Los Angeles Times

Some early owners of Tesla's Model 3 are reporting quality problems. Do buyers care?

Mark Schey of Morristown, N.J., stepped into his garage a few mornings ago eager to hop inside his shiny new car - the much desired and currently rare Tesla Model 3 electric sedan. The one with the 15-inch touchscreen on the bare-bones dash.

He flashed his electronic key card to unlatch the door, but nothing happened. He tried the iPhone app, but that didn't work either.

There was no way to open the doors. There's not even a backup metal key.

Schey figured he'd need to jump the 12-volt battery needed to power the doors open from the outside. But the hood was locked shut, too.

It turns out there's a wafer-thin plastic cap flush with the front bumper covering a hole the size of a silver dollar. The Tesla technician sent to Schey's home reached his fingers in and pulled out two thin cables. He clamped the cables to a portable battery and switched on the juice. The hood popped open.

That's how you jump-start the most high-tech, cutting-edge automobile on the market today.

And Schey couldn't be happier.

"The Tesla service people were great," he said. "I see this as growing pains."

Whether there are tens of thousands of patient and forgiving customers like Schey or only a few early adopters who

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times4 min read
Tyler Glasnow Dominates And Max Muncy Hits Three Home Runs In Dodgers’ Blowout Win
LOS ANGELES — As much as it pained Kyle Snyder to see Tyler Glasnow traded from Tampa Bay to the Los Angeles Dodgers last December, the Rays pitching coach predicted the move would benefit the 6-foot-8 right-hander from Santa Clarita. “I genuinely th
Los Angeles Times2 min read
California Roads Damaged By Storms Could Get Help With Gov. Newsom's Emergency Declaration
LOS ANGELES — Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency Friday to help fund badly needed repairs of roads battered during this year's storms, including scenic Topanga Canyon Boulevard that was blocked by millions of tons of debris. The govern
Los Angeles Times2 min read
Bodies Found In Baja California During Search For Missing Tourists, Mexican Officials Say
MEXICO CITY — Mexican officials said three bodies have been found in the same remote stretch of Baja California where two Australian brothers and their American friend went missing last week while on a surf trip. The bodies were recovered south of th

Related Books & Audiobooks