Production Quality Issues at Delivery?

[ssrajputev]

Hello everyone,

I'm set to have my S60 delivered sometime later this month. I've been looking at local detail shops for paint protection, clear bra, window, etc.

One place I visited (very close to the Fremont factory) told me about quality issues for new Model S's. He's done many Teslas in the recent past. He said about 90% of people send their cars after delivery and don't notice the issues I'll list, but he does give the complimentary option to go with new owners to the Fremont factory on delivery day to scope out the overall condition of the car. He said in the 10% of people that have him look it, he's noted several problem areas.

He had one car recently with the chrome trim not fitting correctly, the hood and doors' alignment being off, panel trim on the inside of doors not lining up, etc. After he noted this to Tesla and the new owner, Tesla said it'd take 34 labor hours to fix these issues. Obviously, the owner couldn't take "delivery" of his car, and Tesla had to give him a loaner for over a week. At Tesla decided to fix these issues, which I did see other forum members write about earlier in previous months.

I'm wondering if this is still an issue. My detail guy thinks it's because Tesla is focusing on getting through the large waitlist of the Model X with its complexity, and as a result, the production quality of the Model S has suffered. Have people been experiencing these types of issues with recent deliveries of the new, restyled Model S's?

 

[jeffro01]

The vast majority of cars produced, especially on the Model S side, are solid and have no issues at delivery so you rarely see anything about the Model S anymore. The huge exception to that rule is at quarter end... Tesla tends to cram through as many cars at the end of the quarter as possible which has an impact on quality unfortunately. This is something the community has been critical of, and rightly so, for some time now. If you can avoid an end of quarter delivery then you're likely to get a Model S that's well polished and ready to roll...

The Model X is an entirely different story at this stage in the game...

Jeff

 

[ssrajputev]

The vast majority of cars produced, especially on the Model S side, are solid and have no issues at delivery so you rarely see anything about the Model S anymore. The huge exception to that rule is at quarter end... Tesla tends to cram through as many cars at the end of the quarter as possible which has an impact on quality unfortunately. This is something the community has been critical of, and rightly so, for some time now. If you can avoid an end of quarter delivery then you're likely to get a Model S that's well polished and ready to roll...

The Model X is an entirely different story at this stage in the game...

Jeff

That's good to hear. I'm glad my car is being delivered this month and not at the end of September (end of Q3) to hopefully avoid these potential issues.

 

[Pantoot]

Make sure you take your time at delivery. I rushed the pickup as this was my second S, and the tint guy found a "nub" in the clearcoat and a dent in the chrome window surrounds. Last night I noticed the rear quarter panel doesn't seem to be snapped in(?). I can pull it out with my finger along the top and make it bow out.
So far they haven't been any trouble to get fixed, they corrected the paint and the trim in less than 10 mins, but getting over to the service center is a pain.

 

[zambono]

Hello everyone,

I'm set to have my S60 delivered sometime later this month. I've been looking at local detail shops for paint protection, clear bra, window, etc.

One place I visited (very close to the Fremont factory) told me about quality issues for new Model S's. He's done many Teslas in the recent past. He said about 90% of people send their cars after delivery and don't notice the issues I'll list, but he does give the complimentary option to go with new owners to the Fremont factory on delivery day to scope out the overall condition of the car. He said in the 10% of people that have him look it, he's noted several problem areas.

He had one car recently with the chrome trim not fitting correctly, the hood and doors' alignment being off, panel trim on the inside of doors not lining up, etc. After he noted this to Tesla and the new owner, Tesla said it'd take 34 labor hours to fix these issues. Obviously, the owner couldn't take "delivery" of his car, and Tesla had to give him a loaner for over a week. At Tesla decided to fix these issues, which I did see other forum members write about earlier in previous months.

I'm wondering if this is still an issue. My detail guy thinks it's because Tesla is focusing on getting through the large waitlist of the Model X with its complexity, and as a result, the production quality of the Model S has suffered. Have people been experiencing these types of issues with recent deliveries of the new, restyled Model S's?

