CR Drops Tesla Model 3 From Recommended List

Complaints by owners of Tesla Inc.’s $46,900 Model 3 electric sedan have prompted Consumer Reports to yank its “recommended” rating for the car.

Owners are griping about loose body trim, paint problems, computer failures, malfunctioning door handles and other issues—although many also say they still love the vehicle. Purchases also report slow factory response to problems and long delays getting cars serviced.

The company says it takes owner feedback very seriously. It also claims to have fixed many of the reported design and assembly issues after CR completed its survey last September. Tesla points out that its models continue to rate very high in owner satisfaction.

CR previously dropped its recommendation for the older Tesla Model S electric sedan because of quality issues. Tesla’s Model X crossover failed to win a recommended rating because of problems with its unusual second-row gullwing doors.