My 2022 Model S has had several minor fit and finish issues and the most irritating one is the misalignment of the hatch on the trunk. After a few appointments at the Tesla service center and a referral to a Certified Tesla Body Shop, it was determined that the left rear quarter panel was installed lower than the right side rear quarter panel. With the lower left side quarter panel being installed lower than the specified height there is a raised gap at the midpoint of the left side of the hatch and it is not flush with the quarter panel as it should be.
Tesla is willing to remove the quarter panel and like an onion, it has to be peeled back a few layers and replaced at the proper height. The left side door and the complete hatch must be sanded down and repainted to blend the paint for a quality paint match. I am waiting for the final quote from the Certified Tesla Auto Body Shop and they have indicated that it will be over $10,000. My issue is taking the risk that it might be worse after the fix since the paint might not be as good as the factoring paintshop. Has anyone else experienced this and how was it rectified? Has anyone negotiated a settlement credit with Tesla or even an extended warranty instead of taking the chance on a botched autobody repair? The hatch does not leak and this poor fit and finish do not appear to affect the performance of the car. Advice would be appreciated.
Tesla is willing to remove the quarter panel and like an onion, it has to be peeled back a few layers and replaced at the proper height. The left side door and the complete hatch must be sanded down and repainted to blend the paint for a quality paint match. I am waiting for the final quote from the Certified Tesla Auto Body Shop and they have indicated that it will be over $10,000. My issue is taking the risk that it might be worse after the fix since the paint might not be as good as the factoring paintshop. Has anyone else experienced this and how was it rectified? Has anyone negotiated a settlement credit with Tesla or even an extended warranty instead of taking the chance on a botched autobody repair? The hatch does not leak and this poor fit and finish do not appear to affect the performance of the car. Advice would be appreciated.