Refused Delivery Today

[carter_seattle]

Today was the day that I was finally going to take delivery of a Model Y (LR/AWD/Induction/Blue/Black). I live in Seattle, WA and we (my wife and two kids) drove down to the Renton Service Center for delivery.

I was armed with delivery checklist and was mentally prepared to walk away from the car if it seemed like it had too many issues. Well, I won't bury the lede: it had way too many issues. The highlights:

• Almost a dozen small paint issues/scratches all over the car (front and back).
• A few large scratches on the rear bumper area.
• Several panel gaps that were either too wide or too narrow (flush with another panel or trim).
• Condensation in one of the fog lights.
• Door trim that was oddly faded and not matching the blackness of the rest of the trim.
• Rear tail lights totally mis-mounted and sticking out / mis-aligned.

It's pretty clear that little to no quality control or inspection went into this vehicle (vin # 011xxx) before it was presented to me for delivery.

The delivery specialist I spoke to was pretty clear: if I accepted delivery, it would be my car and I'd have to hope for the best in terms of getting these issues fixed. He also reminded me that if I returned the car under their 7-day return policy, I would be prohibited by buying another Model Y for 1 year.

He suggested that I give them a chance to correct the issues. He seemed confident that his delivery team could correct the paint/cosmetic issues, but he said he'd have to check with Service on the issues regarding panel gaps, tail light mounting, etc.

So, we drove home without the Tesla Model Y. I apologized to my wife and promised my kids a treat on the way home. I'm expecting to hear from Tesla about a re-scheduled delivery, so fingers crossed that they can correct these issues!

On question and one bit of strong advice:

Advice: whether you take delivery OR NOT, please take tons of pictures and video. I didn't do that, and I really wish I had so that I could share them with you all now and get your thoughts on whether these were issues or not.

Question: Does anyone know of any good, clear photos of what "spec" panel gaps and alignment should be? I would have killed to have been able to reference this during my delivery.

Thanks!

 

[BreatheEasier]

Pathetic. Just pathetic. I question the integrity of the delivery specialist for even presenting a vehicle to a customer in this shape. The more I hear about others receiving unacceptable MYs, the more I'm learning to appreciate that my SC and delivery specialist didn't even let me see the car or even have the opportunity to accept delivery, and they are addressing issues before delivery. For sure, I'm still going to come with my checklist and go through all the paces, and still could refuse delivery, but I feel that at least the egregious issues should have been addressed. Guess I'll (finally) find out this week.

 

[tinm]

Sounds like Tesla is trying to deliver as many Ys as it can in Q2 and is hoping ost customers aren’t armed with checklists and are missing all the quality control flaws. I’ve also seen recent factory photos (assuming they’re legit) that show they’re making the Ys in the (in-)famous tent. Quality control seems especially bad for tent-made vehicles. And here I am thinking of buying a Y. Now thinking maybe I need to wait a while.

 

[Kelr316]

I so want to order a model Y, but just seeing all these deliveries with issues I just can’t bring myself to pull the trigger just yet.

 

[LevelHeaded]

Sounds like Tesla is trying to deliver as many Ys as it can in Q2 and is hoping ost customers aren’t armed with checklists and are missing all the quality control flaws. I’ve also seen recent factory photos (assuming they’re legit) that show they’re making the Ys in the (in-)famous tent. Quality control seems especially bad for tent-made vehicles. And here I am thinking of buying a Y. Now thinking maybe I need to wait a while.

they are definitely making the Y in the tent. In fact that’s the only assembly line they’re using at the moment

 

[NY_Rob]

Glad you stuck to your guns @carter_seattle .. if more potential clients did that Tesla would be forced to address this complete disaster re-launch. Pushing out garbage is just not acceptable no matter how much the car costs. What has happened to the expectations of paying for a new vehicle and getting something that's better than the one you're trading in?

