Has the Build Quality on the Tesla Model 3 Improved?

It's difficult to say with certainty. The topic of Tesla's build quality has been a subject of debate, with various sources and individuals providing their opinions based on personal experiences and varying standards of quality. Personally, I believe the build quality is fine. Before Tesla entered the automotive industry, build quality was not as heavily emphasized as it has become now. If slight variations in panel gaps are a major concern, Tesla may not be the best choice for you. However, I've never owned a car that provided as much satisfaction as my Tesla.

Reliability Survey by Consumer Reports

Tesla Inc. vehicles are at the bottom of a reliability survey by Consumer Reports, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization. According to the latest ranking, Tesla is second from the bottom among the 26 ranked brands. It's important to note that these rankings are based on the experiences of various car owners. In my case, I have a Model S that has consistently experienced issues.

Tesla's Improvement Claims

Sandy Munro, a noted automotive engineer, claims that Tesla has improved quality and fit and finish since the Model 3 was first introduced. While I own a Tesla Model 3 from early 2020, I have not encountered any significant build quality issues. The car was built to meet high standards, with flaws in paint finish, seating of taillights, and slight protrusion being the only notable issues.

Personal Experience with My Tesla Model 3

I test drove a Model 3 in June 2020 and ordered it in November 2020, collecting it on New Year's Eve. The car I received was the 2021 "refresh" version, featuring a heat pump and powered boot lid with wireless phone charging as standard. The demonstration car I test-drove was also exceptionally well-built. The car I own is even better than the test drive version, with no issues that affect my driving experience.

Considering the high standards expected of modern vehicles, my Tesla Model 3 consistently meets and sometimes exceeds these expectations. The paint finish is virtually perfect, with only a minor issue of slight orange peel visible under certain lighting. The brightwork trim is flawless, and panel gaps are uniform. The seating of the taillights is the only assembly flaw, sticking out about 1/16th of an inch further than intended. However, this is a minor issue that does not detract from the overall quality of the car.

Interior Finishes and Performance

The seating and interior finishes, including the seat covering, carpeting, headliner, and all other trim, are all applied without any visible flaws. The car is completely free of any rattles, creaks, or buzzes. During the winter with strong downpours and gusty winds, the car has shown no signs of leaks. All exterior lights and door seals are properly installed, and the glass roof and windshield do not leak. Every functional part works correctly and smoothly. Doors shut with reasonable, uniform force, and the trunk closes smoothly. While the front trunk might benefit from an adjustment, it functions well overall.

Moreover, I have a Toyota Minivan that serves as a benchmark for my expectations of car build quality. The Toyota Minivan has consistently met and exceeded these standards, setting a high bar. My Tesla Model 3 is just as well-built, if not better, in terms of service and reliability.

After about 6 months of ownership, no issues requiring adjustment or repair have cropped up. This comprehensive assessment suggests that Tesla's build quality has indeed improved, especially with more recent models like my 2021 Tesla Model 3.

Conclusion

While opinions and experiences may vary, my personal experience with the Tesla Model 3 is a testament to its build quality. With advancements in manufacturing processes and materials, Tesla has made significant improvements. If you are concerned about build quality and reliability, a Tesla Model 3 may be a suitable choice for you.