers).
 

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I had these same issues as @MrExitStrategy :
- Some door handles recessed more than normal causing the light to be partially hidden
- White residue/pieces under/on the paint/clear coat
- Whistling noise from A/C when passenger side is not active - specifically when fan speed is set to 6 or higher

Will also add:
- Gloss black trim around driver rear quarter window sticking out (attached photo) - in service replacing the entire trim now
- Passenger door rubber trim pinched by window - fixed by service by re-installing the rubber trim

I didn't notice this on my car:
- Scuffs/swirls very noticeable under sunlight especially on the trunk lid

There were a few very small paint defects/dust particles embedded in the paint, but was actually fairly swirl-free. Most new cars come with swirls due to improper washing by the dealer (which is pretty much unavoidable unless they are employing professional detailers).
Good to hear they're taking care of the issues. They have ordered a new Arachnid wheel for me to replace the scratched one, but have pushed my appointment to Sept 3 (waiting for that to come in).
 
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As I'm hoping to take delivery of my Model S Plaid soon, I've trying to put together a consolidated list of all the issues folks have been finding at the time of delivery of their cars, so I can look out for such issues before accepting delivery of mine.

The goal would be to note all issues of concern to you, take photos of them, and decide whether you want to take delivery as is and deal with them at service centers, or raise them to delivery specialists and potentially refuse delivery.

I know there's already a refresh issues thread going, and I've been inspired by that one a lot, but this one is specifically for things to look out for at delivery, and it's also not a pros/cons or list of dislikes.

Note that this does NOT include software issues or missing features, which we hope will be fixed with OTA updates over time.

If you've already taken delivery and see anything missing, please add it by incrementing the list with a numbered item.

Hoping this list will help others who are also about to take a delivery. Enjoy!

  1. Paint scratches/dents/peeling/swirl marks
  2. Paint bubbles/foreign objects under paint
  3. Adhesive residue on paint, lights, glass, or exterior trim
  4. Panel gaps: door, trunk lid, or frunk misalignment
  5. Trunk liner not secure/popped up
  6. Clear coat sag on leading edges
  7. Rubber seal hanging down behind front grill
  8. Condensation in head/tailights
  9. Watermarks on windshield that can’t be wiped off
  10. Spoiler misalignment/edges lifting
  11. Scratched glass (on the outside)
  12. Rear license plate frame dented/bent
  13. Passenger door not closing
  14. Door handle stuck when retracting, continuous whirring sound
  15. Door handle rubbing against door shell when presenting
  16. Door bottom corner inside folds
  17. Driver door inside trim nick on panel (where it meets the dash when closed)
  18. Yoke rubber cover coming loose on corner
  19. Worm/vein in yoke airbag cover
  20. Interior trim scratches
  21. Adhesive residue on interior trim, console, seats, etc.
  22. Seat bolster wrinkled
  23. Bubbles in door panels
  24. Center console sliding door not staying open/always slids shut
  25. Interior fabric in door panel not fully set/glued down
  26. Ambient floor lights not all working
  27. Loose object ratting/rolling around inside door panel
  28. Dent in the main speaker grill in dash under windshield
  29. Rear door panels misalignment
  30. Ooor seams on rear seats
  31. Front side triangle window not connected to the weatherstrip
  32. Loose A pillar
  33. Lightbulb in the center console storage popped out
  34. Clogged up perforations in a-pillar speaker grill
  35. Interior rubber seals misaligned (trunk, doors)
  36. Windshield/rear/side windows glass distortion
  37. Scroll wheel on yoke squeaks when rolling up/down
  38. Sideview mirrors squeak (touch or open/close door)
  39. Carpeting not extended all the way to the rubber seals in door sill
  40. Glue in joints of the yoke
  41. Driver side door handle gets stuck in extended position
  42. Frunk internal insulation is loose by fender near the lid piston
  43. Wheel well has trim sticking out
  44. Frunk lid standoffs not touching body on one side
  45. Wrinkled/uneven rubber gasket around the doors
  46. Rubber cover around the front trunk area on the passenger side is a little loose/short
  47. Excess paint/drip on corner of some pieces
  48. Some door handles recessed more than normal causing the light to be partially hidden
  49. Squeaking noise while pulling on door handles
  50. Squeaking noise on side view mirror black plastic trims
  51. Big tear on the side of the dashboard near the A pillar on the driver side
  52. Some type of residue on dashboard
  53. Whistling noise from A/C when passenger side is not active
  54. Missing privacy shelf in trunk
  55. Missing lower trunk space covers (one large, one small on the left)
Quite the list, I know.. but wait, there's more!

