My Almost delivery in North Houston today - 2nd build

[Model S M.D.]

Heard back from Tesla Corporate. He was very apologetic about the experience so far and said he is going to make it right. Priority rebuild, closed shipping to Texas, loaner vehicle in the meantime, deal with the loan situation (Tesla has been paid), etc.

He is putting the full plan into an email. Realized after the call, that I forgot to ask about the free supercharging as this all started back in November and will be vehicle try number three.

Feeling much better about the situation, but await the final details.

And yes..Tesla management does read this forum.

That's great news! So glad that they made it right. Keep us posted...

 

[croman]

Stories like these are why I told my dad who takes delivery tomorrow to go over his X with a fine tooth comb; particularly the paint job. I told him that I would be concerned about cars delivered during this quarter as so many were ordered before the change to the supercharging program. The factory has got to be churning massive numbers right now, and it looks like QC at the factory as well as the stores aren't keeping up.

I think it really depends on your delivery location. My location, Highland Park IL, was superb. They are experienced with Tesla corporate, they know their customers have plenty of options for high end cars and that most will not accept slop. Electric is big here but it doesn't have the cache that it does in California. My location did its own bumper to bumper evaluation of my car the day it arrived. They test drove it and fixed whatever issues (I actually don't know if there were any). There were still 4 very minor issues but the paint, trim, and major details were all 100%. I brought a checklist, a flashlight and wasted 25 minutes inspecting the vehicle (and I was the only one). It was Dec 23, so the place was hopping. Their delivery bay was full of new cars getting one final detail before delivery.

I feel that Fremont should do a better job with QC. 100% that is the case, but your local location should know by now that Fremont sucks and should have procedures in place to replicate a good QC and handle any issues before a customer comes armed with a flashlight and a checklist.

BTW, I didn't even see my LEAF before I signed the paperwork and I did the same inspection on it and its flawless. Tesla needs to be as good or better than Nissan at building cars. Its been 10 years. They are not a "new" car manufacturer anymore and they should just ditch that crutch.

 

[theslimshadyist]

@bob_p Thanks. As the song goes, I live 'deep in the heart of Texas', so ventilated seats are still something I desire.

Good news. I did hear from California upper management a little while ago and was told, "I've assigned a person on my direct team to help out with your situation and help find a solution that works well for you. We'll be in touch shortly...."

Finger's crossed. Waiting and hoping for a good solution as I am paying daily interest on a car I do not have.

Let me put your mind at ease a bit on the ventilated seats because I have them. They simply don't work as designed and are the biggest disappointment with my car. I was so excited when they released that option and now I know why they were quickly discontinued. I previously had them in my BMW and I could feel a little cooling sensation but nothing really special. With my MS, they are a complete joke and I don't even turn them on anymore.

 

[Just a Reader]

I'm surprised that people even considered to accept this car. I once bought a used A6 that turned out to have an issue with water leaking into the car. It took the repair shop ages to find out that the previous owner had the windshield swapped and the sloppy job had caused the leak. A car with so much repainting and a new windshield simply isn't a new car any more.

 

[andrewket]

Murphy's law is powerful with me. My previous car when ordered had a factory fire delaying my car by a year. Now with Tesla my luck is holding true to form. Ordered back in November and when the car came in December, it was not as promised and Tesla decided to rebuild it.

Fast forward to today, the redo was ready for pickup at the north Houston center. They were detailing the car when we arrived and we started about 15 minutes late. That should have been my first warning

Walk up to the car, two visible small cracks/chips in the windshield are seen right away. The delivery person (not my DS that I have been working with for month who was not available for some reason) quickly said that they noticed that when detailing this morning. They would replace the glass whenever the factory sent it to them. It is quite literally smack in the drivers main eye line. So just bummed at this point, but still willing to accept the car.

We proceed to walk around and notice a lump sticking up in the paint on the front driver's quarter panel. The DS said that the quarter panel would need to be repainted and blended in, It would be done by some local Tesla approved paint shop. So a bit further disturbed now.

Moving to the front bumper.. Notice several scratches, divots, blobs, etc- again DS says not buff-able, but easy to repaint the entire front bumper. Further worried.

Moving to passenger front quarter panel, more scratches and bumps in the paint. DS thinks likely able to detail these out.

Keep moving around the car and notice the small A pillar window molding is 'loose'... a common source of noise. Again easy fix.

Now at passenger rear wheel and notice more raised metal flakes in both the quarter panel and bumper... DS comments - likely requires repainting of panel and bumper.

Open trunk and see a scratch 3ft long, blobs and 'divots' in the bumper - not sure if it's the bumper or paint defect but it's there... hey we are already re-painting the bumper, so another reason....

Finish up on the driver side rear... it's OK!!! yeah for small victories.

At this point, my wife is ready to just walk away and ask for our deposit back. I'm still invested, so ask for options. DS says take it and they will schedule to fix everything. We then have a discussion on the value of the car if it is half re-painted before it is even picked up. DS says no drop in value, so we ask why did they drop the value of our trade from re-painting. Can't have it both ways.

