Tesla has experienced a strong upswing in recent years as a pioneer in the electric car sector. While the popularity of diesel and gasoline vehicles is declining, demand for electric cars is steadily increasing.
Despite Tesla's success and the launch of the Model 3, quality defects have repeatedly been discovered, generating negative headlines. Many customers are disappointed with the quality of their vehicles after delivery. However, as a Tesla owner, you are entitled to repairs.
Don't ignore defects such as paint defects, inaccurate gaps, or a potentially limited range. Assert your rights! The dealer is liable for material defects in your electric vehicle for 24 months. As of January 1, 2022, consumer rights regarding material defects have been further strengthened. If repairs fail or are refused by the manufacturer, you have options such as a price reduction, withdrawal from the purchase contract, or compensation. We are happy to assist you with any defects in your Tesla!
The electric car market is growing rapidly
In 2021, the market share of pure electric vehicles already reached 13.6%, an increase of over 83% compared to the previous year. Plug-in hybrids also recorded a market share of 12.4%, which also represents a significant increase of over 62% compared to the previous year.
Tesla leads the electric car market! The Tesla Model 3 ranks first in electric vehicle sales in Germany, with over 29,000 units registered in 2021. The Model 3 is also the best-selling electric car in Europe. Globally, Tesla also has another successful vehicle in its portfolio: the Model Y, which ranks third.
Tesla defect list: The most common quality defects
We'll inform you about the most common defects that can occur in Tesla vehicles and what you should pay particular attention to. The dealer is legally obligated to provide you with a 24-month warranty on a new vehicle. Within this period, they must repair any defects at their own expense. So don't let your joy over your new Tesla blind you – insist on having any defects remedied!
Poor paintwork
A common problem with new Tesla vehicles is poor paintwork. This includes defects such as paint chips, paint spots, or unsightly paint runs. There are also frequent reports of paint overspray or clogged charging ports. Quality assurance at Tesla appears to be either inadequate or too lax, which means that these defects often go unnoticed.
Incorrect gap dimensions
Irregular or excessively large gaps in the doors, trunk, or headlights are also a common point of criticism. These defects primarily affect the appearance of the vehicle, which is particularly disturbing when the purchase price is high. Furthermore, larger gaps can also increase the noise level in the vehicle.
Black screen
Another common problem with Tesla vehicles is the sudden loss of the screen, especially while driving. A black screen can result in important information such as speed or gear selection no longer being displayed, and the camera also stops working. It's also common to report that the turn signal is no longer visible or audible.
Scratches and dents
Many buyers of new Teslas report cosmetic defects such as scratches or dents that are already visible upon delivery. These defects cast a negative light on Tesla's quality assurance and suggest that Tesla doesn't place sufficient emphasis on thorough final inspection.
Faulty traffic sign recognition
In some Tesla vehicles, the traffic sign recognition system malfunctions. For example, place-name signs or speed limits are not recognized or are implemented too late, which can lead not only to fines but also to dangerous traffic situations.
Failing cameras
The cameras, especially the rearview camera and those for Autopilot, can fail in Tesla vehicles. This significantly compromises safety. Recalls have already been issued in the US and China due to problems with the rearview camera in the Model 3. This problem has also been identified in Germany.
Crooked doors and tailgates
Tesla doesn't seem to have high quality standards when it comes to the assembly of doors, tailgates, and door handles. There are repeated reports of crookedly installed parts, which can lead to problems like scratched bumpers or doors that don't close properly.
Less range than stated
The range of Tesla vehicles is often significantly shorter than that stated by the manufacturer. Similar to gasoline or diesel vehicles, the stated range is often not achieved. The ADAC found a deviation of up to 30% for the Model 3.
Exterior mirrors
Another common problem is that the exterior mirrors don't automatically unfold when driving off. This can affect either the driver's mirror, the passenger mirror, or both. In some cases, the problem can be resolved by folding and unfolding them several times while driving, but this isn't very convenient.
Problems with the rain sensor and automatic windshield wipers
In some vehicles, the windshield wipers continue to wipe even when it's not raining, for example, when getting into the car or driving through a tunnel. When it's raining, they sometimes wipe too infrequently, which impairs visibility.
These and other defects have repeatedly occurred in Tesla vehicles. When you pick up your new Tesla vehicle, you should pay particular attention to these issues and request repairs if necessary. Tesla's quality problems have been known for years and were also confirmed in a US survey, in which Tesla had the most defects per vehicle delivered. Even CEO Elon Musk has now acknowledged these problems and advises potential buyers to wait and see when it comes to newly introduced models.
Affected Tesla models and their defects
Several Tesla models are affected by various defects, and recalls have already been issued in the US and China. The problems primarily affect the Model S and Model 3, but other models also have serious defects.
Tesla Model S
The Model S is particularly notorious for its frequent defects. According to the TÜV (German Technical Inspection Agency), one in ten Model S vehicles fails its first major inspection, with a defect rate of 10.7%. Defects in the control arms, fog lights, and low beams are particularly problematic. The front trunk lock also poses a hazard, as it can suddenly open and impair the driver's view.
Tesla Model 3
The Model 3 is one of the most popular electric cars in Germany, but even it frequently experiences problems. Models from 2017 to 2020 are particularly affected, with the rearview camera and the hood locking mechanism being particularly problematic. Irregular gaps and improperly fitted components can damage the rearview camera's wiring harness, leading to camera failure. These defects also affect the Model S.
There were also problems with the driver assistance system. A Model 3 owner filed a lawsuit against Tesla in the Darmstadt Regional Court because the system wasn't functioning properly. Tesla had sold him a software package that was incompatible with the hardware, which led to problems with automatic overtaking and steering behavior. The recognition of traffic lights and stop signs also didn't work correctly.
The list of defects in the Model 3 is long and includes problems with incorrectly routed cables, condensation in headlights, defective tires and missing emergency call buttons.
Tesla Model Y
The Model Y, similar to the Model 3, had issues with a software update that caused the computer to overheat during fast charging. This caused some vehicle functions to malfunction. There were also reports of improperly secured control arms, with bolts not tightened correctly.
Tesla Model X
The Model X was also subject to recalls, primarily for vehicles built between September 2015 and July 2016. These affected loose roof moldings that were not properly bonded due to a missing primer. Although the roof moldings serve a purely cosmetic purpose, they pose a hazard to other road users if they become detached.
Our recommendations:
The dealer is liable for material defects in your Tesla for 24 months!
Demand a repair!
Car buyers have comprehensive rights in the event of material defects, which have been made even more consumer-friendly as of January 1, 2022.
If Tesla refuses to repair the defect, you have the following options:
- Purchase price reduction
- withdrawal from the purchase contract
- damages
We are here to help you with any problems with your Tesla!
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