Model Y Headrest Defect (warping)

[69KWH]

Long story short, my driver's side headrest starting warping early last month (around 2500 miles) and got progressively worse. I put some headrest covers on it temporarily so I can drive comfortably in the meantime. I scheduled a Tesla service visit for this issue last month and it's been pushed back to mid September due to backordered parts.

Now here's the problem I'm having: Tesla service initially messaged me that this will be covered under warranty. Today, I received a new message with a repair estimate stating that I will owe $180+ for this repair. In addition, the part listed in the estimate is for the Model 3 headrest, which is NOT compatible with the Model Y. Their support team has yet to respond to my inquiry for clarification. I have a feeling that this repair will be significantly more expensive than $180 since the entire seat is one unit on the Model Y.

Do I have any recourse if Tesla decides to backtrack on their initial statement that this will be covered under warranty? This is most definitely a manufacturing defect and I expect it to be covered under warranty. I'm attaching a picture of the headrest as well.

 

[ry-ballz]

What's different between the model y and model 3 headrests? I own both and they look the same to me.

I've seen this happen a few times on the forum, if I remember right hair products is speculated as the cause.

 

[69KWH]

Are they really the same headrests? I was under the impression that M3 headrests were user removable/replaceable while MY headrests were integrated into the chair.

 

[ry-ballz]

Are they really the same headrests? I was under the impression that M3 headrests were user removable/replaceable while MY headrests were integrated into the chair.

They look the same to me. Wife just stepped out for a bit, but when she gets home I can try to yank the one off the Y I guess

 

[tomagucci]

I noticed that Tesla has switched to adding a prices to repairs and getting you to authorize it in case they decide it's not under warranty. Even for things that are pretty clearly under warranty. I've had a few service calls go through this process, the tech gets onsite and confirms it'll be covered and does the work, I don't get billed. It's nerve wracking though.

 

[69KWH]

UPDATE: Tesla replied back to my message with the following

• Model 3 and Y use the same headrest assemblies
• Adjusted estimated repair price to $0 and noted "warranty repair" on the form

 

[Mike_TV]

I've seen this happen a few times on the forum, if I remember right hair products is speculated as the cause.

Probably containing alcohol. There was another thread on seat damage that looked like this due to leaking hand sanitizer that contained alcohol.

 

[DanDi58]

I noticed that Tesla has switched to adding a prices to repairs and getting you to authorize it in case they decide it's not under warranty. Even for things that are pretty clearly under warranty. I've had a few service calls go through this process, the tech gets onsite and confirms it'll be covered and does the work, I don't get billed. It's nerve wracking though.

Yes, this is what happened to me with the triangle piece of plastic behind the passenger's side mirror. They sent me an estimate of $127. a couple days before the service. I didn't approve it. When the tech came I told him if it wasn't a warranty item (there were bubbles inside the plastic) then I didn't want it replaced. He took a look and said that it would be covered.

 

[Seminole]

Are they really the same headrests? I was under the impression that M3 headrests were user removable/replaceable while MY headrests were integrated into the chair.

I don't think they are user removable in the Y but someone did post a picture once with the back plastic cover of the seat off and you could see the rails for headrest. I think once you have that cover off you can release the headrest manually.

 

[Darmie]

It's been noted that some oils and other products in the hair can cause this. Once fixed, I'd look into a cover or wipe them often. Since these are not real leather, the contaminates make the material expand.

 

[69KWH]

My service center pulled the whole "we did this as a courtesy this time but it will cost you next time" and blamed hair products. This was hilarious, because I don't use hair products (other than shampoo) and barely have any hair to begin with.....

 

[oktane]

Dude what are you putting on your hair???

 

[gleearch]

I don't think they are user removable in the Y but someone did post a picture once with the back plastic cover of the seat off and you could see the rails for headrest. I think once you have that cover off you can release the headrest manually.

The headrest in the Model Y can be raised and lowered. They are not integrated. I have a July 2021 build and have moved the headrest up and down a couple of times. I did that to install a Morfit lumbar support for the passenger seat. The straps have to go under the headrest. It is possible that different builds may have integrated headrests that are not movable.

 

[69KWH]

If anyone is interested, this is what the service center invoice looks like for this repair. They did note that the headrest IS in fact a removable part and is not integrated with the seat as I had previously thought.

 

[DanDi58]

The headrest in the Model Y can be raised and lowered. They are not integrated. I have a July 2021 build and have moved the headrest up and down a couple of times. I did that to install a Morfit lumbar support for the passenger seat. The straps have to go under the headrest. It is possible that different builds may have integrated headrests that are not movable.

Huh? Would love to see pics of your moveable headrests.

 

[gleearch]

Huh? Would love to see pics of your moveable headrests.

See 69kwh post above. They removed and replaced his headrest. I'll post a photo the next time I need to do anything with the head rest.

 

[DanDi58]

See 69kwh post above. They removed and replaced his headrest. I'll post a photo the next time I need to do anything with the head rest.

Well, to remove the headrest you have to remove the upholstery, which I'm sure the service center is able to do relatively easily. And in order to raise it, wouldn't you have to somehow stretch the upholstery upward? You said you have done this, I was just curious how you were able to accomplish this' since I can't find anyone on line that has. Maybe you should make a video to assist others who'd like to do this.

 

[Seminole]

Well, to remove the headrest you have to remove the upholstery, which I'm sure the service center is able to do relatively easily. And in order to raise it, wouldn't you have to somehow stretch the upholstery upward? You said you have done this, I was just curious how you were able to accomplish this' since I can't find anyone on line that has. Maybe you should make a video to assist others who'd like to do this.

This video shows how to remove the headrest.

So it’s basically what I was trying to say which is that the headrests aren’t easily movable like the ones in the rear. They are designed to be fixed essentially. You can move them to do certain things but they are not adjustable at all.

 

[P3dStealth]

My service center pulled the whole "we did this as a courtesy this time but it will cost you next time" and blamed hair products. This was hilarious, because I don't use hair products (other than shampoo) and barely have any hair to begin with.....

Hey I have no hair too! I literally don't use anything on my head. No lotion or sunscreen. My headrest is deteriorating also.

 

[nate704]

Hey I have no hair too! I literally don't use anything on my head. No lotion or sunscreen. My headrest is deteriorating also.

I can't wait to see how Tesla will make up excuse for your case! LOL