DS has no other options and says I need to talk to the manager. I ask for the manager, but they are not 'available' now.

Last comment, the DS said that my car was particularly bad and most cars have some minor defects, but ours was unusual.

At this point, we get back in our trade-in and drive away. A couple of hours later, hearing nothing, I reach out to my original DS. Have to leave a voice mail, but to her credit she calls me back pretty quickly. She offers the same options as the earlier DS and says that they have only been building cars for a couple of years and Tesla should be cut some slack and would I like to reschedule delivery. Hmm, NO.

While I agree with her on cutting Tesla some slack, repainting a significant part of the car and replacing the windshield is a bit much to accept. Whatever happened to factory QC?

Said that I'm not willing to re-schedule a delivery without a better understanding of options, as I'd rather not have a THIRD car built. She said the manager will call me later tonight around 6-7pm.

We shall see. More to come and thanks for reading, helps me vent....think I want the car fixed right and to factory specs, a loaner, some free swag, floor mats, service or other similar compensation. Still bothered about such a large re-paint and value of the car down the road.

Any suggestions on who to contact to properly escalate this issue are welcome.

I give Tesla a lot of leeway, but with this many defects I'd walk and ask for yet another rebuild. Tesla needs to understand that they need to improve their quality control.

 

[JasJ]

...ask for yet another rebuild.

Yes, Tesla is building car #3 for me. I have a loaner that I am now on a cross country tour from Texas to Florida - the kids spring break trip. They activated the car on my Tesla account for the phone app so I get all the charging notifications and ability to pre-cool (Florida has been warm). I will put about 2500 miles on this loaner just this week. The rebuild is currently saying April/May, so who knows how long I have the free loaner.

Even managed to get the wife to drive it (she was anti after the experience), but she does not trust even the TACC system - mostly she says it's too late in braking and when it does it does aggressively. Set the car length to max, but no satisfaction. I kind of agree that the system seems to notice the cars in front a bit late from what I would expect. Maybe it's growing pains of AP2.

It is a great car for serene road tripping. Even my daughter who formerly hated long car rides, wants to stay in Florida to the last minute and marathon the return. Other than a dying key fob battery (surprising as the car only had 500 miles when they gave it too me) it's been flawless. It is humorous the reactions of other drivers - we were late night driving in LA, MS, AL and quite a few cars pulled alongside and paused while they 'reviewed' the light show inside the Tesla. Then there are the camaros, mustangs and one porches who 'rev' up trying to get me race....maybe it's a Florida thing.

More updates on the rebuild when delivery is set. I'm feeling better about Tesla 'the company', but worry about Tesla QC on build 3.

I'm surprised that people even considered to accept this car. .

Was only considering it as I have been waiting 5 months and possibly looking at now 7 months. The Tesla mgmt response has me less concerned.

Let me put your mind at ease a bit on the ventilated seats because I have them. They simply don't work as designed and are the biggest disappointment with my car. I was so excited when they released that option and now I know why they were quickly discontinued. I previously had them in my BMW and I could feel a little cooling sensation but nothing really special. With my MS, they are a complete joke and I don't even turn them on anymore.

Good to read as build #3 will not have ventlitated seats. Also saw the recent Bjorn video from Norway on his Model X ventilated seats that are showing wear and 'tearing'. Still wish I could get a decent ventilated seat, but oh well, I'd rather have a solid seat that will last.

 

[kash]

can we also add Senate Bill 1588 to the list!!
Senate Bill 1588 would repeal the requirement that your car get an inspection each year.

 

[bob_p]

With the large amount of $$$ spent by the dealership lobby to defend their business model, it's likely a steep uphill fight to make any major changes to the way cars are sold in Texas.

Though, it's inevitable that the dealership model will be broken - it is one of the last bastion's of the "middleman" business model - which has disappeared from almost every other market.

Until then, we can still buy Tesla's in Texas. Ordering a Tesla isn't much more complicated than buying a product from Amazon. And with the Service Centers, Tesla has made a lot of progress in simplifying the delivery process.

Tesla needs to keep trying - every 2 years - and eventually this will change - because as Tesla gets more customers - the customers are the ones who are harmed the most (not Tesla) by the lack of direct sales in Texas.

 

[JasJ]

For those interested, Latest update on build #3.. Likely will enter production in 2 weeks with an Mid/Late April delivery. I'm actually happy it will go into production AFTER the final 1st quarter build push. I figure there is more chance to better QA the paint.

Tesla is refunding the car loan funds back to TechCU and zeroing out the loan. I have been told I should re-apply for a loan in April. Hope I get the same low interest rate..I'm thinking optimistically.

The loaner has now hit 3200 miles after a 2500 mile trip to Florida and back. The blue color is growing on me - below after washing off the bugs from the trip. Still want my red one though.

 

[andrewket]

Keep in mind that your FICO scores are going to take a hit with a new account, even if it's immediately paid off. You might want to talk to techCU about reversing it in such a way that isn't reported. The inquiry hit will remain, and you're going to get another one in April. If it were me, I think I'd consider allowing Tesla to keep the funds and maintaining the loan, as long as techCU is OK with the collateral situation.

