Tesla Quality

Skidmarks68

Active member
First Name
Todd
Joined
Dec 10, 2019
Threads
5
Messages
37
Reaction score
32
Location
Seminole
Vehicles
Toyota Tundra
Occupation
Radtech
Country flag
So while I wait for my Cyber truck to be produced as most of you are, I have been researching all things Tesla, as this is the first interest I have ever had in the company. I have learned a lot of good things about the previous models but I am also getting primarily negative stories and media about the vehicles quality. I am very concerned about vehicle quality and reliability. Currently Consumer Reports will not even recommend purchasing any Tesla model due to its quality. I have read reports from Bloomberg claiming that customer complaints are 101 for every 100 cars sold. While they did say that drivers rate the driving experience 4.79 out of 5, I personally feel there must be a balance between quality and drive ability.
If anyone has links to articles or research showing better results please share as I could use some positive news.
Sponsored

 

ajdelange

Well-known member
First Name
A. J.
Joined
Dec 8, 2019
Threads
4
Messages
3,213
Reaction score
3,403
Location
Virginia/Quebec
Vehicles
Tesla X LR+, Lexus SUV, Toyota SR5, Toyota Landcruiser
Occupation
EE (Retired)
Country flag
Realistically I think you need to prepare yourself for the actuality that Tesla service is not the best at this point in time but I get the sense that it is improving. Horror stories abound and I think you must accept that some of them are true. Nonetheless people are flocking to these cars so we need to also accept that whatever it is folks love about them over rides whatever bad experiences they have had with service. In other words, they don't care.

I think that you also have to accept that by signing up for early delivery of a brand new model you are exposing yourself to higher levels of risk than you would expect after the truck has been out there three years.

You mention the Bloomberg survey but don't know if you have seen it as the number you cited was for the worst month in the record which was over a year ago and numbers for the end of last year were appreciably better. In any case it is to be found here if you haven't seen it.

https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2019-tesla-model-3-survey/autopilot.html#intro

You might take some comfort in the fact that a large proportion of problems were with paint. There aren't going to be any of those in the CT.

The proportion of drive train problems (the kind that leave you stranded on the highway) is low.

The proportion of serious problems is low.

It also is well to keep in mind that powerful forces out there stand to preserve $1.9M income for each hour they can delay the ultimate ascension of BEVs. They and their allies in the press and other media seize on anything negative they can find. That doesn't mean that there aren't problems but consider the source.
 
Last edited:

Blue Steel

Well-known member
First Name
MP
Joined
Mar 4, 2020
Threads
7
Messages
389
Reaction score
947
Location
Portland OR
Vehicles
Tesla Model X, Polestar 2
Occupation
Product Specialist
Country flag
I just want to add, most of the "horror stories" I have heard involve Model S and Model X. Especially the early model years.
 

Cyber_Dav

Well-known member
First Name
David
Joined
Nov 21, 2019
Threads
10
Messages
329
Reaction score
469
Location
So Calif
Vehicles
Toyota Siennas (2)
Country flag

Garden_Aum

Well-known member
First Name
Howard
Joined
Dec 15, 2019
Threads
2
Messages
141
Reaction score
164
Location
Gambrills, Maryland
Vehicles
Prius Prime, Nissan Leaf, Tri Motor Cyber Truck
Occupation
Researcher
Country flag
I have had the privilege of driving Model 3 and Model X. I know people who own S, 3, and X. They all have great stories to tell about their cars. I will also add that I own a Toyota Prius Prime which is a very reliable car but has quirks LIKE ALL AUTOMOBILES. I think we are going to be fine with this vehicle. Why? Because Tesla continues to improve and update all of its car fleet over the air. For example, maps. Tesla will update its maps; Toyota will charge you. As of this moment, my car does not know where I live because the navigation system does not include the address to my house which I have lived in for nearly 4-years. The Cybertruck, by design, is less complex than other trucks because it does not have an internal combustion engine and as a result, does not need complex engine timing to meet emissions requirements.
We are also not having to deal with complex doors.
And like others have pointed out, we will NEVER EVER had paint issues to correct.
Hooray for the Cybertruck! The best vehicle we will ever have the privilege of owning :) !
 


Cyber8

Member
First Name
Paul
Joined
Feb 28, 2020
Threads
0
Messages
18
Reaction score
26
Location
Central florida
Vehicles
Model 3m/ f150
Occupation
Management
Country flag
We have 2018 model 3 dual motor since December 2018. Have not a single issue. The car was for my wife while I love and drive a 2010 f150. Although I love my truck I look for any opportunity to use the TESLA. I love it so much I put a hold on the CT tri-motor, although I may change to dual motor. Any time I speak with someone with a model 3 they have shred nothing but positive feedback. The only issues I have first hand heard of is with the model x gull wing doors.
 

