I bought my first Tesla, a supposedly “Tesla Certified Pre-Owned” Model 3, 2021, from the Glasgow branch on 13 March 2024. The person who delivered the car handed over the card keys, showed the extra mats and left. The car wasn’t cleaned properly too. That was awkward, but I also thought it was Tesla’s procedure. However, three days later, everything started to reveal.
Dodgy Camera Calibration Reset
1. The camera calibration had been recently reset before the delivery. This was presumably done with the knowledge that there were issues with the vehicle, as immediately after the calibration, the safety and autopilot features became unavailable due to defective cameras.
Defective Left Camera
2. The left camera was becoming wholly black.
Defective Rear Camera
3. The rear camera was blurry, and there were numerous scratches on the lens.
When They Work, It Was Dangerous to Use Them
4. Even though the cameras, autopilot, and cruise control features were working occasionally. However, the car was making dangerous manoeuvres, thereby putting lives in danger.
Decisions From Photos?!
5. The condensation on headlights, rear lights and cameras was significant. Yet, I was informed that the condensation coverage under warranty would not be applied unless it exceeded 50%. This conclusion was reached without physically examining the vehicle, based solely on the photographs provided via a service request.
Have You Ever Checked This Car?
6. After being able to drive the car on the motorway for the first time, post delivery, I realised there was deficient air and soundproofing from the windows. When I checked the windows closer, I noticed that the rubbers on two windows were not fitted. This is also the time I realised that the car not even cleaned.
Promised Global Tesla Warranty NOT in Action
7. I was assured that Tesla Certified Pre-Owned cars are under warranty for a period time or mileage (whichever comes first). Yet, the reality was different. So, I really tried my best to get my car fixed rather than returning it.
Here Comes the Boom!
8. Last but not least, I discovered the ugliest truth when I became familiar with the car. There was a phone (also has access remotely via app), and two more card keys, which belonged to probably previous owner, had full access to my car all along since the begining.
None of the conditions were disclosed at the point of sale. I had to drive to Europe on 17 March 2024, which was a long before-planned business and leisure trip. Starting 16 March 2024, including phone calls and visiting the Tesla Centre, Glasgow, UK, the Tesla Centre, Edinburgh, UK and the Tesla Service Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands, service request chat with Tesla Service Centre, Freiburg, Germany, and via e-mail to Tesla UK, Tesla US and Tesla NL. I couldn’t get any kind of response other than the service request I started. I was rejected for service by the Tesla Service Centre in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Freiburg, Germany, even though the car was supposed to be under warranty.
After days of conversation via service request, I was able to reach out to make a service appointment with the Glasgow Tesla Centre on 3 April 2024. I prepared a document telling of the issues, not being able to contact anyone and any department from Tesla Corporation except the service request. I explicitly requested to return the car and refund as these are significant safety issues. The branch supervisor in Glasgow Tesla Centre admittedly accepted that there was a huge issue and the car shouldn’t have been delivered like that in the first place. However, first, they told me that they could not apply the ‘14-day Return Policy’ (as I could have the chance to come from Europe and they were open during the Easter Holiday) and that the issue could be evaluated under the ‘30-day Rejection’. Then, they agreed to apply a ‘14-day Return Policy’ as this case was exceptional. However, they also wanted to make a deduction for mileage, which I explicitly refused as I have done everything in my power not to escalate this issue to this point. So, on 3 April 2024, I filled out the forms and left the car in the Glasgow Tesla centre. Today, 11 April 2024, I haven’t received any e-mails from Tesla Corporation. More importantly, I am still waiting for the refund. I am not able to buy another car and am still paying more for the rental cars. All in all, think at least ten times before buying a Tesla. You will not find anyone to contact to resolve an issue, and you will be expected to cover everything they caused.
After waiting for 12 days, as of today, 15 April 2024, Tesla deducted £2,470.4 for 3000ish miles, which means I wouldn't have driven the car in the first place if someone were bothered in Glasgow Tesla Centre on 16 March 2024. Even better, I wouldn't return the car in the first place if Tesla kept the promise of a warranty and fixed the car in Germany. The refund will take 30 days. I cannot buy a car, and I am still paying for a rental car. Just an hour ago, I received my first e-mail reply from Tesla UK after 27 days!