Mine was new, but still delivered with issues. And then delivered after service with issues, some worse than when the service started. It was as if nobody even looked at the repair work.
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The longest service/repair ever...need advice
- Thread starter johnyoung1234
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- Model S
Mine was new, but still delivered with issues. And then delivered after service with issues, some worse than when the service started. It was as if nobody even looked at the repair work.
Mine was also a brand new car delivered with paint issues. Again I'm not complaining and I'm confident they will fix it to my satisfaction. But I agree they should be doing a better quality control on these before delivery to clients. I do think people are patient and willing to cut them some slack. I'd be irate if they tried giving me an ICE loaner. They told me I'd get a Model S loaner. Then the day before they said they might have to give me an Enterprise ICE. I wasn't happy. But ultimately I got a Model S. but i'm sure some people are getting ICE loaners. That would piss me off.
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stopcrazypp
Well-Known Member
Yeah, I think the loaners aren't cared for nearly as well as an owner would take care of theirs. The loaner I have has lots of swirl marks, some nicks and scrapes. Nothing serious and I'm not complaining but I don't think I'd want to buy a loaner car. Also, I have version 5.0 and this loaner is still on 4.5 and my 5.0 is much better. On my car, the auto present handles only work 50% of the time or so but on this one that I have they not only don't work but sometimes I will try to open the door and the handle will be open and when I pull the door won't open and I have to click on the key fob a few times.
Also, yesterday when they gave me a loaner, the first loaner they gave me I had to give back to them right away. They gave me the keys to it and right when I got it there was an alert warning saying that it needed servicing. So they gave me another P85 (the one I have now). I have to admit I was embarrassed for them that a car they were giving me to use as a loaner had a warning saying that it needed servicing.
I understand the OP's car wasn't new. But it sounds like at least some of us are getting brand new cars that have some paint issues. It will be nice to get my own car back. As someone else mentioned, it's a hassle not being able to use my own car and I can't use the iPhone App. Also, I only have one key, the GPS in 4.5 isn't nearly as good as 5.0. I wasn't sure if the loud AC fan noise was normal in my car as I've never owned an EV before. But I won't complain again because this older loaner's AC fan noise is much worse than mine. Also, the sunroof noise is fairly loud as well compared to mine.
That's one of the things they are fixing on my car while they have it in the shop. When I first got it the first week was a dream with how quiet the sunroof was. I could go above 55 MPH and it would be quiet. Then the 2nd week it started getting noisier. And also the seal looked like it was starting to melt and gooey black butyl goo was sticking all over the back sunroof when I opened it. I guess there is some service bulletin addressing that so they said they will change out the seals.
Also, something nice is that things I didn't complain about, they are going to fix as well. They emailed me a PDF with all the stuff they will fix and there were things I didn't request. So that is nice they take the initiative and fix things that apparently are in service bulletins.
Here are some of the things they are fixing:
Complaint Narrative: Bulletin: Model S | SB-13-12-004 | C-Pillar Brightwork CreakCause:
Correction: Apply Loctite on C-Pillar Brightwork on Both Sides, Clean Area
Complaint Narrative: Bulletin: Model S | SB-13-24-004 | Panoramic Roof CreakCause:
Correction: Panoramic Roof General Diagnosis
Complaint Narrative: Customer states: Customer reports sticky substance on Panoramic RoofCause:
Correction: Remove Butyl, Replace with Urethane and Install New Stop Seal
Complaint Narrative: Customer states: Vehicle delivered with scratch(es) and chips on hoodassembly
Cause:
Correction: Hood Assembly General Diagnosis
Complaint Narrative: Customer states: Rear bumper has chips and possible thin paint atseam where bumper interfaces with quarter panel and trunk
Cause:
Correction: Bumper/Fascia General Diagnosis
(I didn't complain about this but nice they automatically got the 2nd row cup holders and knew to install them without me asking them to. )
Complaint Narrative: Customer states: install accessory second row cup holder assyCause:
Correction: Install 2nd Row Cupholders
(Also, on this one I didn't complain it's difficult to lock into place. I actually complained it's too easy and dangerous that it unlatches so easily while the car is moving. As well the end cap broke off. Jerome with Tesla had an engineer make a prototype that they are installing in my car to make it more difficult to unlock. I believe this will eventually be a recall as IMHO it's not safe if you have young kids. They really need to make the lock more difficult or not able to fall flat while the car is in motion. )
Complaint Narrative: 3rd Row Rear Facing Seat Difficult to Lock into Place and a piece of theseat has physically broken
Cause:
Correction: Seat Assembly - 3rd Row
Discount:Subtotal:
Tax:
Shipping:
Total Customer Pay:Total Paid:
USD 0.00
Dave I. with the San Diego service center is a real pro. And very friendly. He has kept in touch with me and even emailed me shortly later that morning informing me that the car is already in the body shop. He said it will take several days and then they will get the car back from the body shop to work on all the needed repairs.
