Thank you Stan for a well written OP. After owning 3 Teslas over 5 years, my list would be a lot longer, but I love the Model S EV capability more than ongoing issues. Some minor flaws are built into the vehicle, like a visual defect that my detailer showed me on several vehicles in his shop that were caused by the stamping process. One loose driver door trim is the same on my 2012 and 2017. Some of the quality issues are considered normal and some are fixable or preventable.
I selected "Random spots in the paint where it was dull" as an example of preventable. The only way I know to prevent the spots is to have a detailer apply something to prevent dulling due to bird droppings. The clear coat won't stand up to the dulling on its own unless you are cleaning off those spots immediately. I'm sure that some areas of the world are different and it doesn't occur. In my area it happens and I chose not spend thousands on clear bra or other protective measures. It's livable and only noticeable when examining closely with the light just right. Paint correction by a detailer can solve many flaws from the factory or from daily use, it just depends how much time and effort is applied. With the 2017 90D, I chose to not be a slave to paint perfection and enjoy the Model S with an occasional wash before special occasions and when Tesla owners gather to enjoy great conversation, food and travel.
Thank you for your post. I can see that you are a very patient man. I wish I had more of that quality.
When I was jotting down the list of issues I encountered, I expected some lashing due to the seemingly 'pickiness' of my issues. Issues that would make me seem OCD, and never happy. I guess I didn't need to feel to expand on them since I didn't want to write out a longer post than I needed to.
But i'll take the dull spots as an example of how Tesla failed me.
When I took delivery of my car, It was in their new indoor showroom in Fremont. They were in mid construction. It was a bit dark, and I noticed immediately the car was pretty dirty. I'm pretty sure it was not washed or wiped down from initial assembly. I'm OK with that.
I washed the car when I got home, and noticed some dull spots on the paint. I tried to wax, clay, but they didn't come out. It was near the roof. 3 or so spots, about a half dollar size each spot.
When I had my first service stop, I mentioned this to the SA to see if they can do anything about it. They were actually very concerned, and even took pictures of the spots so they can improve their QA. They had circled the spots where the dull spots were with a wax pen, and in my repair order, it was specifically mentioned to have their outside detailer fix the spots.
When I got my car back the next day, they went through the repair order with me, and they mentioned they had the car detailed only. No special attention paid to the dull spots. I went to the car with the SA, and just like the day before, the spots were there and not looked at. He again, took pictures of the spots and was apologetic -- that there was a miscommunication. He said they do not have the ability to fix this right now, and for me to come back at a later date. I had to make another appointment to come back to have them fix this trivial issue.
So for that issue alone, it took 2 visits to the service center.