I've owned a Model S since before the Model 3 arrived and have always fretted that the level of service I received wasn't sustainable at scale.
They AGGRESSIVELY attacked any problems and replaced parts, even when that's not what I asked for.
It's kinda nuts. Just the things I can remember:
- All 4 door handles were replaced with newer versions
- I complained about a corner of stitching on the driver's seat and got an entirely new driver's seat
- Glovebox cover replaced (to address latch)
- Steering wheel controls replaced
- Driver display unit replaced entirely
- Sunroof replaced
Granted, that's A LOT of parts to address, but their attitude was we'll do anything to make it right. Never once pushed back or questioned. Usually told me that they wanted to replace the part (rather than fix) because Tesla had engineered an improved version. And, to their credit, the new parts they put in seemed to have meaningful improvements and have worked really well.
As a 2013 Model S owner and now a 2018 and 2021 Model 3 owner (Tesla only family), I agree 100%. I assumed there were a few reasons for the Model S service I received:
1. Small scale
2. Desire to keep early adopters happy
3. 2x the cost of the Model 3
However, my Model 3 service has been really poor.
In my new 2021 the charge port bolt was loose and wouldn't charge. Known issue that took several days and many phone calls to get fixed while traveling. Eventually a service manager got involved and the fix took 5 minutes.
Then they installed Homelink and forgot to plug the front sensors back in. Full self-driving was unavailable for 3 weeks until they returned to plug in the sensors.
Also ordered snow tires from Tesla and the TPMS sensors don't work in my car (2021 uses BLE sensors). They're ordering new sensors and I will need to take my wheels to a tire store to have them installed.
It's been less than 2 months since I took delivery.
Love the car, love the company, an enthusiastic shareholder, but service needs to be fixed.
Of course if they made a Tesla with fewer issues and better service, I'd buy it. My 2018 Model 3 has had almost no issues. No other car company is making anything close so I'll put up with the service for now.
I considered a Ford plug-in hybrid and read on the internet how people had fires start because of a flaw with the charging cord, which was probably due to an extremely small cost-cutting choice.
I've owned a Model S since before the Model 3 arrived and have always fretted that the level of service I received wasn't sustainable at scale.
They AGGRESSIVELY attacked any problems and replaced parts, even when that's not what I asked for.
It's kinda nuts. Just the things I can remember:
- All 4 door handles were replaced with newer versions - I complained about a corner of stitching on the driver's seat and got an entirely new driver's seat - Glovebox cover replaced (to address latch) - Steering wheel controls replaced - Driver display unit replaced entirely - Sunroof replaced
Granted, that's A LOT of parts to address, but their attitude was we'll do anything to make it right. Never once pushed back or questioned. Usually told me that they wanted to replace the part (rather than fix) because Tesla had engineered an improved version. And, to their credit, the new parts they put in seemed to have meaningful improvements and have worked really well.