One thing I'm a bit worried about is I know when you sell a car in the future the first thing they do is check to see if paint work has been done and they can test it with meters. What happens when I sell this in the future if they painted the entire hood? Will it lower the value of my car? I guess I'll save all the original documentation but I'm still wondering how it will affect resale value to have to get a brand new car that has to get it's hood repainted? I'd appreciate some input on that issue from you car pros.
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Early -
There is no excuse for any of this, except poor QC.
I cannot speak for you, but if it were my car, I'd tell them they have just purchased a new demo unit, and I'll expect a fresh car from the factory.
When you get that JD Powers survey, please make sure to mark it poor in the areas that you see fit.
I'm tempted to cancel my order with all of these issues new people are having...I better go have a drink and calm down.
And before people start giving me the Tesla Kool Aid, the BOTTOM LINE is they should have never delivered the car in this condition--PERIOD. And YES, I'm referring to the NEW ones.
There is no excuse for any of this, except poor QC.
I cannot speak for you, but if it were my car, I'd tell them they have just purchased a new demo unit, and I'll expect a fresh car from the factory.
When you get that JD Powers survey, please make sure to mark it poor in the areas that you see fit.
I'm tempted to cancel my order with all of these issues new people are having...I better go have a drink and calm down.
And before people start giving me the Tesla Kool Aid, the BOTTOM LINE is they should have never delivered the car in this condition--PERIOD. And YES, I'm referring to the NEW ones.
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CapitalistOppressor
Active Member
Assuming that these problems are ultimately fixed, I think the OP was appropriately compensated for his time and inconvienice, to the tune of $21,000. Even more so if, as seems likely, he got the car far quicker than he would have been able to if he had ordered it from the factory. Talk of using Lemon Laws under these circumstances is patent nonsense.
As to the rest of the conversation, it is hardly controversial at this point to state that Tesla has problems when it comes to consistently delivering their cars to customers defect free.
Some portion of those failures is a result of their direct from factory model. Traditional dealers routinely receive damaged cars from the factory, and edit those failures out of the customer experience by fixing them before they ever even put the cars up for sale.
Another portion of these problems are a result of failures of quality control at the factory that go beyond what most modern automakers, with far more experience, exhibit in their day to day operations.
Regardless of the source of these problems, nobody is doing Tesla any favors by pretending that this sort of performance is sustainable over time.
As to the rest of the conversation, it is hardly controversial at this point to state that Tesla has problems when it comes to consistently delivering their cars to customers defect free.
Some portion of those failures is a result of their direct from factory model. Traditional dealers routinely receive damaged cars from the factory, and edit those failures out of the customer experience by fixing them before they ever even put the cars up for sale.
Another portion of these problems are a result of failures of quality control at the factory that go beyond what most modern automakers, with far more experience, exhibit in their day to day operations.
Regardless of the source of these problems, nobody is doing Tesla any favors by pretending that this sort of performance is sustainable over time.
I agree every car should be delivered in perfect condition but that is an impossible bar to reach. There will always be a certain number of cars with issues but they should be small hopefully and Tesla should address them promptly. This is also an Internet forum where the problems get amplified as people who are upset about something are more likely to post than people happy or without any problems. I'm not saying there aren't QC issues, just that it is tough to tell here if this is a frequent problem or not.
Do a complete inspection with your delivery specialist when your car arrives and refuse delivery if you find something like that.
Totally agree. It was maybe understandable when they were directly shipping the car to your house but with the service centers taking the car first, they should be able to address any issues prior to delivery.
I disagree. The price was agreed upon at the time of purchase. That is where the $21,000 savings occurred. It was not compensation for the 2 months of service. Compensation would have to occur after the fact since the amount of time in service was far beyond what would have been expected at the time of purchase.
Dave the voice of reason...I hear you on the valid points you make :smile:.
The problem with Texas delivery is that you have to pay AHEAD of time (before it leaves CA and before any inspection) also sign the MVPA before seeing the car. The document states that you are accepting the vehicle in the condition it is (which is misleading, as one has never even seen the vehicle). Most other vehicles (even special order) you inspect, you drive, THEN you pay if all is well. With this transaction completely backward--and leaves buyer with little recourse (I know there is a warranty, etc--just saying you cannot refuse--you've already legally bought it by the time it shows up).
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Good point. Texas is a special circumstance. I'm pretty sure you can still demand they fix the issue if it is severe. Getting your money back or a new car if it came to that would be an ordeal I bet but that has to be a very, very small percentage of cars.
Okay I'll type slower--r e r e a d the other posts (earlyretirement and splunge) in the thread that are complaining about 1 -2 months in shop as well they are N E W cars--that's what I'm referring to. Please read entire thread before replying. As I highlighted in my post you just replied to.
Make sense now?
Gosh, i was so delighted to get my car, i was over the moon. When i read these forum entries, i note subjects, talk to the service department about these subjects, and they make those improvements, and even more. I am so happy with the forum, my service, changes that i never knew were appropriate, and the courtesy with which i am handled, i am surprised to hear of these concerned buyers. I never got such good service from Ford, Dodge, Mercedes.