Delivered a couple weeks ago, fender alignment issue, divot in interior aluminum, i have the rust looking liquid in a fog light, cleaned it up and haven't seen since. Anyhow Tesla is aware of all 3 issues and will take care of it in an appointment and I will get a loaner

 

[ssrajputev]

Delivered a couple weeks ago, fender alignment issue, divot in interior aluminum, i have the rust looking liquid in a fog light, cleaned it up and haven't seen since. Anyhow Tesla is aware of all 3 issues and will take care of it in an appointment and I will get a loaner

Did you notice these issues at delivery time or after going home? Based on what I've read here, Tesla will still honor/fix the issues after the fact. I just plan on having my car go straight to the detailer (would be there for a week), so fixing these potential issues would delay that process.

I guess I'll have my brother-in-law go with me or that detailer (if I choose him), since they are more knowledge about this stuff. Although it'd be nice to drive my car right away, I want it protected first, as there's an issue with rock chips, tree pollen, and bug crap during my daily commute on 880 and 237 to work. I even have to wait the 4-6 weeks to get my HOV stickers anyways. I'll probably take the Nissan Leaf we have in our house.

 

[SoccerMan94043]

Delivered mid June from Fremont:

1) Extremely dirty exterior (for a new car)
2) Small divot on top of the steering wheel - noted and on the due bill
3) Small defect near the top, driver side pano roof glass. Not a huge deal to me and not added to the due bill.
4) Stuck pixel on the 17" monitor. Not seen until a few days after delivery (you can check this by putting your screen into clean mode) and setting up for a service appointment in two weeks.
5) Chrome trim not aligned and rubber issues on the bottom, passenger side back door. I didn't see this at pick up and I was looking. I think it may be lifting. Lining up for the service appointment.
6) A sound something like a piece of paper flapping in the wind in the passenger side air duct. I'm guessing there is a label in there making the noise. Also being lined up for the service appointment.
7) 12V lighter socket doesn't work (I assume a fuse issue). Just found this yesterday.
8) Alignment isn't great between panel, but not bad enough to change things.

Based on the stuff I've been reading this kind of thing is way too common for Tesla. This wasn't near what it should have been for a 100K car and people should hold Tesla more accountable.

 

[zambono]

Did you notice these issues at delivery time or after going home? Based on what I've read here, Tesla will still honor/fix the issues after the fact. I just plan on having my car go straight to the detailer (would be there for a week), so fixing these potential issues would delay that process.

I guess I'll have my brother-in-law go with me or that detailer (if I choose him), since they are more knowledge about this stuff. Although it'd be nice to drive my car right away, I want it protected first, as there's an issue with rock chips, tree pollen, and bug crap during my daily commute on 880 and 237 to work. I even have to wait the 4-6 weeks to get my HOV stickers anyways. I'll probably take the Nissan Leaf we have in our house.

Noticed all at delivery except the rusty spots. My appointment is in a couple weeks. You want to find as much there, specially if it's something that could happen with use such as interior trim damage.

 

[miggz410]

Took delivery about 2 weeks ago, and found a few issues a week after... I was so amazed and excited during the delivery that I didn't notice it. Also I trusted the DS who was helping me out. He did find a a small chip on my pano roof on where you pull the screw tab. On the due bill.

Last week when I got back from my trip. I notice the chrome trim on my drivers side doesn't align properly. Also notice a swirl on the paint job on my passenger side mirror.

I just emailed my DS about it and see where to go from there.

 

[ssrajputev]

Noticed all at delivery except the rusty spots. My appointment is in a couple weeks. You want to find as much there, specially if it's something that could happen with use such as interior trim damage.

Thanks for the tip! Yeah, I'll make sure to be vigilant about these issues and not rush the delivery appointment.

 

[ssrajputev]

Delivered mid June from Fremont:

1) Extremely dirty exterior (for a new car)
2) Small divot on top of the steering wheel - noted and on the due bill
3) Small defect near the top, driver side pano roof glass. Not a huge deal to me and not added to the due bill.
4) Stuck pixel on the 17" monitor. Not seen until a few days after delivery (you can check this by putting your screen into clean mode) and setting up for a service appointment in two weeks.
5) Chrome trim not aligned and rubber issues on the bottom, passenger side back door. I didn't see this at pick up and I was looking. I think it may be lifting. Lining up for the service appointment.
6) A sound something like a piece of paper flapping in the wind in the passenger side air duct. I'm guessing there is a label in there making the noise. Also being lined up for the service appointment.
7) 12V lighter socket doesn't work (I assume a fuse issue). Just found this yesterday.
8) Alignment isn't great between panel, but not bad enough to change things.

