The most common Tesla delivery defects and how to spot them before signing

On the day of your Tesla delivery, it’s a mix of excitement and stress. You’ve waited weeks, sometimes months, and the moment has finally arrived. But before signing the papers and driving off in your new electric gem, I strongly advise you to take the time to thoroughly inspect your vehicle.

Even if Tesla constantly improves its manufacturing processes and quality control, defects can still occur. It’s not inevitable, and I want to reassure you: most Tesla delivery defects are minor and repairable.

My goal today is simple: to turn you into a quality control expert in just a few minutes of reading. You’ll discover exactly what to check, where to look, and how to document any issues. For even more detailed guidance, I recommend a complete checklist for your Model 3 delivery that you can print and take with you.

Bodywork and paint defects to prioritize

Body panel alignment issues

This is the most common and visible defect on Teslas, particularly on earlier generations. The panel alignment can sometimes be lacking, with varying gaps between the hood, doors, trunk, or tailgates.

My favorite technique? Slowly run your finger along the seams to feel for differences in level. Your fingers often detect small irregularities better than your eyes.

Focus on these critical areas:

• Gaps between front and rear doors
• Hood alignment with the fenders
• The trunk and its fit with the bodywork
• Wheel arches and rocker panels

A small gap of 2-3 mm is acceptable, but beyond 5 mm or if the differences are clearly visible to the naked eye, you must report it. Don’t forget to take photos from different angles to document everything.

Paint defects: what to look for

The paint deserves special attention, especially on solid colors like white and red where color variations between panels are more visible. I advise you to inspect the bodywork outdoors, in natural light, from several angles.

Here’s what you need to look for:

• Paint runs or areas of uneven thickness
• Dust or impurities embedded in the paint
• Excessive orange peel (a slight effect is normal on modern paints)
• Micro scratches or circular polishing marks
• Paint chips due to transport or handling

Orange peel effect is present on all Teslas to varying degrees. It’s normal up to a certain point, but if it’s truly excessive to the point of giving the bodywork a wavy appearance, make a note of it. Once the delivery is validated, you can consult our tips for preserving your Tesla’s bodywork from day one.

Interior assembly issues that go unnoticed

The interior deserves as much attention as the exterior. Some assembly defects only become apparent with use, but you can detect many of them upon delivery.

Start by checking the door seals: are they properly positioned all around? Are any sections missing? Then, test for body noises by gently shaking the various interior elements.

My interior checklist includes:

• Dashboard plastics: securely clipped, no play
• Door pillars: check fit and absence of creaks
• Seats: regular stitching, functional adjustment mechanisms
• Center console: no excessive play, stable armrest
• Headliner: securely fastened along its entire length
• Floor mats: complete and correctly positioned

My practical tip: open and close all doors, the trunk, and the frunk several times. Listen for noises, feel the resistance. Everything should be smooth and silent.

Windows, lights, and sensitive exterior elements

Misaligned windows are a recurring problem that can generate wind noise or even water infiltration. Test each window’s up and down movement, several times. They should slide smoothly and position perfectly against the seals.

For the windshield, carefully look for bubbles, optical distortions, or micro-cracks. Look through it from different angles, especially towards the sky.

Other points to check:

• Window seals: properly positioned, without misalignment
• Headlights and taillights: no condensation, scratches, or misalignment
• Side mirrors: electric adjustments, automatic folding functional
• Cameras: clean, no scratches (crucial for Autopilot)
• Wipers: blade condition, smooth operation

Light condensation in the lights can disappear quickly, but significant condensation or visible water inside requires intervention.

The essential technical checklist to validate

Now, let’s move on to the electrical and electronic functions. This is where many new owners rush and forget to test everything. Big mistake!

Methodically test:

• All window controls (driver and passengers)
• Electric adjustments of the front Seats
• Side mirrors: adjustment and folding
• Electric opening/closing of the trunk and frunk

The touchscreen deserves special attention: check its responsiveness, look for any dead pixels (display a white then black image), and make sure the software version is up to date.

For audio, turn up the volume and test all speakers. Also run the air conditioning and heating in hot then cold mode. Activate all interior and exterior lights, one by one.

Other essential checks:

• Charging port: smooth opening, cable insertion without forcing
• Displayed driving range consistent with the model and battery capacity
• Tires: correct brand, new condition, proper inflation
• Charge level upon delivery (generally between 50 and 90%)

My tip: don’t let yourself be rushed. It’s your right to take the necessary time for this new Tesla inspection. Tesla advisors generally understand this approach very well.

What to do if you spot defects?

If you identify any issues, start by documenting them with photos and videos BEFORE signing anything. This documentation will be valuable if you need to negotiate.

For major defects (structural problems, significant paint defects, electrical malfunctions), refusing delivery remains a perfectly legitimate option. Yes, I know, it’s frustrating after such a long wait, but it’s better to wait an extra week than to regret it for years.

For minor defects, you can negotiate a subsequent repair or a commercial credit. Use the Tesla app to immediately report all identified issues, even those you temporarily accept.

Important: absolutely note everything on the delivery report. Post-delivery claim deadlines are generally short (only a few days in some cases). To know all the details of the process, consult all the steps and tips for your Tesla delivery.

Tesla’s after-sales service generally handles quickly reported Tesla delivery issues well. Make an appointment via the app, and warranty repairs are free.

I’ll end on a positive note: the vast majority of Tesla deliveries go very smoothly. By following these tips, you maximize your chances of driving away calmly with your new car. Once all these checks are done and the delivery is validated, you’ll finally be able to fully enjoy the Tesla experience. And believe me, it’s really worth being thorough from the start to then drive with peace of mind!