Owner's Report Model 3s Are Randomly Dying On The Road

It has been said that the true test of Teslas affordable Model 3 won’t be the car’s production rate — it will be initial build quality. A slower than predicted production ramp-up is already a reality for Tesla and its hundreds of thousands of reservation holders, but, as the automaker reaches beyond the existing group of well-monied brand diehards, glitches and reliability issues will pose a larger threat to the brand’s reputation.

With the Model 3 now coming off the Fremont assembly line in larger numbers (though not as large as predicted), it seems we have a recurring quality issue, if you want to call it that. Many Model 3 owners — who, for obvious reasons, are not longtime Model 3 owners — are taking to the internet to report a strange problem that leaves their car dead in the water and in need of a tow.

Just take a look at this thread on the Tesla Motors Club forum. Started on Tuesday by a Model 3 owner in Napa, California, the string of responses is eye-opening.

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MDarringer - 4/6/2018 6:30:04 PM

+2 Boost

Lack of quality in a Tesla? How is that possible?

TomM - 4/6/2018 9:08:19 PM

+2 Boost

Until we know what is the problem - we cannot actually come to the conclusion that there is lack of quality. Especially in a new car where virtually EVERY component has never been used before. ANd from a manufacturer that has never mass produced cars as well. There are simply TOO many possibilities - and something as simple as a defective part could be causing this.

And that is- based on the "timeframe" one likely situation. Defective parts tend to create early problems covered by warranty - for ALL manufacturers. It is the early buyers that are the beta-testers even if they tested for millions of miles. But - one other problem that is possible is defected design - where for instance an Automatic transmission uses bushings for support - rather than bearings (Bushings are much less expensive but cannot support as much weight) - and once the initial design is determined to be wanting - it takes time for a re-design AND then a repair with the new parts.

However - today - electrical problems are the more predominant - and sofware problems seem to be the leader. All you need is to catch a wire between two components in a way that causes a short - and you can spend DAYS looking for that one.

MDarringer - 4/6/2018 9:18:18 PM

+1 Boost

Yeah. Cars that break down have stellar quality.

skytop - 4/7/2018 7:17:37 AM

+3 Boost

Any car that dies on the road is not worth owning.
This is the kiss of DEATH for the Tesla model 3.

mre30 - 4/7/2018 11:24:22 AM

+2 Boost

If I was thinking about a Tesla, I would just get a Model S.

The single best "bang for the buck" investment Tesla could make right now would be a remove the "Falcon Doors" from the Model X and simplify it (front doors do not need to have motors on them) and then relaunch it at a slightly cheaper price point.

mpls - 4/7/2018 4:09:16 PM

+1 Boost

"If I was thinking about a Tesla, I would just get a Model S."

maybe that was Tesla plan all along.. so much for the affordable EV from tesla.. might as well get the new Gen leaf

mre30 - 4/7/2018 11:11:13 PM

0 Boost

Except - I am not thinking about getting a car that was launched in 2012 that is nice but no longer revolutionary and which will likely lack warranty and parts support in about 18 months due to the Model 3 debacle.

Hauerg - 4/8/2018 8:48:43 AM

+1 Boost

You should read about the Leaf issues re charging.