Get ready for the Tesla fanbois saying it's your fault, you're being too picky, it's to be expected with a new model car, Tesla has always had these issues, bla.. bla.. bla.. barf!!

 

[Pismo]

So I have a MY reservation here in Seattle too @carter_seattle , however, after talking to a delivery specialist, I may cancel the reservation, and $100. Then re-order, with referral, this just means, yes you get the referral (Total $100-150 value), but you get the "Second batch" of cars.
It seems pretty clear, this first batch of cars has many flaws in it. The DS mentioned if I did cancel it would push me back to the next batch/run of cars built in Fremont.
Just food for thought.

 

[DBdragon]

Today was the day that I was finally going to take delivery of a Model Y (LR/AWD/Induction/Blue/Black). I live in Seattle, WA and we (my wife and two kids) drove down to the Renton Service Center for delivery.

I was armed with delivery checklist and was mentally prepared to walk away from the car if it seemed like it had too many issues. Well, I won't bury the lede: it had way too many issues. The highlights:

• Almost a dozen small paint issues/scratches all over the car (front and back).
• A few large scratches on the rear bumper area.
• Several panel gaps that were either too wide or too narrow (flush with another panel or trim).
• Condensation in one of the fog lights.
• Door trim that was oddly faded and not matching the blackness of the rest of the trim.
• Rear tail lights totally mis-mounted and sticking out / mis-aligned.

It's pretty clear that little to no quality control or inspection went into this vehicle (vin # 011xxx) before it was presented to me for delivery.

The delivery specialist I spoke to was pretty clear: if I accepted delivery, it would be my car and I'd have to hope for the best in terms of getting these issues fixed. He also reminded me that if I returned the car under their 7-day return policy, I would be prohibited by buying another Model Y for 1 year.

He suggested that I give them a chance to correct the issues. He seemed confident that his delivery team could correct the paint/cosmetic issues, but he said he'd have to check with Service on the issues regarding panel gaps, tail light mounting, etc.

So, we drove home without the Tesla Model Y. I apologized to my wife and promised my kids a treat on the way home. I'm expecting to hear from Tesla about a re-scheduled delivery, so fingers crossed that they can correct these issues!

On question and one bit of strong advice:

Advice: whether you take delivery OR NOT, please take tons of pictures and video. I didn't do that, and I really wish I had so that I could share them with you all now and get your thoughts on whether these were issues or not.

Question: Does anyone know of any good, clear photos of what "spec" panel gaps and alignment should be? I would have killed to have been able to reference this during my delivery.

Thanks!

I had same experience last Saturday. I was re-scheduled to take the delivery one week later. After further consideration, I decided to reject the delivery on Tuesday. Now I have a new VIN assigned.

 

[gundarx]

thanks for sharing your story @carter_seattle - hope you get a satisfactory car soon; can’t believe they tried to deliver you a car with those issues - mine was not perfect either and my Y is in the renton lot- if you saw a blue MYP with white interior dotted with blue painters tape, that’s mine and will probably be back to me this Friday. I’ll let you know if they are able to address the dozens of paint issues I identified after getting it back.

 

[Souper72]

Today was the day that I was finally going to take delivery of a Model Y (LR/AWD/Induction/Blue/Black). I live in Seattle, WA and we (my wife and two kids) drove down to the Renton Service Center for delivery.

I was armed with delivery checklist and was mentally prepared to walk away from the car if it seemed like it had too many issues. Well, I won't bury the lede: it had way too many issues. The highlights:

• Almost a dozen small paint issues/scratches all over the car (front and back).
• A few large scratches on the rear bumper area.
• Several panel gaps that were either too wide or too narrow (flush with another panel or trim).
• Condensation in one of the fog lights.
• Door trim that was oddly faded and not matching the blackness of the rest of the trim.
• Rear tail lights totally mis-mounted and sticking out / mis-aligned.

It's pretty clear that little to no quality control or inspection went into this vehicle (vin # 011xxx) before it was presented to me for delivery.

