MY Body/alignment issues

[nonrobot89]

Has recent delivery of your MY has any of these issues listed in this video? Worried if I should go for a M3 just to avoid this early quality/build issues? Do anyone know these alignment issues are being rectified and fixed in newer deliveries? I am new to Tesla world. Hope M3 experiences/owners should also have some idea.??

source:

 

[SEndicott]

Take some time to look at all of the other post regarding this subject. The easiest answer is "It depends" and "It depends on trim" and "It depends on date", etc. Bottom line is, it depends. Early builds were really bad. Got better since. June builds are better than May's builds, July's are better than June's, etc. My build was a 6/20 build, and took delivery in July. I have a 18xxx VIN number. Some VINs later than that are off. Mine was nearly perfect. Zero body gaps. The only fit and finish problems I had was a misaligned hatchback, frunk slightly off, and rear seat adjustment needed. All have been fixed. Early white builds seemed to have patch mismatch, but I think they have fixed that now.

As for waiting, only you can answer that. I love my MY and have no regrets, even with the few things wrong with an early build. Again, my fit and finish was nearly perfect, so I count it as a win. Only you can really answer waiting or not. If you are OK being an early adopter and OK walking/sending the car back if it doesn't meet your expectations, go for it. If you like things to be perfect (or as nearly as they can be) wait for a year.

I hope that helps.

 

[nonrobot89]

Take some time to look at all of the other post regarding this subject. The easiest answer is "It depends" and "It depends on trim" and "It depends on date", etc. Bottom line is, it depends. Early builds were really bad. Got better since. June builds are better than May's builds, July's are better than June's, etc. My build was a 6/20 build, and took delivery in July. I have a 18xxx VIN number. Some VINs later than that are off. Mine was nearly perfect. Zero body gaps. The only fit and finish problems I had was a misaligned hatchback, frunk slightly off, and rear seat adjustment needed. All have been fixed. Early white builds seemed to have patch mismatch, but I think they have fixed that now.

As for waiting, only you can answer that. I love my MY and have no regrets, even with the few things wrong with an early build. Again, my fit and finish was nearly perfect, so I count it as a win. Only you can really answer waiting or not. If you are OK being an early adopter and OK walking/sending the car back if it doesn't meet your expectations, go for it. If you like things to be perfect (or as nearly as they can be) wait for a year.

I hope that helps.

Thanks for the honest and clear reply.
"The only fit and finish problems I had was a misaligned hatchback, frunk slightly off, and rear seat adjustment needed. All have been fixed"

>> Did you work with Tesla to fix these adjustment/issues post delivery. I guess it's definitely not going to be a regret based on the user experience from my friends and circle overall/their past three models' experience (S,X and 3), but its only the Y which I am opting for, which I was thinking due to all of those initial reports. When I went for a test drive, even the test drive vehicle has the hatchback moved too much which I asked for technician about, and he said it should be fixed by now. But, as you said, it all depends on the exact piece that you get from production, which may or may not have any issues at all. Hoping for the best and will decide today.

 

[glide]

Tesla are taking the position that these obvious defects are “within spec” and refusing to fix them. Probably due to the flood of vehicles coming in with problems.

I would wait if you can.

 

[SEndicott]

Thanks for the honest and clear reply.
"The only fit and finish problems I had was a misaligned hatchback, frunk slightly off, and rear seat adjustment needed. All have been fixed"

>> Did you work with Tesla to fix these adjustment/issues post delivery.

Yes, EVERYTHING I brought up to their attention was resolved by the mobile ranger or service center.
Here is a quick list of my issues after delivery:
Issue #1: Radar not functioning properly - Replaced
Issue #2: Coat hooks not functioning correctly - Replaced
Issue #3: Alignment of the right rear seat is off significantly - Adjusted and Resolved
Issue #4: Several rattles while the car is in motion - Resolved
Issue #5: Random latch activating - Adjusted and resolved
Issue #6: Side Repeater and Front Camera Colors are off - Not an issue, that is how they are
Issue #7: Misalignment of frunk lid = Adjusted and resolved
Issue #8: Missing clips on frunk cowling - replaced
Issue #9: Right Parking Light LED flickers. - Issue went away. Assuming it went away when they fixed the radar
New request: Installation of Homelink - Installed at no charge (part of purchase price)

Hatchback not latching - adjusted at no cost - on delivery day
Wiper washer hose not connected at wiper arm "y" - Fixed by mobile ranger

My total due was $0 leaving with all my issues resolved. And all it cost me was about 150 miles drive time to get it to and from the SC. I live about 75 miles away from the Denver location. They even gave me two loaners for the two days they had my car. a Model s 75D and a Model S P95D.

