For a long time, Tesla was far ahead of established automakers in almost every area: innovation, courage, and successes in software and range were unbeatable. Only one criticism marred the seemingly perfect image of the electric vehicle pioneer: the inadequate build quality.
Tesla's beginnings in processing
This was already an issue when the Model S launched in 2012, although at that time Tesla was still struggling to even establish mass production. However, the first batches of the Model 3, produced under time pressure at the main factory in Fremont, USA, also regularly received poor reviews. Particularly frequent criticisms included uneven panel gaps, sloppy paintwork, and flimsy plastic in the interior.
Tesla's early days are definitely over, and production now takes place not only in the USA, but also in China and Germany. Many are therefore asking: What changes has Tesla made in terms of quality? And are there differences between the production locations?
Tesla build quality today
While the issue is naturally heavily dependent on individual cases, users and experts alike agree that Tesla's quality has improved significantly since 2018. Vehicles from the Shanghai Gigafactory, in particular, which has been in production since January 2020, are noticeably better made than their American predecessors and can generally compete with other premium brands.
This is probably also due to the fact that in China, professional manufacturing could be built from scratch with brand new machines and optimized processes, while at the main plant in Fremont, it was more a case of "learning by doing".
The Gigafactory Grünheide is also brand new and designed from the ground up, raising high expectations for its quality. However, it seems these expectations haven't quite been met yet: users have already reported uneven panel gaps, misaligned taillights, and scratched paint on their Model Y vehicles produced in Brandenburg.
Elon Musk is also aware of the problem. He explained that the shortcomings are due to the fact that production is only just ramping up, and that quality will improve in a few months. Anyone concerned about build quality should always order before production begins and secure one of the particularly meticulously crafted launch vehicles, or simply wait until production is running smoothly.
The fact remains: Tesla's best build quality currently comes from China, where the Shanghai Gigafactory is running like clockwork. Whether the Germans will reach the same level in the foreseeable future remains to be seen – but it's to be expected. The further Tesla moves into the ranks of established automakers, the better its cars will become.
In which factory was your Tesla manufactured? Leave a message. Feel free to leave us a comment with your experiences regarding the processing. You can find practical accessories for your vehicle here at Teslas.
