Tesla vehicles are renowned for their groundbreaking technology and stylish designs, but there have been doubts raised about the level of their construction quality. Reports have emerged regarding issues like panel gaps and misaligned trim pieces.
In recent years, Tesla has made efforts to enhance its build quality; however, concerns persist. In 2022, Consumer Reports awarded the Tesla Model 3 a below-average reliability rating, and the Model Y also received subpar ratings for both reliability and construction quality.
Several factors may contribute to the presence of build quality concerns in Tesla cars. First, Tesla is a relatively new entrant in the automotive industry, with only a decade of car production experience, and it is still in the process of learning how to manufacture cars on a large scale.
Second, Tesla is simultaneously pioneering advancements in various areas, including self-driving technology, while also striving to reduce the cost of electric vehicles. This dual focus can occasionally result in trade-offs affecting construction quality.
Lastly, Tesla operates at a high production volume, manufacturing over 930,000 cars in 2022. This high production pace can potentially lead to challenges in quality control.
So, are Tesla cars constructed using subpar methods? The answer depends on your interpretation of “cheaply made.” Tesla cars may not exhibit the same level of meticulous craftsmanship found in some luxury vehicles, but they are not crafted with inexpensive materials. Tesla utilizes high-quality components like aluminum and carbon fiber in its vehicles.
In summary, Tesla cars are generally well-constructed, but they do confront certain build quality issues. While these issues are not widespread, they occur more frequently compared to some other automakers. If you are contemplating a Tesla purchase, it is advisable to conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle before making a decision.