Never once did they tell me it was "within Tesla spec" and ignore the issue. Even the camera issue they looked at, reviewed other camera footage and confirmed that is how they are supposed to look. Even my son's M3 has the same quality for the side repeaters.

The bottom line is, they did a great job addressing the issues. Again, it boils down to the type of person you are. Do you want to be part of being an early adopter or do you want to wait until everything is perfect. Even my wife's Subaru Forester came with issues. The difference is most issues with a normal car company are dealt with long before the customer sees the car for the first time. Tesla is different in that regard as they are trying to become a real player in the market and have to show numbers and profits in their quarters to get that status. Right, wrong, or in different, it is the way it is.

So again, if you want a great, fun to try, awesome car, and dont mind the couple of warts that can be fixed along the way, jump in now.
If you want a great, fun to try, awesome car, and want a pristine car coming off the line, wait 6 months to a year.

For what it is worth, it only took 2 weeks before my wife saw/drove mine (warts and all) before she placed her order for a Blue MY. We will be a two Tesla family in 4-9 weeks. She was able to use my referral code so we both will be getting some free supercharging miles too.

Good luck with your choice. Dont let the vloggers/naysayers dissuade you too much. There are more good experiences than there are bad, imo.

 

[nonrobot89]

Yes, EVERYTHING I brought up to their attention was resolved by the mobile ranger or service center.
Here is a quick list of my issues after delivery:
Issue #1: Radar not functioning properly - Replaced
Issue #2: Coat hooks not functioning correctly - Replaced
Issue #3: Alignment of the right rear seat is off significantly - Adjusted and Resolved
Issue #4: Several rattles while the car is in motion - Resolved
Issue #5: Random latch activating - Adjusted and resolved
Issue #6: Side Repeater and Front Camera Colors are off - Not an issue, that is how they are
Issue #7: Misalignment of frunk lid = Adjusted and resolved
Issue #8: Missing clips on frunk cowling - replaced
Issue #9: Right Parking Light LED flickers. - Issue went away. Assuming it went away when they fixed the radar
New request: Installation of Homelink - Installed at no charge (part of purchase price)

Hatchback not latching - adjusted at no cost - on delivery day
Wiper washer hose not connected at wiper arm "y" - Fixed by mobile ranger

My total due was $0 leaving with all my issues resolved. And all it cost me was about 150 miles drive time to get it to and from the SC. I live about 75 miles away from the Denver location. They even gave me two loaners for the two days they had my car. a Model s 75D and a Model S P95D.

Never once did they tell me it was "within Tesla spec" and ignore the issue. Even the camera issue they looked at, reviewed other camera footage and confirmed that is how they are supposed to look. Even my son's M3 has the same quality for the side repeaters.

The bottom line is, they did a great job addressing the issues. Again, it boils down to the type of person you are. Do you want to be part of being an early adopter or do you want to wait until everything is perfect. Even my wife's Subaru Forester came with issues. The difference is most issues with a normal car company are dealt with long before the customer sees the car for the first time. Tesla is different in that regard as they are trying to become a real player in the market and have to show numbers and profits in their quarters to get that status. Right, wrong, or in different, it is the way it is.

So again, if you want a great, fun to try, awesome car, and dont mind the couple of warts that can be fixed along the way, jump in now.
If you want a great, fun to try, awesome car, and want a pristine car coming off the line, wait 6 months to a year.

For what it is worth, it only took 2 weeks before my wife saw/drove mine (warts and all) before she placed her order for a Blue MY. We will be a two Tesla family in 4-9 weeks. She was able to use my referral code so we both will be getting some free supercharging miles too.

Good luck with your choice. Dont let the vloggers/naysayers dissuade you too much. There are more good experiences than there are bad, imo.

Thanks for the detailed reply and time taken to clearly mention it. I ordered 10 days back and I am waiting for it. Do you have a check list of items to check/examine on the delivery day so, I can be prepared on the date of delivery and in turn, be more open on that day to notice things!!

 

[gunthermic]

Yes, EVERYTHING I brought up to their attention was resolved by the mobile ranger or service center.
Here is a quick list of my issues after delivery:
Issue #1: Radar not functioning properly - Replaced
Issue #2: Coat hooks not functioning correctly - Replaced
Issue #3: Alignment of the right rear seat is off significantly - Adjusted and Resolved
Issue #4: Several rattles while the car is in motion - Resolved
Issue #5: Random latch activating - Adjusted and resolved
Issue #6: Side Repeater and Front Camera Colors are off - Not an issue, that is how they are
Issue #7: Misalignment of frunk lid = Adjusted and resolved
Issue #8: Missing clips on frunk cowling - replaced
Issue #9: Right Parking Light LED flickers. - Issue went away. Assuming it went away when they fixed the radar
New request: Installation of Homelink - Installed at no charge (part of purchase price)
.

