When accepting delivery of your new Tesla Model 3; be vigilant for these issues and problems. Even after some time of use, better look out for them. Owning a Tesla is great, but if problems are serious. Decide to keep it or refund it?
A. Problems with the car body- Minor to Serious
Body panel misalignment
These concerns if not noticed, will allow rain to enter the panel and cause leaks. Check all body panels, if properly aligned before receiving it.
Left-side body panel misalignment
Inspect the left side of the car to see, whether the panel is touching the driver's A-pillar. Usually, the passenger side is okay.
Left-side body panel misalignment
Look at the light of sight (driver door) for a misaligned fender if spotted. Chances are the rear door fits badly, rubs on the inside. It damages paint, so have it fixed.
Left A-Pillar Rust
Confirm there is enough space between left A-pillar and left fender, by slipping thick paper in there. If the paper does not slip in, with parts rubbing. Have it fixed or returned to the manufacturer.
B. Paint Problems- Serious
Thin and fragile paint
Part of the car is chipping and rusting at some parts. The new paint should be sturdy, not chip off. Return the Tesla or replace it? The manufacturer will contest the problem as with some buyers.
Chipped paint
The paint used for the body will chip and doubt the paint job quality. Have the chipping fixed or rust will set in the affected part of the body. Contact the seller to have it fixed.
Peeling paint
Using a pressure washer might cause paint peeling, even if new. Concerns over how easy paint peels is distressing. Tesla owners should be on guard.
C. Bolts problems- Mild to serious
Missing bolts
Check on all bolts on the car. Without knowing they might end up missing. Tighten all bolts with double-checking. This is not part of the warranty.
Bolts with different colors
All fasteners and bolts should be of uniform color. Some owners noticed differently colored, and mismatching bolts on theirs.
D. Problems with lights and the camera-Minor to Serious
Missing lights
Some have reported that lights are missing inside the tail or front assembly. Driving a car with missing bulbs is not safe.
Taillight condensation
Tesla advises it is normal, especially for some weather conditions. The taillight, when lit will remove it.
Headlight condensation
If this happens better have it checked if there is a leak. There should be none in the assembly.
Camera condensation
If there is condensation in the cam have it checked it might not work.
Fog light condensation
Fog lights should have this problem, have it checked. Before it gets damaged by moisture.
E. Car VIN has issues-Minor
Mismatching VINs (just in case)
VIN should be accurate, without error because this is the identity of the car. VINs are needed to track software updates and records.
Bottom line is to avoid these problems, issues common with the Tesla 3. Sure, you waited, but a new car must be 99% problem-free! If you are getting one, hope this helps. Got stories to share?
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