The delivery specialist I spoke to was pretty clear: if I accepted delivery, it would be my car and I'd have to hope for the best in terms of getting these issues fixed. He also reminded me that if I returned the car under their 7-day return policy, I would be prohibited by buying another Model Y for 1 year.

He suggested that I give them a chance to correct the issues. He seemed confident that his delivery team could correct the paint/cosmetic issues, but he said he'd have to check with Service on the issues regarding panel gaps, tail light mounting, etc.

So, we drove home without the Tesla Model Y. I apologized to my wife and promised my kids a treat on the way home. I'm expecting to hear from Tesla about a re-scheduled delivery, so fingers crossed that they can correct these issues!

On question and one bit of strong advice:

Advice: whether you take delivery OR NOT, please take tons of pictures and video. I didn't do that, and I really wish I had so that I could share them with you all now and get your thoughts on whether these were issues or not.

Question: Does anyone know of any good, clear photos of what "spec" panel gaps and alignment should be? I would have killed to have been able to reference this during my delivery.

Thanks!

Thanks for sharing and the advice. There are many people out there eager and anxious to go pick up their cars. It's unfortunate but a good reminder to plan ahead and come prepared and ultimately refuse to not have to deal with headaches or remorse.

 

[EVortex]

Today was the day that I was finally going to take delivery of a Model Y (LR/AWD/Induction/Blue/Black). I live in Seattle, WA and we (my wife and two kids) drove down to the Renton Service Center for delivery.

I was armed with delivery checklist and was mentally prepared to walk away from the car if it seemed like it had too many issues. Well, I won't bury the lede: it had way too many issues. The highlights:

• Almost a dozen small paint issues/scratches all over the car (front and back).
• A few large scratches on the rear bumper area.
• Several panel gaps that were either too wide or too narrow (flush with another panel or trim).
• Condensation in one of the fog lights.
• Door trim that was oddly faded and not matching the blackness of the rest of the trim.
• Rear tail lights totally mis-mounted and sticking out / mis-aligned.

It's pretty clear that little to no quality control or inspection went into this vehicle (vin # 011xxx) before it was presented to me for delivery.

The delivery specialist I spoke to was pretty clear: if I accepted delivery, it would be my car and I'd have to hope for the best in terms of getting these issues fixed. He also reminded me that if I returned the car under their 7-day return policy, I would be prohibited by buying another Model Y for 1 year.

He suggested that I give them a chance to correct the issues. He seemed confident that his delivery team could correct the paint/cosmetic issues, but he said he'd have to check with Service on the issues regarding panel gaps, tail light mounting, etc.

So, we drove home without the Tesla Model Y. I apologized to my wife and promised my kids a treat on the way home. I'm expecting to hear from Tesla about a re-scheduled delivery, so fingers crossed that they can correct these issues!

On question and one bit of strong advice:

Advice: whether you take delivery OR NOT, please take tons of pictures and video. I didn't do that, and I really wish I had so that I could share them with you all now and get your thoughts on whether these were issues or not.

Question: Does anyone know of any good, clear photos of what "spec" panel gaps and alignment should be? I would have killed to have been able to reference this during my delivery.

Thanks!

Now that you have had a little time to reflect, do you have any regrets or second thoughts about refusing delivery? I know it must have been disappointing not to drive home in a new MY today.

 

[Uncle Paul]

Nothing really new to see here.

Forever Tesla has produced remarkable cars, but with sketchy fit and finish.

Process is that when you go for delivery you might be delighted with a great, well put together and beautifully finished car...or you may not.

Need to then work out decision to accept delivery with the hopes that the service centers will be able to correct those issues to your satisfaction or walk away.

Usually if you reject a delivery, they will themselves send it to their shop to have the corrections done, then offer it to the next customer in line.
In OP's case the small paint scratches will be buffed out, the door panel replaced, rear bumper and fog light replaced and the tail lights realigned. Probably done in just a couple hours. They keep pre-painted bumpers in stock to allow quick exchanges. Could be delivered again the next day.

