Has anyone experienced this with their Model 3 Highland?

Procal

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Jun 12, 2024
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I came home today after my normal morning commute, and upon reversing into my driveway, I heard what sounded like something dragging along the ground. Initially, I thought it was just my aftermarket mud flaps, but when I walked around the car, I noticed this plastic (rubber?) thing falling off the front bumper on the passenger side. The entire morning was spent driving on normal roads, and I didn't hit anything or park anywhere. I set up a mobile service appointment with Tesla service, but they are quoted me a $62 estimate for repairs. Which does seem pretty high for what the piece is. Anyway, here is the picture of what I'm talking about, and I just want to know if anyone has experienced this on their own Model 3 Highland, or any Model 3 for that matter.
IMG_5203.JPEG
 

Procal

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Jun 12, 2024
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Update to this situation. Tesla service has apparently deemed that the entire fascia piece needs to be replaced now. And are quoting me $400+ for that. This is without even seeing if it is damaged or able to be repaired instead of replaced. I am still currently chatting with them, as that seems extremely excessive and unnecessary. Will update again once more progress is made, or if I cancel the service request. So far, not happy.

Edit:
The part that they want to replace is linked here on Tesla's part catalog. This is a picture of the part itself, and where the damage is located.
1761068279487.png
This is the procedure for the replacement, which is linked here in the service manual.

The prices they are quoting are $240 for the part (as expected), and $155 in labor.

They are currently stating that it does not appear that it can be repaired, and instead must be replaced entirely. This seems like more of a pain than I thought, and I may try to DIY the replacement myself if they can't fix it.
 
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Procal

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Jun 12, 2024
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I'd like to update this situation for anyone curious of the outcome. I ended up fixing the issue myself, to make a long story short. It's a hack job, but I basically just went to my local auto part store and finding the strongest automotive glue I could buy. It was not very expensive (less than $10), and the process was simple. Essentially, I cleaned the surfaces very well with regular soap and water, followed by cleaning it further with rubbing alcohol. Then I applied the glue to both surfaces and cleaned the excess with paper towels. The glue has a 24-hour cure time, so I made sure to not drive the car for at least 12 hours and not get it wet for 24 hours. Overall, the “fix” has worked well, and I haven't noticed any issues or separation again, and I think it may actually be more durable now than previously.

I'm very disappointed with Tesla with this whole issue, and can't believe that the fix for this is replacement of an entire panel, and that they couldn't have just done what I did with automotive glue. I ended up saving around $370 from doing this fix myself, and I honestly couldn't be happier with the results.
 

PrescottAZRichard

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Oct 28, 2022
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Glad you got it sorted. This happens a lot with cars and authorized service centers.
My partner went over a curb with her Highland 3, dented the crap out of the bottom of the passenger side between the wheels. Tesla quoted $11k to fix, we're getting it done by a friend in Phoenix (or someone he knows is doing it) for $1500. Telsa wants to do it 'right' I guess, make the car whole. Like you would want another person's insurance company to do if your car was hit and they were at fault. Still, geez.
 

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Procal

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Jun 12, 2024
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Glad you got it sorted. This happens a lot with cars and authorized service centers.
My partner went over a curb with her Highland 3, dented the crap out of the bottom of the passenger side between the wheels. Tesla quoted $11k to fix, we're getting it done by a friend in Phoenix (or someone he knows is doing it) for $1500. Telsa wants to do it 'right' I guess, make the car whole. Like you would want another person's insurance company to do if your car was hit and they were at fault. Still, geez.
To be fair, that is a bit more extensive than what I had, lol. I would definitely want that looked at by a collision shop, and Tesla probably also was considering it as a collision. This would mean that they likely also wanted to check on the battery integrity, since it does seem the casing has some damage as well. I know It's likely too late to go back, but I'd be careful in the future with warranty. They might deny your claim if they see that.
 
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Delgado

New member
Apr 12, 2023
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I'd like to update this situation for anyone curious of the outcome. I ended up fixing the issue myself, to make a long story short. It's a hack job, but I basically just went to my local auto part store and finding the strongest automotive glue I could buy. It was not very expensive (less than $10), and the process was simple. Essentially, I cleaned the surfaces very well with regular soap and water, followed by cleaning it further with rubbing alcohol. Then I applied the glue to both surfaces and cleaned the excess with paper towels. The glue has a 24-hour cure time, so I made sure to not drive the car for at least 12 hours and not get it wet for 24 hours. Overall, the “fix” has worked well via Car Boom, and I haven't noticed any issues or separation again, and I think it may actually be more durable now than previously.

I'm very disappointed with Tesla with this whole issue, and can't believe that the fix for this is replacement of an entire panel, and that they couldn't have just done what I did with automotive glue. I ended up saving around $370 from doing this fix myself, and I honestly couldn't be happier with the results.
Totally get the frustration with random little bits just falling off when you literally didn’t hit anything, been reading about similar random build quirks others have noticed on Highland builds too. Some folks have had rattles, trim issues and even weird service quotes that seem way higher than they should be, so you’re definitely not alone feeling like Tesla’s making a meal out of a snack here.
 
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Procal

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Jun 12, 2024
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Totally get the frustration with random little bits just falling off when you literally didn’t hit anything, been reading about similar random build quirks others have noticed on Highland builds too. Some folks have had rattles, trim issues and even weird service quotes that seem way higher than they should be, so you’re definitely not alone feeling like Tesla’s making a meal out of a snack here.
I haven't really had too many other issues other than that. It was just a frustrating set of circumstances. The only issue I've started to encounter recently is the interior LED trim light having air bubbles show up on the passenger side, but apparently that is a pretty common issue and an easy fix.
 
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