Consumer Reports Is All Out of Love for the Tesla Model 3

Less than a year after bestowing a coveted “Recommended” label on Tesla’s Model 3, Consumer Reports is taking is back. You can just imagine the outrage in the online Teslaverse.

Consumer Reports’ secret ownership by shadowy oil execs and General Motors notwithstanding (this is clearly false, don’t sue us), the retraction of what amounts to a “buy this, you probably won’t be sorry” label is a blow to the automaker, and CR claims it’s all Tesla’s fault.

At least Tesla can say it isn’t alone in the recommendation withdrawal camp.

The revoking is a direct result of reported quality issues that came to its attention over the past year, CR claims. While the Model 3 excelled in crash tests, predicted reliability can sink any rating. Apparently, owners made good use of the reviewer’s Annual Auto Reliability Survey.

“Tesla Model 3 owners told CR that problem areas included loose body trim and glass defects,” the nonprofit organization claims.

Anyone who spends any amount of time on Twitter or immersed in one of the many Tesla forums will notice owner complaints, usually related to fit and finish. Not surprising, many claim, given the rush to ramp up production of the compact electric sedan — not to mention the facility’s improvised assembly line, which came together under a tent in mere days.

Unlike in past years, Tesla CEO made no mention of the slight on social media, spending Thursday tweeting about SpaceX rockets instead. The company’s shares closed down 4 percent following the CR report.

Musk can find solace in the fact that five other models also had their recommendations stripped. Based on consumer feedback, CR is no longer giving its nod of approval to the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Acura RDX, BMW 5 Series, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

Good news awaited BMW, Genesis, and Lincoln in the report, as CR returned the recommended label to the X3, G90, and Nautilus (formerly MKX).

[Image: Tesla]