Sharing this as hopefully there are lessons for others to gain. It's already been 2 trips to the service center and there are still issues with the car. It's been a series of false starts, hassles and headaches since I received my 2nd Model S (Long Range 100D). I called all of these issues in within 7 days of delivery but even then, the service reps made comments that they would fix these as a "favor" or "good will" like it was an exception being made for me. I know the service center employees are the unsung heroes as some of us have to take our new Teslas to the service center to finish assembly/build. I guess lessons are don't buy a new car if it was built during the heat a pandemic (I got a Covid Tesla) and inspect super carefully BEFORE accepting delivery. There are some things the service center can't or won't fix.
Front Bumper
B-Pillar Drivers Side
Front Bumper
- 2 Scratches on left corner of front bumper. - Both scratches are parallel and straight and can probably be buffed out in my opinion. Stuff happens during transport so I get it.
- Right front bumper fits deeper than the headlights which exposes the headlights. If you compare to the left side (driver side), something is definitely off.
- Service Center Solution - They are going to order a new bumper which has to be painted and the whole deal. I'm a little surprised the fix has to be so extreme but they didn't give a lot of detail on why this is. It's possible this is related to the bumper/hood alignment issues. UPDATE: so they replaced the bumper for 2 small scratches and the fit/alignment is more or less the same. I'm really confused as to why they did this. I think the scratches could have been buffed out. I guess it's fixed either way but when they put the sensors back into the bumper, the black silicon cover didn't fit right and the wires are now partially exposed. Maybe I can put some tape over it.
- 2 Deep Chips on right side (passenger) of hood - Frankly this defect alone should deem the car as damaged or defective. It looks like some kind of tool or clamp dug two teeth marks into it.
- Left side (driver's) hood closes 1/4 inch above the left quarter panel. - Panel alignment/body issues are well documented on forums so I expected this. I had the same issues with the last Model S. It still disappointing that this hasn't been addressed at the plant. It's seems like the shape of the hood is off.
- Sparkles/Glitter Spots all over hood - At first glance they look like water spots but when you look closer they have a sparkle and looks like clear coat overspray. This is horrible, I really don't know what to say to this one.
- Caked Polish on the edges of the hood - I had to use a soft rag to get all of it off but could not get into the headlights.
- Service Center Solution - They said all paint issues will be resolved on the follow-up visit. I'm very concerned about the hood alignment issues however. They said this is normal but I looked at several other cars while waiting at the service center and none had this issue. UPDATE: They acknowledged the overspray on the hood but tried to say that I called in the issue with the chips too late and said all they could do is touch up the paint. When I mentioned this to the Service rep on the 1st visit he said for all they know I could have caused this after I got the car but they would go ahead address as a "good will" towards me. WTH does that even mean??? Anyways, I made a point for the manager to come out and he said it's more than just applying touch-up. He said they their detail guy has been doing this for 40 years and I would barely notice after he's done. Also, he said they would detail/wash the whole car and have someone deliver the car to me. NONE of this happened. The chips look exactly the same and only the parts addressed were clean, the rest of the car was the same as when I dropped it off. They did address the overspray by polishing the hood.
B-Pillar Drivers Side
- Plastic/leather cover by B-pillar is dislodged loose - Looks like the clip that keeps it in place was broken during install. I don't understand how this could pass QC.
- Service Center Solution - New part must be ordered. UPDATE: Issue was resolved.
- Trunk doesn't close evenly, closes more on the left side than right side. - A Panel alignment/body issues are well documented on forums so I expected this. I had the same issues with the last Model S. It's still disappointing that these type of issues still exist.
- Left plastic panel in trunk is broken, does not attach/bulges out. - Looks like the clip that keeps it in place was broken during install. I don't understand how this could pass QC.UPDATE: Issue came back again!!
- Service Center Solution - They said they adjusted something with the trunk on the service notes but still looks the same. Also, it doesn't look like the left plastic panel was repaired either.
- Overspray - There is a glitter-like coat over the entire windshield that glares when driving in the sun. This is also all over the hood of the car.
- Service Center Solution - UPDATE: They acknowledged this issue on the second visit and was resolved by polishing the windshield.