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Wiki Mega-consolidated delivery quality issues thread and checklist

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MarcG

Active Member
Oct 29, 2014
4,307
6,250
San Francisco
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. Poor 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)
  56. Missing fasteners in the wheel well
  57. Cracks in wood trim
  58. Scratches under the car, especially front bumper
  59. Wrinkles in rear seat bench
  60. Alignment of roof glass - check that gaps are roughly equal on driver and passenger side, particularly if intending to install a roof rack
Quite the list, I know.. but wait, there's more!

The below issues would only be noticeable upon entering the car/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
  • Subwoofer slider having no impact to bass levels
List of “loose” items you should get at delivery:
  • 2 key fobs (looks like little toy cars)
  • 2 key cards
  • Mobile connector with 110V adapter
  • J1772 adapter
  • Zippered storage bag for mobile connector and adapter
  • Registration paperwork
  • Floor mats
  • Rear trunk privacy shelf
  • Large rear trunk cargo cover
  • Small rear trunk cargo cover (left side)
  • Rear license plate frame
  • Monroney window sticker (US version)
The attached PDF file includes the items listed above (as of 9/3/21) combined with the list found in a post from @jeremymc7 at New Model S inspection or checklist

Good luck to everyone taking deliveries!!
-Marc
 

Attachments

  • Tesla Inspection Checklist 20210903.pdf
    123.8 KB · Views: 1,992
Last edited:
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
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

Good luck to everyone taking deliveries!!
-Marc
glad my delivery is not until Oct/Nov
 
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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 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
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

Good luck to everyone taking deliveries!!
-Marc
That’s some list!
 
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
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

Good luck to everyone taking deliveries!!
-Marc
As a long time Model S owner, most of these issues don't surprise me given Tesla's QA at their assembly lines has always been poor in their initial production runs of a new design. But I also am not overly stressed given that most of those are cosmetic that can easily be remedied at a Service Center (albeit a pain and certainly not acceptable at this price point).

Conversely, did you see this thread? I consider this one of the biggest concerns that Tesla engineering doesn't currently have a solution for, which may be widespread.
 
As a long time Model S owner, most of these issues don't surprise me given Tesla's QA at their assembly lines has always been poor in their initial production runs of a new design. But I also am not overly stressed given that most of those are cosmetic that can easily be remedied at a Service Center (albeit a pain and certainly not acceptable at this price point).

Conversely, did you see this thread? I consider this one of the biggest concerns that Tesla engineering doesn't currently have a solution for, which may be widespread.

Thanks for sharing this. Does not sound good. Maybe worth throwing in the delivery thread since that's where everyone hangs out. Also something for them to check when driving home from delivery.
 
Thanks for sharing this. Does not sound good. Maybe worth throwing in the delivery thread since that's where everyone hangs out. Also something for them to check when driving home from delivery.
Yeah, the delivery thread has become a catch-all for everything unfortunately. I was awaiting further clarity from the OPs, but surely one of us will post there at some point. At least its captured here for those coming from the delivery thread post you made.
 
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That vibration issue is unfortunate, I hope Tesla fixes it ASAP.

I would add it to the second section of drivability issues, but I can't edit my original post anymore.

Is there a way to request permanent edit privileges on one post from the mods? How do others do this with wikis?
 
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
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

Good luck to everyone taking deliveries!!
-Marc
Oh boy, I pick my Plaid up at 5pm Pacific today, and can’t wait to see how many of these apply to me! I already know I have the vein/worm…
 
Looks like mods made this a wiki, so I was able to edit the OP - added 4 items to the static list (41-44) and the vibration issue to the driving list.
@MarcG This is really a good one, thanks for creating it! I have #19, #36, the "Sideview mirrors shake/vibrate at speed," item and road noise intrusion from the front passenger's door area. This could just be resetting the seal or something simple, or it could be a bad seal with that little triangle window. An inspection and some painter's tape should aid in the diagnosis and fix.
 
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I personally have rattles in both front driver/passenger speakers when I listen to music. This happens with 70% of songs.

Also, my passenger door takes a bit more effort to close and the door handle makes some kind of noise when it retracts.

Technician came to see the car and told me he might be able to fix the door, but said it might be misaligned afterwards or the painted hinges might get scraped. That’s NOT fixing it. Can’t believe that’s a solution he offered me.

He also took a look at the speakers. We both clearly heard a rattle when listening to music… in the end he totally denied there was a rattle in his report because he didn’t want to be “legally responsible” for fixing it since it was “technically” not within Tesla’s warranty coverage. The overall experience of this mobile technician was horrible. This is my first tesla and I just hope these two issues get fixed, mostly the speaker rattle, or else it will completely ruin my ownership experience. I can’t listen to any song without being paranoid about a random rattle incoming.
 
I personally have rattles in both front driver/passenger speakers when I listen to music. This happens with 70% of songs.

Also, my passenger door takes a bit more effort to close and the door handle makes some kind of noise when it retracts.

Technician came to see the car and told me he might be able to fix the door, but said it might be misaligned afterwards or the painted hinges might get scraped. That’s NOT fixing it. Can’t believe that’s a solution he offered me.

He also took a look at the speakers. We both clearly heard a rattle when listening to music… in the end he totally denied there was a rattle in his report because he didn’t want to be “legally responsible” for fixing it since it was “technically” not within Tesla’s warranty coverage. The overall experience of this mobile technician was horrible. This is my first tesla and I just hope these two issues get fixed, mostly the speaker rattle, or else it will completely ruin my ownership experience. I can’t listen to any song without being paranoid about a random rattle incoming.
Rattles in my 3 drove me absolutely mad. If this happens in my brand new S and they're not able or willing to fix it I probably won't buy another Tesla vehicle to be honest. I excused it in the 2 because it was a 2018 and I bought it used. No excuse for a new S.