 

[JasJ]

Keep in mind that your FICO scores are going to take a hit with a new account, even if it's immediately paid off. You might want to talk to techCU about reversing it in such a way that isn't reported. The inquiry hit will remain, and you're going to get another one in April. If it were me, I think I'd consider allowing Tesla to keep the funds and maintaining the loan, as long as techCU is OK with the collateral situation.

Good points, but TechCU wanted their money back. Will check if they can non-report it. I'll use them again if they still offer the best rate. My credit score even if it drops 10-20 points, should be ok for best rates.

 

[ewolp]

Did you end up asking about the Free Supercharging on rebuild #3?

 

[FlyF4]

I've read about this "Tesla has only been building cars for a few years" excuse by delivery specialists in several posts recently. Are they being trained to say that?

AMEN. What a poor excuse. The auto industry has been around 100 years. If Tesla can't hire or learn from the experience of other auto makers about proper QC, then they shouldn't be making cars. Can you imagine what your wife would say if you told her "Sorry about last night honey, but I've only been having sex a few years!"

 

[mrtian97]

is Tesla having problem with their red paint or just in general of all the paint. I am also thinking to get the red color but can change if the red prone to paint quality issue

thanks

 

[JasJ]

Did you end up asking about the Free Supercharging on rebuild #3?

Yes and I have it in writing they will.

is Tesla having problem with their red paint or just in general of all the paint. I am also thinking to get the red color but can change if the red prone to paint quality issue thanks

Think it's my bad luck. Others seem to have perfectly fine red cars.

However, talking about my bad luck - the loaner I've had few a weeks developed a problem requiring Tesla to replace my loaner with another loaner. The car started throwing 'airbag' warnings when I had passengers in the car and when I brought the car into the local service center today after roadside assistance said 'go to service center ASAP', they at first thought it was a glitch and had me reboot the system. But when they went to take the car around for a firmware update, they discovered a wiring fault in the passenger seat requiring complete seat replacement. Not having complete spare seats on hand, they drove another car from the local delivery center to the service center and swapped it out. So replaced the now 3200 mile 'blue' loaner (mostly by me) with a new 80 mile 'black' loaner.

I must say I much prefer the blue color over black. Black shows everything and of course already attracted the local avian bombing crew. I'll be out all the time with detailing spray with this car color.

Really hope I get my 'real' car soon and without issues.

 

[xyeahtony]

good to see that they're trying to take care of you. if i asked for them to drive and get me a loaner they'd prolly lol in my face

 

[bob_p]

Our new S 100D looks great in red - with the ultra white seats.

Haven't noticed any paint quality issues.

 

[jeepn30]

I think it really depends on your delivery location. My location, Highland Park IL, was superb. They are experienced with Tesla corporate, they know their customers have plenty of options for high end cars and that most will not accept slop. Electric is big here but it doesn't have the cache that it does in California. My location did its own bumper to bumper evaluation of my car the day it arrived. They test drove it and fixed whatever issues (I actually don't know if there were any). There were still 4 very minor issues but the paint, trim, and major details were all 100%. I brought a checklist, a flashlight and wasted 25 minutes inspecting the vehicle (and I was the only one). It was Dec 23, so the place was hopping. Their delivery bay was full of new cars getting one final detail before delivery.

I feel that Fremont should do a better job with QC. 100% that is the case, but your local location should know by now that Fremont sucks and should have procedures in place to replicate a good QC and handle any issues before a customer comes armed with a flashlight and a checklist.

BTW, I didn't even see my LEAF before I signed the paperwork and I did the same inspection on it and its flawless. Tesla needs to be as good or better than Nissan at building cars. Its been 10 years. They are not a "new" car manufacturer anymore and they should just ditch that crutch.

I picked up my CPO at Highland Park as well. After my first 2 CPO attempts were in accidents (before they could take those 2 loanders out of service), it felt like I was never going to get my car. I picked up my car the day of game 1 of the Cubs world series (could that day get any better? I think not!). Went over the car for 15 minutes, and only issue was small scuff on the passenger side rear panel- they buffed it right out easily in front of me. The rest of the car was pristine, couldn't tell it wasn't new. Only issue i've had since then was a tire sensor replaced. I got nothing but great service at Highland Park.

 

[JasJ]

The OP weekly update.

It appears that my build 3 car is on it's way to Houston in a closed transport (not train as originally thought). I might actually get a delivery this week. Just in time too as Loaner #2 is developing a 'chattering' when gently slowing when exiting the freeway. It appears the front drive unit is vibrating when gradually slowing from 65 to 45 mph. I thought it was road grooves at first, but it is happening with increasing frequency. Hope the loaner lasts until my car is ready. Scary thought is this car has less than 200 miles on the odometer.

I'm seriously considering switching to leasing given the QC I've seen so far. It makes me sad, but at this point we are committed.

Let's see what the week brings.

 

[schonelucht]

Wait what? You had to refuse two brand new cars because of unacceptable issues. The loaner you originally got developed a wiring malfunction and now you suspect that your brand new loaner too is developing something? That pretty much defies belief.