Tesla Model Y quality issues
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
This is the first production run of the Y so these issues aren't surprising. The Model 3 has been significantly improved since launch and most example don't have these quality issues right now. If you see the teardown that Munroe has done for the Model Y, he basically says that its much better than their initial Model 3 runs but the first production examples aren't perfect. The Model Y forums have complained of these issues but the Model 3 has largely subsided in terms of these quality issues. You're also not going to get the build quality of a luxury manufacturer from Tesla. They aren't really luxury...more premium/tech.
If you see the teardown that Munroe has done for the Model Y, he basically says that its much better than their initial Model 3 runs but the first production examples aren't perfect.
The Model Y forums have complained of these issues but the Model 3 has largely subsided in terms of these quality issues. You're also not going to get the build quality of a luxury manufacturer from Tesla. They aren't really luxury...more premium/tech.
I wouldn't accept a Chevy or any cheap vehicle with these defects let alone one costing over $50K.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
Aren't surprising? I just don't understand how they can leave the factory with such issues. No inspections!? Or is Stevie Wonder doing them?
That seems to be a giant understatement.
This has nothing to do with premium or luxury positioning...
I wouldn't accept a Chevy or any cheap vehicle with these defects let alone one costing over $50K.
That seems to be a giant understatement.
This has nothing to do with premium or luxury positioning...
I wouldn't accept a Chevy or any cheap vehicle with these defects let alone one costing over $50K.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,634
Likes: 296
From: Illinois
I don't understand how paint quality is so inconsistent considering the process is automated with robots etc. You'd think that adjustments and programming could be made to assure more consistency.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 26,190
Likes: 4,380
From: Alberta
Some things Musk does really grinds my gears for example he likes red and insists the factory bits are all red instead of the usual yellow including dangerous areas like robotics. The red he uses is not as noticeable, but hey he likes red.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
Elon likes to do things his way, mostly this is a positive but obviously it has major downsides. I'm betting instead of using an established method he set out to "make it better" as he does with everything. What he came up with probably is better but any new system requires refinement there are always going to be bugs and growing pains. Or possibly the paint system is simply no good.
Some things Musk does really grinds my gears for example he likes red and insists the factory bits are all red instead of the usual yellow including dangerous areas like robotics. The red he uses is not as noticeable, but hey he likes red.
Some things Musk does really grinds my gears for example he likes red and insists the factory bits are all red instead of the usual yellow including dangerous areas like robotics. The red he uses is not as noticeable, but hey he likes red.
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 26,190
Likes: 4,380
From: Alberta
Also, the roof is all glass so bird bombs and other crap doesn't get etched on the roof. Almost a requirement on a Tesla
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 4,611
Likes: 372
From: In your head
And just like every other material defect that every other mfg can fix really easily this will be swept under the rug once those sales numbers showcase it being the best selling crossover in the world.
Its sad how much leeway Tesla has but hey just a hater lol
Its sad how much leeway Tesla has but hey just a hater lol
defects like horrible paint - they're doing themselves a giant disservice not fixing that in the factory. it's a huge blemish on their reputation that doesn't go away quickly. remember these "ford=fix or repair daily" and "fiat=fix it again tony"? maybe we should make one up for tesla. "tried everything still lousy automobile" ?
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,248
Likes: 275
may not be surprising, but fixing it at a service center isn't 'free' - i guess they're just 'hoping' the customer won't notice or won't complain or bother taking it in. that sounds just like gm in the 80s.
defects like horrible paint - they're doing themselves a giant disservice not fixing that in the factory. it's a huge blemish on their reputation that doesn't go away quickly. remember these "ford=fix or repair daily" and "fiat=fix it again tony"? maybe we should make one up for tesla. "tried everything still lousy automobile" ?
defects like horrible paint - they're doing themselves a giant disservice not fixing that in the factory. it's a huge blemish on their reputation that doesn't go away quickly. remember these "ford=fix or repair daily" and "fiat=fix it again tony"? maybe we should make one up for tesla. "tried everything still lousy automobile" ?