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Rear hatch weld issue
- Thread starter rijc99
- Start date
They're cracks in the weld. Mobile service says the hatch might need to be replaced.
Mike_TV
Active Member
Thanks for the pics and follow up. This should prompt others and myself to inspect this.
There are some known body issues that, I don't think Tesla will admit or be proactive about, like the warped - poorly stamped Frunk hoods some of us have, unless people complain.
There are some known body issues that, I don't think Tesla will admit or be proactive about, like the warped - poorly stamped Frunk hoods some of us have, unless people complain.
TheNeck
Member
thanks for the heads up about this issue.
let us know if you get the whole hatch replaced, im curious to know. especially if they replace the hatch.
let us know if you get the whole hatch replaced, im curious to know. especially if they replace the hatch.
I pointed out the cracks to a mobile ranger who was out to install a replacement spoiler. He sent a few pictures to his supervisor and they decided my car should go to a service center with a body shop. According to the mobile tech there was no point installing the spoiler as the hatch will mostly be replaced. My appointment is 1/20. I’ll report back then.
I should have titled this Rear hatch weld issue so it’s easier to search for in case others come across this issue in the future.
You can report your thread and ask a mod to edit the title for you.
LevelHeaded
Member
Noticed this on my June build when I got it. Assumed they wouldn’t do anything about it... maybe I should point out!
I'd definitely report it if I saw it. Just because if later something happens you have it on record that you reported it and Tesla decided it didn't need any further action. As a small crack, it's possible body shop could re-weld it and paint it without a new one... Not sure the cost is worth it, but that's a Tesla issue at this point.
jf64k
Member
Is that a weld crack, or just paint cracking? The paint looks really thick along that section of your hatch.
LevelHeaded
Member
This is located basically right above the license plate, near the license plate lights, in the crease
On both sides. Goes in pretty deep around the corner. I originally thought it was paint cracking like how a house gets cracks during an earthquake. That’s why I originally titled this a paint issue. But I thought about further and there is no reason it should flex or be separating because this is welded and not two panels with grout sealing the joint.
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Closer look. I realize it doesn’t look as bad when zoomed out but it looks worse in person. My fear is if this issue is due to bad welding then are there any other weak points in my car.
I found this about Model 3 weld issues...
"After the Journal report, Musk tweeted a video of the Model 3 production line, which was operating at one-tenth of its potential speed. In the video, sparks fly as two robotic arms assemble parts of the vehicle frame. He followed with another on Wednesday, Oct. 11, showing body panel stamping at full speed.
"Resistance welding should make a little smoke, but when you see stuff popping out like that, that's called expulsion," automotive manufacturing consultant Michael Tracy of Agile Group in Howell, Mich., said of the first video. "It's symptomatic of weld spots getting too hot because they're poorly planned, or in this case, the metal not being pulled all the way together."
Poor welds can increase the damage to a vehicle in an accident, and can lead to rattling and squeaking as the car ages, Tracy said."
I found this about Model 3 weld issues...
"After the Journal report, Musk tweeted a video of the Model 3 production line, which was operating at one-tenth of its potential speed. In the video, sparks fly as two robotic arms assemble parts of the vehicle frame. He followed with another on Wednesday, Oct. 11, showing body panel stamping at full speed.
"Resistance welding should make a little smoke, but when you see stuff popping out like that, that's called expulsion," automotive manufacturing consultant Michael Tracy of Agile Group in Howell, Mich., said of the first video. "It's symptomatic of weld spots getting too hot because they're poorly planned, or in this case, the metal not being pulled all the way together."
Poor welds can increase the damage to a vehicle in an accident, and can lead to rattling and squeaking as the car ages, Tracy said."
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73Bruin
Member
I looked at my 12/20 manufacture date Blue Model Y to see if I had this same issue. I don't have any cracks (at least at present), but I did notice a very small oblong "rough" patch on one side in the exact same area, almost like some welding debris that wasn't ground out. I would guestimate its size as a 1/4" w by 3/16" hIt is covered with paint and I failed to notice it in my initial inspection as its nestled under that lip. If I hadn't read this thread, I probably never would have. Its the only defect that I have noticed to date (other than the driver's mirror issue). Any thoughts?
It’s always best to at least document the findings and send a picture to Tesla just in case it does become an issue in the future.
Sixth
Member
Sixth
Member
So update, I forgot about this post and managed to take a look the same area where OP has an issue. It seems I have it as well, it seems the crack is prominent where the taillight and seam meet. Im going to initiate a query on the app and see what Tesla says.
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I have the same crack on mine (June Build). The body shop said it was cracked paint and they just filled it with white caulk.
I had the same on our Y. The SC tried fixing with some touch up but it ended up cracking again. The car went originally in to body shop for dee scratch on bumper and ding/scrape on a-pillar. The car came back to the SC with the rear badge missing. I thought it strange and the SA as well, to find out it’s because they resprayed the bottom half of the trunk to fix the cracks. I’m scheduled for pick up today. I’m hoping the paint blends well. Pearl white. 
. The sc put on a new badge after paint. Is it an issue putting in the badge soon after paint?
Going to front ppf the car, but after about a week or 2 after getting it back today.
. The sc put on a new badge after paint. Is it an issue putting in the badge soon after paint?Going to front ppf the car, but after about a week or 2 after getting it back today.
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