Not a great customer centric program, but it allows them the abillity to deliver more cars to other customers waiting in line.

Believe the workers on the line are not putting out the quality that Tesla and their customers would like to see, but that is the type of workers they must deal with. Quality inspectors can only do so much to manage the quality of the output, with the current huge demand and intense pressure to make Quarterly numbers to make the stockholders (+$900/share) happy.

 

[carter_seattle]

Now that you have had a little time to reflect, do you have any regrets or second thoughts about refusing delivery? I know it must have been disappointing not to drive home in a new MY today.

Well, I've only had a few hours to reflect. But no, no regrets. There's no pressure to take delivery since we have another car and there isn't anything coming up (i.e. road trip) that would have required the new car.

Nothing really new to see here.

Well, it was new to me. I bought my first Tesla in 2017. It was a CPO 2015 Model S, and when I showed up to the SODO Service Center, it was parked inside in a well-lit service bay and was arguably in better condition than the brand-new car I tried to buy today. It has clearly been washed and shined, and the delivery specialist was proud to show it off.

In Renton, my Y was wedged into a small outdoor parking space that was overflowing with cars. It might have been washed at some point, but by the time I got there it was covered in a light layer of pollen. It also started drizzling as I was checking the car and during my conversation with the delivery person, which was both annoying and made the job of reviewing the car harder.

I love Tesla, love their products and am a shareholder. I root for the company and the sustainable and amazing future they are building every day. So I share these experiences with a measure of sadness, but think it's important to hold the company accountable so that they can improve.

 

[BalletJH]

"Within spec" according to tesla rep. Panel gaps, misalignment, a lot of wind noise coming from top glass and left window/door, car can't drive straight. I used a thorough checklist at delivery. Didn't see any paint defects. I feel like the other little things I can check at home. That is why I accepted delivery. My biggest regret was not test driving the car at various speeds before I signed for delivery. Car is in service the 3rd day after I took delivery. Will spend more time in service than with me in this 7 day period.
I'm considering returning btw.

 

[Troy]

Question: Does anyone know of any good, clear photos of what "spec" panel gaps and alignment should be? I would have killed to have been able to reference this during my delivery.

Check out this video:

 

[rxlawdude]

My biggest regret was not test driving the car at various speeds before I signed for delivery. Car is in service the 3rd day after I took delivery.

I've never heard of Tesla allowing a test drive before acceptance. Never.

 

[jayely1]

Is there a checklist anyone has made before I take delivery of mine?? This is getting really sad and pathetic of Tesla.. It's crazy how little of quality control is going on, some of these issue ar so damn obvious, even looking over the car for under 2 minutes..

 

[qdeathstar]

Is there a checklist anyone has made before I take delivery of mine?? This is getting really sad and pathetic of Tesla.. It's crazy how little of quality control is going on, some of these issue ar so damn obvious, even looking over the car for under 2 minutes..

Just walk around the car and look. Any defect you don’t see immediately shouldn’t cause you to loose sleep. When i picked up my car i thought it was in decent shape but by the next morning i found misaligned doors, rear hatch, and some minor paint defects. Tesla was responsive. I haven’t gotten the car back yet but i have a loaner in the emma time.

 

[carter_seattle]

Check out this video:

My God. The car I saw what so far off from the car in that video, that I can't even process what I just saw.

 

[Bikeman]

Holy cow. 11,000+ cars in and they aren't coming out any better than the first few hundred. I'll be waiting another year or more before I even consider ordering a Y, after I reading all these delivery horror stories. The only way Tesla is going to improve QC is for delivered cars to be refused or by shaming Tesla into fixing these assembly blunders at the factory, or at least before they set them up for final pick-up by the customer. And I really want Tesla to get beyond these quality issues as fast as possible for their own sake and all of us prospective customers.