Tex,
I consider myself a VERY objective person. I'm very fair and honest. I'd say don't worry so much. With new technology like this there are always going to be issues and kinks to work out. By you buying this early you agreed to be an "early adopter" and you have to have some more patience than the traditional ICE type car. You will LOVE the car. I just think you need to be a bit open minded. The car is incredible.
I agree with you that some people are Tesla Fanbois and claim Tesla can do no wrong. I'm not one of them. But I can also say that this is the most fantastic car I've ever owned and I'm not a car guy. If you told me I'd be spending $125,000+ on a car before I'd tell you that you were crazy. If you told me that I'd be spending $250,000 in less than a year with EV I'd say you were crazy. I plan to buy the Model X next year as well.
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I hear you early--just getting a little worried dropping $115K with issues of my car potentially sitting in service for 2 months. If I wanted that, I'd buy a Range Rover :biggrin:
Anyways, all's good--best of luck with the repairs.
Looking forward to my P85+.
Scott Ales
Member
Wow, I'm a 30 year car dealer and understand there are folks that are quite difficult to please. Doesn't mean you are a bad person, just more particular than others. And that is okay, the world would not be any fun if we were all identical. The very first day we brought our car home a truck backed into the front end and bent the hood lip. I think the park sensors should tell the computer so the car could flash the lights and honk the horn when this happens! Is there an app for that?
As long as human beings are involved in the production, delivery, and preparation of automobiles there will be issues. And two months is not ridiculous for some body shops. Remember that Tesla locations don't have long term relationships with outside contractors to best decide where to go with certain issues. You can be demanding, but at the end of the day just sell me your car for $5k more than you paid and buy another one! I could make $5k on it tomorrow! SERIOUSLY! I have a dealer friend that would buy it for $95k instantly.
As a comparison to consider. Two years ago I paid $52k for a Ford F150 Platinum pickup. The wheel arch flare had a horrible screw that was not installed properly and could not be fixed without repainting the panel. I elected to leave it alone. There was also an area where someone wet sanded the paint too flat and since I have a very discerning eye noticed it right off. 25k miles later and 26 months not one other person has ever noticed those two issues. Not saying that it shouldn't have been perfect but in the end I didn't make multiple entries on the Ford forum questioning the ability of a 100+ year old company. What I am more concerned with is the Eco Boost V6 that Ford cannot fix! They are on their 6 version to keep the truck from stalling when you mash the throttle. It seems water accumulates around the inter-coolers and when you floor it to pass or leave a light, then the water kills a few cylinders which then sends the engine into limp mode. This is a Ford truck we're talking about with who knows how many people at the factory working on the issue for the last year! And I'm not alone on this issue.
Maybe work with Tesla to meet your expectations and add a bit of compassion. We all want this company to not only survive but thrive. There is nothing you can't do when you work together. I truly wish you a better experience so you can start enjoying the amazing car.
And about the Texas thing... Elon spent quite a bit of money unsuccessfully to be able to have services in your back yard. Maybe lobby your local representative or Senator instead of Tesla or the Forum.
Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without. ~Confucius, Analects
As long as human beings are involved in the production, delivery, and preparation of automobiles there will be issues. And two months is not ridiculous for some body shops. Remember that Tesla locations don't have long term relationships with outside contractors to best decide where to go with certain issues. You can be demanding, but at the end of the day just sell me your car for $5k more than you paid and buy another one! I could make $5k on it tomorrow! SERIOUSLY! I have a dealer friend that would buy it for $95k instantly.
As a comparison to consider. Two years ago I paid $52k for a Ford F150 Platinum pickup. The wheel arch flare had a horrible screw that was not installed properly and could not be fixed without repainting the panel. I elected to leave it alone. There was also an area where someone wet sanded the paint too flat and since I have a very discerning eye noticed it right off. 25k miles later and 26 months not one other person has ever noticed those two issues. Not saying that it shouldn't have been perfect but in the end I didn't make multiple entries on the Ford forum questioning the ability of a 100+ year old company. What I am more concerned with is the Eco Boost V6 that Ford cannot fix! They are on their 6 version to keep the truck from stalling when you mash the throttle. It seems water accumulates around the inter-coolers and when you floor it to pass or leave a light, then the water kills a few cylinders which then sends the engine into limp mode. This is a Ford truck we're talking about with who knows how many people at the factory working on the issue for the last year! And I'm not alone on this issue.
Maybe work with Tesla to meet your expectations and add a bit of compassion. We all want this company to not only survive but thrive. There is nothing you can't do when you work together. I truly wish you a better experience so you can start enjoying the amazing car.
And about the Texas thing... Elon spent quite a bit of money unsuccessfully to be able to have services in your back yard. Maybe lobby your local representative or Senator instead of Tesla or the Forum.
Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without. ~Confucius, Analects
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