John Voelcker of Green Car Reportslate yesterday wrote about a new owner of a Tesla Motors (TSLA) " Model 3 " car who let him go for a spin, and how the experience brought evidence of some "build quality" issues with the car that echo those related by other owners and observers in recent weeks.
" Tesla Model 3 quality is terrible," is what Voelcker relates, though he asks "will it matter to buyers?" He points to a Los Angeles Times article by Russ Mitchellon February 18th that noted the very forgiving attitude of many Model 3 owners toward things such as door handles that don't work.
In Voelcker's essay yesterday, he breaks down the " appalling " build quality of the Model 3 into things that affect driving and things that don't.
Among things in the first bin, in the model Voelcker tried, were a touch-screen that constantly produced spurious responses, such as jacking up the radio to full volume, and rendering maps and navigation apps useless, he relates, an "intermittent loud buzz," and vibration of the steering wheel.
Voelcker describes non-driving issues such as " misaligned body panels," gaps of various kinds between panels, and glovebox door that "doesn't sit square" in its opening.
Among the 455 comments and counting, many are inclined to point out new products can have growing pains, but not uniformly, there are critical comments as well.
As my colleague John Swartzrelated last month, production issues, especially delays in just getting model 3s out the door, were sore spot in Tesla's latest quarterly report.
Tesla shares are own $5.68, or 1.7%, at $323.42.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