Based on the stuff I've been reading this kind of thing is way too common for Tesla. This wasn't near what it should have been for a 100K car and people should hold Tesla more accountable.

That seems like several issues. I agree. I wonder how long it'll take Tesla to fix those issues.

I didn't people would be seeing these issues four years after production started for the Model S. I just have to be aware then.

 

[superm1]

What detailer did you go to (I'm from Fremont and plan to get some kind of protection soon)?

 

[ssrajputev]

What detailer did you go to (I'm from Fremont and plan to get some kind of protection soon)?

Haha I live in Fremont too, Mission San Jose to be exact. I've gone to a few different places and haven't confirmed a place, since I don't have an exact delivery date yet.

But, Jason at Carzwerk on Christy/Auto Mall is the one who specifically talked about these quality issues and has been to the factory. He does ceramic pro paint protection, interior protection, and the xpel clear bra. He doesn't do tinting, but his neighbor right next door at Auto Tint Specialist does 3M Crystalline Tinting. Tak to Greg there. They both have worked on many Teslas.

The other place in Fremont is OCDetailing (Joseph Torbati) in the Centerville area. He just moved his shop from Walnut Creek to Fremont. Many people here on the forum have recommended him. Joe does everything there (paint protection, such as cquartz finest and opticoat pro, xpel clear bra, interior protection, window tint, powder coating of the wheels, etc.).

 

[superm1]

I was considering doing the Kamikaze with Jason and auto mall tint as well but I had no idea Joe moved to Fremont. Having to go to WC was holding me back a bit there.

 

[ssrajputev]

I was considering doing the Kamikaze with Jason and auto mall tint as well but I had no idea Joe moved to Fremont. Having to go to WC was holding me back a bit there.

Yeah, Joe is actually in the process of renovating/building his new shop in Fremont, which is why he's not taking several projects at the moment as before in WC.

 

[MGMDaware]

posted elsewhere, but thought I'd add my recent experience.

Setup to pick car up on friday at 4pm. Got a call at 3pm stating delivery appt was cancelled due to "defect that would prevent them from letting me take delivery". Apparently, the rear left quarter panel was "a different shade of silver" then the rest of the car. They are sending to a "Tesla certified" paint shop to have it "re-detailed and painted". My delivery is tentatively rescheduled for next friday or saturday.

I will absolutely be taking my time with the delivery. May even bring a laser level to check the trim

 

[zambono]

posted elsewhere, but thought I'd add my recent experience.

Setup to pick car up on friday at 4pm. Got a call at 3pm stating delivery appt was cancelled due to "defect that would prevent them from letting me take delivery". Apparently, the rear left quarter panel was "a different shade of silver" then the rest of the car. They are sending to a "Tesla certified" paint shop to have it "re-detailed and painted". My delivery is tentatively rescheduled for next friday or saturday.

I will absolutely be taking my time with the delivery. May even bring a laser level to check the trim

Are you going to be working at the MGM?

 

[MGMDaware]

Are you going to be working at the MGM?

Lol. No. MG = initials. MD = degree. MD aware is a thing nurses document when they tell a doctor something they need to know. All my nurses like to say MG MD aware whenever I know something or if I make some smartass remark (happens a lot). It rolls off the tongue.

I do drive by the MGM construction site a lot though

 

[Chopr147]

I have read too many of these issues on this forum. I plan on taking my time on delivery day. But I will probably still miss something, at least Tesla makes good on these. This is unacceptable to me. The S is in it's 5th year and cars are still being delivered with misaligned panels? For many of us this is the most we will ever spend on a vehicle. I don't want to be a pain in the ass but the DS will have to wait for me to finish inspection before I sign anything

 

[MGMDaware]

I have read too many of these issues on this forum. I plan on taking my time on delivery day. But I will probably still miss something, at least Tesla makes good on these. This is unacceptable to me. The S is in it's 5th year and cars are still being delivered with misaligned panels? For many of us this is the most we will ever spend on a vehicle. I don't want to be a pain in the ass but the DS will have to wait for me to finish inspection before I sign anything

My understanding is..... They will wait and they are have patience. I think that's part of the experience and in their job description. I've heard they give you 2 hours, but it usually doesn't take more then 1 hr. I'm sure, if you needed more time, they would work with you. Granted, I have not taken delivery yet, but many people have commented on this.