Paint Issues during delivery

[TrentC]

My paint was perfect apart from a delivery scratch under the nose. Clearly visible if you are lying under the car with a LED detailing flashlight and decent optics. Tesla gave me a free touch up paint kit. Did not use it.

The OP images look very bad. I don't understand why it has been so hard to get the paint and panel gaps corrected as they are easily caught by inspection. The good news is that this process problem is easily corrected as it can be closed loop identified in the factory.

 

[kenta]

What's the general process for dealing with paint issues on delivery? Just open a service call or should I be trying to talk to a delivery person?

 

[SMAlset]

Wow that's pretty bad...I'd be embarrassed trying to deliver that to someone who bought a new car.

You do realize that cars come off the carriers of other manufacturers with similar issues. Difference there is that they send it to their local body shop when it comes off the carrier and it sits in the lot waiting for a buyer or to be traded to another dealership for a sale there. Sometimes cars still get damaged while parked in their lots. Tesla doesn’t have the luxury right now to send cars for correction before delivery, simply isn’t storage space for parking cars and instead will due bill issues that are found. It is a relatively new company with limited resources still but making the best EV out there.

 

[SMAlset]

What's the general process for dealing with paint issues on delivery? Just open a service call or should I be trying to talk to a delivery person?

The delivery person at least from my delivery created an email listing issues I had. Ours also took a photo of each spot and sent off to our local service center. I scheduled an appointment for when I could bring it in. We also were told we had 3 days I think to report any other issues we might find so they could be added to the Due Bill. They know you might not catch everything at time of delivery. Got it back looking good, wasn’t sure where the spots were that were done. Did have to wait something like 30 days for the paint to cure before I could get it wrapped. Happy with the work they did and love driving my car.

 

[jkoya]

What's the general process for dealing with paint issues on delivery? Just open a service call or should I be trying to talk to a delivery person?

Rocklin, CA Service Center told me to contact the Body Shop directly for faster results. A Tesla Mobile Tech told me the body shop has a separate building just to handle the work for Tesla.

For me, the Tesla approved body shop wanted every item I added on to the original "Due Bill" listed under my "Service Profile" (Tesla's term, not mine). I forwarded them all the emails (body shop was cc'd on all of them also) from Tesla's NorCal concerns with the pics to document that each add on was approved. My original Due Bill only had two items listed. By the time I dropped off the car at the body shop 2.5 months later, my Due Bill grew to about 12 items.

I got a 2018 Tesla Model S 100D as a loaner and the panel gaps on that car were worse than on my Model 3. It also had sand particles imbedded into the paint as well.

 

[jonotastic]

People making excuses for Tesla's poor operational and quality standards are only hurting the long term prospects of the company. It's our job to make sure Tesla knows its shortcomings because if it develops a mass reputation of poor quality, chaos, etc... the chances of it surviving are slim come next recession.

 

[Sean Wagner]

I was wondering why Tesla didn't add sidewalls to their new car transporters. It seems obvious they'd help preserve both money and customers' nerves.

 

[massfd63m1]

I was wondering why Tesla didn't add sidewalls to their new car transporters. It seems obvious they'd help preserve both money and customers' nerves.

I am unsure but was told at the store they use private contractors for transport

 

[jjfash]

I took delivery of a model 3 at Mount Kisco, NY last Friday and received the car full of scratches. Here is a shot of the worst part.

On the upside, they said they would reimburse me for the paint correction.

 

[Sean Wagner]

I am unsure but was told at the store they use private contractors for transport

Here's the source regarding the presumed new car carriers:
Tesla’s massive parts distribution center in Lathrop, CA is nearing completion
Direct link to vid:

 

[jjfash]

I declined washing and detailing before delivery so this was most likely done during the installation/delivery process. The delivery specialist I spoke said that I would have gotten the car in perfect condition if I didn't decline the detailing. I doubt they would have done a full 2 step compound/polish restoration though. If I did the delivery again I would have allowed them to do their normal preparation for me to identify these issues more easily on delivery day. Here's a spot on the hood we found where the did some sanding, but never followed up with a polish:

 

[Beaver]

I took delivery of a model 3 at Mount Kisco, NY last Friday and received the car full of scratches. Here is a shot of the worst part.

View attachment 390479

On the upside, they said they would reimburse me for the paint correction.

What the hell did they do to cause that? It is like they took a dirty old rag and ran it over the car.

 

[jjfash]

What the hell did they do to cause that? It is like they took a dirty old rag and ran it over the car.

The detailer I took it too said he's been wrapping/coating a lot of Teslas lately and they all have rough paint. I don't think the OP made the right decision by rejecting the car. The next one will probably also need work. If Tesla is willing to reimburse you for the detailing, take it to a professional shop. I haven't provided Tesla with the receipt of work yet, but if they follow through with their reimbursement, I think that's the way to go

 

[ricohman]

Amateur hour.

 

[ICE2EVGuy]

We took delivery of a Blue M3 this Sunday. Me and my wife looked pretty closely (twice) and were able to find a total of 3 small scratches. 1 on the rear door side panel, rest on the back bumper. We were given a due bill and were reached out to yesterday for scheduling an appointment. Servie center is overwhelmed and the closest appointment available is a month out but I am glad they are fixing it.

Having said that, I come from a Merc C Class and I am not happy with the quality of paint. The consistency is sorely missing. Lines reflecting of the paint seem cascaded and not straight. I looked at several M3's parked in the lot to make sure that just isn't our car and it wasn't. Having paid $66k total including taxes, I have been disappointed with the paint!

 

[jonotastic]

I am supposed to pick up my car tomorrow at 10AM. I called the delivery department at the service center. They said it will be on time, if anything were to change you'd get a call from us, since it's within 24 hours. I just got an automated loan agreement email and it now says Thursday 10AM. No call. This is the 5th delay so far... ridiculous! I don't see how Tesla will stay in business like this. If they were selling $10,000 cars... I can understand, but come on $67k for this car. First one the door wouldn't open or close after 2 delays. This one now on it's 3rd delay. It's not like it's easy to open a week day available time and time again, especially late notice like this.

 

[jkoya]

I took delivery of a model 3 at Mount Kisco, NY last Friday and received the car full of scratches. Here is a shot of the worst part.

Wow - and I thought mine was bad.

 

[Visionary]

Wow this is scary stuff. Picking up a blue on 3/30.

 

[massfd63m1]

Just got my new vin should be ready this weekend I will hold hope for a better result

 

[massfd63m1]

Wow this is scary stuff. Picking up a blue on 3/30.

Where from? I’m 3/31