Tesla’s mission to quickly transition the world to sustainable energy electric vehicles (EVs) has taken its share of hits over the past couple of decades. When Tesla decided to mass-produce its electric vehicles back in 2010, there were more quality and logistical issues than expected. After all, mass-producing several thousand luxury EVs isn’t the same as producing several hundred. Consumers have hoped that the 2020 Tesla Model Y would finally put Elon Musk and Tesla into the driver’s seat with its all-new electric SUV.

Unfortunately, the Model Y’s quality issues have once again put Tesla in the hot seat even though the all-new EV seems to have fixed some of the Model 3’s prior launch issues. The Model Y is basically the hatchback version of the Model 3 sedan. Since the Model Y is brand-new, there’s nothing to compare it with except the Model 3.

Has the Tesla Model Y fixed Model 3’s launch issues?

The Tesla Model Y shares many of the logistical and supply chain issues that the Model 3 had when it first rolled off the assembly line. The Model 3’s initial supply chain software issues led to production delays which led to missed quotas, according to The Washington Post. Model 3 owners who ordered the vehicle blamed Tesla’s ambitious scheduling that left no room for error. The Model Y seems to be suffering from the same logistical nightmare. However, Model Y’s quality issues are quite different from the ones that beset the Model 3 for its first three years on the market.

Quality and logistical issues

Tesla’s luxury vehicles were made to order in the early days. When it began to mass-produce the Model 3 in 2017, the supply chain and logistical issues included not only the vehicle’s software problems but with the battery module assembly, panel gap intolerances as well as problems with the key card and iPhone app which prevented owners from even entering their vehicle.

The touchscreen’s high failure rate caused the sedan’s radio to turn itself on and off as well as other touch screen items selecting themselves at will. All of the Tesla Model Y’s functions are handled by the massive 15-inch touchscreen which is mounted on the center of the dashboard. The Model 3 touchscreen failure rate isn’t an issue on the Y.

Model 3 buyers also documented many fit and finish issues such as broken or uneven trim, cracked mirrors and glass, paint and seal issues. Some buyers complained of taillight condensation and subsequent water pooling which Tesla’s warranty fixed. Many of the early quality issues that plagued Tesla in early production were alleviated in later manufacturing runs, but not all. The Model Y’s consumer complaints aren’t so simple a fix: the rear seats and seatbelts were delivered unattached creating more than a slight safety risk, according to MotorTrend. The Model Y has alleviated some of Model 3’s launch issues.

The Model Y’s first year and why it’s still a great buy

The Tesla Model Y’s not without its problems. Tesla has issues when it first rolls out an EV. But you can’t always judge a vehicle by the first few coming off the line. Consumer feedback over time is one of the best ways for a company to fix quality issues. Tesla’s Model Y has been on the road for a year. Not only does it drive fast but it charges fast.

Both the Long Range and the Performance trims run on a lithium-ion battery and two electric engines, one in front, one in the back. The Model Y’s Long Range all-electric driving range keeps you on the road for over 300 miles without a pit stop.

All it takes is a 10-minute hit on the power station to get you another 200 miles. The Model Y is priced competitively among others in the luxury EV market. It’s a great buy, but you might want to give it a thorough perusal upon delivery just to make sure that all its specs meet your specs.