Thank you for such a great detailed report. I ordered mine and just awaiting my VIN number..

 

[ScotteZ]

It appears that it comes down to the staff at the SC when your car goes in for the corrections - do they do the right thing to make the car look as best it can and address your issues or do they do the minimal thing and if it is in spec, leave it alone. Sounds like you have a great SC to work with there!

 

[jmatero]

Gotta tell you, I have a new Model 3 - now in its 3rd production year - and body fit/finish is terrible. My Dad’s 1981 K-Car had better panel alignment. And they won’t fix it claiming it’s all “within spec”. I think the big issue is when your car is built. Mine was built the end of March (end of the quarter) so quality control vanishes as they try to build/deliver as many as possible. Best advice if you’re worried is to wait and time your order so it’s built the beginning of the following quarter. If I had to do it again, I would have refused the car. The only reason I didn’t was because the delivery specialist said “Tesla doesn’t make perfect cars. But you have nothing to worry about! Just make a service appointment and they’ll take care of you.” Well, and I took delivery a week before the factory was shut down and lock-down went into place in the Bay Area.

 

[Diamond Hills]

It's still all over the place at the moment. Even on the same car, we've seen some panels fit amazingly while the other side of the vehicle is a hot mess. If it bothers you, my suggestion would be to get friendly with a reputable TAB shop in your area. The service centers aren't body shops and can only adjust so much.

 

[BlindPass]

Gotta tell you, I have a new Model 3 - now in its 3rd production year - and body fit/finish is terrible. My Dad’s 1981 K-Car had better panel alignment. And they won’t fix it claiming it’s all “within spec”. I think the big issue is when your car is built. Mine was built the end of March (end of the quarter) so quality control vanishes as they try to build/deliver as many as possible. Best advice if you’re worried is to wait and time your order so it’s built the beginning of the following quarter. If I had to do it again, I would have refused the car. The only reason I didn’t was because the delivery specialist said “Tesla doesn’t make perfect cars. But you have nothing to worry about! Just make a service appointment and they’ll take care of you.” Well, and I took delivery a week before the factory was shut down and lock-down went into place in the Bay Area.

Buyers new to Tesla aren’t generally prepared for the poor build and customer service. It likely won’t match the standards of new car condition, and the advisor is likely as bad as any dealership salesperson.

It’s best to view as though you’re buying a used car from a private seller. Come with a scrutinizing eye, and don’t simply trust what the seller says.

Teslas can be great cars, but it’s not consistent as going to your local dealer that depends on reputation and picking out a homogenous product. I don’t enjoy buying from dealers, and it’s a largely an antiquated model. But I have more leverage and get better service with my local dealership that’s competing for my business than a monopolistic national dealer in Tesla.

 

[empiredown]

Take some time to look at all of the other post regarding this subject. The easiest answer is "It depends" and "It depends on trim" and "It depends on date", etc. Bottom line is, it depends. Early builds were really bad. Got better since. June builds are better than May's builds, July's are better than June's, etc. My build was a 6/20 build, and took delivery in July. I have a 18xxx VIN number. Some VINs later than that are off. Mine was nearly perfect. Zero body gaps. The only fit and finish problems I had was a misaligned hatchback, frunk slightly off, and rear seat adjustment needed. All have been fixed. Early white builds seemed to have patch mismatch, but I think they have fixed that now.

As for waiting, only you can answer that. I love my MY and have no regrets, even with the few things wrong with an early build. Again, my fit and finish was nearly perfect, so I count it as a win. Only you can really answer waiting or not. If you are OK being an early adopter and OK walking/sending the car back if it doesn't meet your expectations, go for it. If you like things to be perfect (or as nearly as they can be) wait for a year.

I hope that helps.

Gross generalization. We have a build in probably the first week or two of production (less than 2400) and it was/is no where near "really bad". On top of that all the minor little things we found were completely addressed by the Pond Springs SC in Austin quickly and to our complete satisfaction with no drama. We even developed a driver door window rattle (wound up being a bolt that had worked loose well after delivery in the actuating arm) that was addressed for free by them. So... it definitely DOES depend, but all this Chicken Little stuff about VINs and times and Pre/Post Shutdown really doesn't seem to matter much. Were there and are there problems? Absolutely. But it isn't that easy...

Oh and we use a WC in our hot azz TX garage daily and while it gets warm (because Physics!), we've had absolutely zero issues with that too. Maybe we're just lucky, but I think it is more likely we are part of the silent majority.

SS