Jhodgesatmb

Well-known member
First Name
Jack
Joined
Dec 1, 2019
Threads
63
Messages
4,913
Reaction score
7,092
Location
San Francisco Bay area
Website
www.arbor-studios.com
Vehicles
Tesla Model Y LR, Tesla Model 3 LR
Occupation
Retired AI researcher
Country flag
We bought our Model 3 based almost solely on seeing the faces of Tesla owners when they talked about their cars. Try to get that kind of wide-eyed endorsement for another car. Let’s talk about reliability. I have owned two hybrids and almost never had a problem with either. The more up you use the electric drivetrain the less there is to go wrong. With a pure electric drivetrain unless there is a problem with a motor you are good to go.so please keep things in perspective about reliability and durability.
 

ajdelange

Well-known member
First Name
A. J.
Joined
Dec 8, 2019
Threads
4
Messages
3,213
Reaction score
3,403
Location
Virginia/Quebec
Vehicles
Tesla X LR+, Lexus SUV, Toyota SR5, Toyota Landcruiser
Occupation
EE (Retired)
Country flag
I have owned two hybrids and almost never had a problem with either.
The more parts there are in something the higher the probability of failure. The ICE vehicle is more prone to failure than the the BEV because it has lots more parts. But the hybrid has all the parts of an ICE vehicle AND all the parts of a BEV AND the complicated sun/planet gearing that connects all the bits. Yet they don't seem to be less reliable.
 

Jhodgesatmb

Well-known member
First Name
Jack
Joined
Dec 1, 2019
Threads
63
Messages
4,913
Reaction score
7,092
Location
San Francisco Bay area
Website
www.arbor-studios.com
Vehicles
Tesla Model Y LR, Tesla Model 3 LR
Occupation
Retired AI researcher
Country flag
The more parts there are in something the higher the probability of failure. The ICE vehicle is more prone to failure than the the BEV because it has lots more parts. But the hybrid has all the parts of an ICE vehicle AND all the parts of a BEV AND the complicated sun/planet gearing that connects all the bits. Yet they don't seem to be less reliable.
You are certainly right about number of parts and system complexity but we were talking about reliability. I believe that the more robust BEV components reduce the load on the ICE components, and the regenerative braking reduce/eliminate wear on the braking system. But whatever the rationale I have had very limited maintenance and repair costs on these vehicles and I had my first for 6 years and my second for 8 so far. I expect my CT to be much better.
 

Ehninger1212

Well-known member
First Name
Jake
Joined
Dec 18, 2019
Threads
4
Messages
1,222
Reaction score
2,520
Location
Houston, TX
Vehicles
Audi A3 E-Tron - 2005 Land Rover LR3 - T-Bucket - 1951 chevy 3100
Occupation
Architect/Fabricator
Country flag
I really think the quality is very good on the fit and finish of every Tesla i have seen in person. Im sure there are issues like any automaker. But this "quality" thing is now just blown out of proportion.
 


ajdelange

Well-known member
First Name
A. J.
Joined
Dec 8, 2019
Threads
4
Messages
3,213
Reaction score
3,403
Location
Virginia/Quebec
Vehicles
Tesla X LR+, Lexus SUV, Toyota SR5, Toyota Landcruiser
Occupation
EE (Retired)
Country flag
I just remembered an interview with the head of the NADA I saw recently. The subject of repair (from which dealers derive a lot of income) came up. He pointed out that only a small percentage of repairs (10 ?) involve having to open the engine with the vast majority being gaskets, misalignments, fan belts etc. It's much the same with the Teslas. I have had a door sealing gasket come loose, the gasket around a sonic sensor was not perfectly installed (the guy that delivered the car to me caught that) and the passenger seat could not be adjusted. The people that get clobbered are the ones that need body work.
 

Teslaman

Well-known member
First Name
Scott
Joined
Dec 28, 2019
Threads
1
Messages
49
Reaction score
91
Location
Kelseyville
Vehicles
S P85
Occupation
Winemaker
Country flag
An early adopter, have had my Model S for >5 years. Have been well taken care of by Tesla. The mobile service network is incredible. The one time my S required serious service (drive motor replacement) it was handled quickly, with a loaner S provided, all free.
 

Keith37629

New member
First Name
Keith
Joined
Mar 3, 2020
Threads
0
Messages
3
Reaction score
7
Location
Maryland
Vehicles
Model 3 LR AWD
Country flag
My Model 3 has disappointed me in the fit and finish departments, especially considering the price. It is built like a Camry, priced like a Lexus, and drives like a space ship (which makes up the price difference for me). I image the CT will be build like a Ranger and priced like a maxed out F-150 King Ranch and drive like a space ship. Also, I second what @Teslaman said; mobile Ranger service has been excellent for my broken power steering column and 2 sets of water leaking taillights. The interior rattles are bummer though.
 

ajdelange

Well-known member
First Name
A. J.
Joined
Dec 8, 2019
Threads
4
Messages
3,213
Reaction score
3,403
Location
Virginia/Quebec
Vehicles
Tesla X LR+, Lexus SUV, Toyota SR5, Toyota Landcruiser
Occupation
EE (Retired)
Country flag
Yes, let me give an attaboy to the mobile techs too. Actually getting them to my house via the only mechanism available (the App) was quite a story but I won't go into that here but once I got them there they took care of the problems quickly.
 
OP
OP
Skidmarks68

Skidmarks68

Active member
First Name
Todd
Joined
Dec 10, 2019
Threads
5
Messages
37
Reaction score
32
Location
Seminole
Vehicles
Toyota Tundra
Occupation
Radtech
Country flag
Are you trolling us? Consumer Reports has Tesla Model 3 as a "Top 10" vehicle to buy!

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/toyota-supra-tesla-model-3-153000240.html
No trolling I too have a RN # but this article is what I am referring to https://www.consumerreports.org/car...es-cr-recommendation-over-reliability-issues/ as well as this showing 23rd on listhttps://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/tesla-model-3-model-s-recommended-reliability/
I would much rather have the Tesla topping the list for it would make my purchase decision much easier.
Sponsored

 
 




Top