The below issues would only be noticeable upon driving, so not sure they can be checked before accepting/refusing delivery:
  • Ultrasonics not sensing objects
  • Steering yoke rubs when you turn
  • Car pulling to one side or the other (misaligned wheels)
  • Sideview mirrors shake/vibrate at speed
  • Turn signal error due to Broken wire
  • Rattles on various trim while driving
  • Rattle from outside of car with window down
  • Rattle in back somewhere when going over a bump
  • Slight vibration in steering wheel above 70pmh
  • Whistling wind noise at speed
  • Clunk/thud in front suspension when going over speed bumps
  • Vibration when accelerating from 38-42mph

Good luck to everyone taking deliveries!!
-Marc
I have to admit..., I have had my plaid now for 1.5 months. None of the items and I mean none that are listed above have been evident. Now, with this said, I am sure that if folks have this, it is real. Are we looking too closely to find the issues? Who knows??? However, when I took delivery, I looked at it all and had a great sales guy (the manager of the Tesla store) who worked with me. It was about as perfect as I can ask for. Yeah, there were a few small things, i.e. the center console had a scratch in it and two minor "snake bite" type things in the molding below the screen. However, Tesla is replacing both for me, without question, and comfortably handling me as a customer. As for the other things above, I may be blessed but my Plaid is perfect. Let me give you an example. When I picked up my Tesla, I went immediately, .like 1.5 hours to the shop for paint correction (typical for any car), a protective film (3M), and then ceramic coating. It was brilliantly done. I wouldn't have bought the black unless this was available to me. My guy is as anal as I am, and said to me "I was looking closely and only saw minor, in fact very minor issues, no different than any other vehicle". He further said, "in fact, this was better than most other high-end vehicles that I work on". I was warned by a good friend of mine who had 3 Tesla's to "NOT GET BLACK". Well, I am a black car kind of guy, and I agonized over my decision but stuck to it. I dealt with the need to make it right and be happy. Now, I Currently have a beautiful wet look vehicle that shines in the sun, beads up well in the rain, and is just amazing. I am happy with my Tesla Plaid and expected so many other problems after reading blogs, and posts on social media. Folks, it is a machine and machines have issues. The "laundry list" above gives me such anxiety, and although good for checking at delivery, come on....."Give me a break", it doesn't imply that 100% will be on each vehicle, and besides, they are awesome in working with you if you treat them the way that you want to be treated. If you get some wised ass joker who thinks they can bullshit their way through to you on any issue, then move on and get somebody who treats you with dignity and class, as you want to treat them. They are the greatest innovative car manufacturer to come out of the USA since Henry Ford in my view who took folks off of bicycles and horses. I am not a "Tesla Head", and call it as I see it. This list is obscene and no different than the media in America, causes unnecessary anxiety. TESLA rocks and I am evidence of a car that if you take care of it, take care of the employees of Tesla who are there for you, especially in delivery, service, etc., you should have a great experience. Will something go wrong? Of course, but when it does I am not flushing the bowl called Tesla and smack slamming them. I will deal with it, no different than my iPhone (and it has gone wrong), my Macbook pro, my house, my job, or anything that one faces off with. Sorry to write such a long response, but do the above at delivery, but "Don't get drawn into the hole" thinking the tesla experience is horrible. It is totally fine in dealing with whatever comes your way. Just don't deal with wise asses who think they can film flam you, yet that is another issue...., entitlement and I don't deal with entitlement in anything too lightly. Good luck to all who have a tesla, taking delivery on a Tesla, patiently waiting for the horrific promise, no promise, ghosting experience. In the end, as Linking Park sang...."It doesn't really matter".....it is an awesome machine and I love it for the first time ownership!!! INNOVATION AT ITS FINEST!