Tesla Delivery Checklist: What to Inspect Before Driving Your Car Off the Lot

You've decided: you're going to buy your Tesla. Delivery day is exciting, but it's also the best—and sometimes only—time to spot any factory or transport defects and get them recorded before signing acceptance. Tesla usually resolves issues found at delivery, but the sooner you report them, the easier it is. Here's the complete checklist to inspect your car before driving it off the lot.

Before You Start: General Tips

• Don't rush. You have the right to inspect the car calmly. Take 30–45 minutes.
• Go during the day or with good lighting. Paint defects and scratches are much easier to see in natural light. If delivery is at night, use your phone's flashlight.
• Bring someone with you to help you look and serve as a witness.
• Take photos and videos of everything you find, timestamped. This is your backup.
• Note down every finding and ask for it to be documented on a delivery form or "due bill" before signing.
• If the car is dirty or has transport residue, ask to see it clean: dirt can hide scratches.

1. Verify It's YOUR Car

First things first, confirm the vehicle matches your order:

• Exact model, version, and color you purchased.
• Wheel size and type (18", 19", 20"…) and interior color.
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): check that it matches your contract and the Tesla app. It's located at the base of the windshield and on the driver's door frame.
• Ordered extras: tow hitch, FSD, ventilated rear seats, etc.
• Mileage: a new car should have very few kilometers (usually less than 80–100 km from test drives and transport).

2. Paint: Scratches, Dents, and Defects

Inspect the entire body in good light, from different angles:

• Scratches, marks, or scuffs on doors, bumpers, hood, and trunk lid.
• Dents or bumps (run your hand over the surfaces; sometimes they're felt before seen).
• Paint defects: areas with excessive "orange peel," runs, unpainted spots, dust specks under the clear coat, or tonal differences between panels.
• Adhesive residue or transport wax poorly removed.
• Pay attention to edges and corners, where transport dings often appear.

Mark each defect with painter's tape (ask for some) to photograph it. Distinguish between simple dirt residue (which cleans off) and actual damage to the clear coat.

3. Panel Gaps and Alignment

This has historically been a complaint with Tesla, although it has improved significantly. Check:

• Uniform gaps between doors, fenders, hood, and trunk. One side shouldn't have more unevenness than the other.
• Alignment of headlights and taillights with the bodywork.
• That doors and the hood are flush (neither sunken nor protruding).
• On Model Y/3, check the alignment of the tailgate and taillights.

4. Seals, Trim, and Gaskets

• Rubber seals for doors and windows: well-adhered, not peeling or twisted.
• Trim pieces and accents (chrome or black) aligned and scratch-free.
• Ensure no trim pieces or screw caps are missing.
• Seals for the windshield and rear window without bubbles or lifting.

5. Tires and Wheels

• All four wheels identical and the correct size, without scuffs or curb marks.
• Tire make and model consistent (ideally all four the same brand and EV-specific).
• Recent manufacturing date (DOT) on the sidewall: tires shouldn't be old.
• Correct tire pressures (the app and the screen will show them).
• Wheel rims without scratches or dents; aero covers present.

6. Front Trunk (Frunk) and Rear Trunk

• Frunk (front trunk): open and check that opening and closing are smooth, without rubbing. Ensure there's no water, moisture, or rust inside.
• Rear trunk: electric opening/closing (if equipped) functioning; trunk lid alignment; ensure the mat and the spare tire well are clean and dry.
• Rubber seals for both trunks properly in place (they prevent water ingress).
• Verify that the accessories are present: mobile charging cable (if applicable in your market), kit, adapters, floor mats.
• Check that the frunk and trunk close firmly and that the electric buttons respond.

7. Doors, Handles, and Latches

• Open and close all doors: they should sound solid and close on the first try.
• Automatic handles (Model S/X) or flush handles (Model 3/Y): that they deploy and respond well.
• Test the falcon wing doors (Model X) by opening and closing them in an area with a roof, checking sensors.
• Lock/unlock with the key card and your phone.
• Check that the windows go up and down correctly and seal when the door closes.

8. Interior: Seats, Upholstery, and Finishes

• Seats: without stains, cuts, or abnormal wrinkles. Test the electric adjustments, heating, and ventilation (if equipped) in all positions.
• Stitching straight and without loose threads.
• Headliner well-attached, without stains or peeling.
• Interior plastics and trim without scratches or looseness; nothing creaks when touched.
• Check floor mats, glove compartment, center console, and storage compartments.
• Seatbelts for all positions: that they extend, retract, and latch correctly.

9. Glass, Panoramic Roof, and Mirrors

• Windshield and glass roof without cracks, chips, or bubbles in the lamination.
• Panoramic roof well-sealed, without noise or looseness.
• Mirrors: electric folding, heating, and adjustment functioning.
• Check for internal streaks on the glass.

10. Screen, Cameras, and Electronics

• Center screen without dead pixels, flickering, and with good touch response.
• All cameras: open the camera view and Autopilot; check that none show an error ("camera unavailable / blocked"). Inspect the rear-view camera and those on the pillars.
• Sensors and Autopilot: upon startup, there should be no persistent failed calibration warnings.
• Climate control (heating and cooling), audio (all speakers), USB, wireless charging, and interior lights.
• Exterior lights: low beams, high beams, turn signals, fog lights, brake lights, and license plate lights.
• Check that the climate control and fan don't make strange noises.

11. Charging: Test the Port

• Open the charging port cover from the screen and the app.
• If possible, connect it to a dealership charger to confirm it starts charging without errors.
• Verify that you have the adapters and cable that correspond to your market.

12. Software, Account, and App

• The car should be associated with your Tesla account and appear in the app.
• Check the installed software version and if an update is pending.
• Confirm which features and subscriptions are active (FSD, Premium Connectivity, etc.).
• Set up your driver profile and key card / mobile key before leaving.

13. Documentation

• Correct purchase contract and invoice (price, extras, details).
• Technical specifications, registration documents, and registration documentation (depending on country).
• Key cards (usually two) delivered.
• Warranty details for the vehicle and battery.
• Ensure any pending repairs are in writing ("due bill" / delivery form).

If You Find a Defect, What Do You Do?

Don't sign acceptance "blindly." If something is wrong:

• Photograph it and show it to the delivery advisor.
• Ask for it to be noted on the delivery form with a commitment to repair.
• For minor cosmetic defects (a scratch, a panel to adjust), you can accept the car with the defect noted and schedule a service appointment.
• For serious defects (structural damage, broken glass, serious electronic failure), you have the right to refuse delivery until it's resolved or another unit is assigned to you. Consult your market's policy.

Quick Checklist for Delivery Day

• ☐ VIN and configuration match the order
• ☐ Paint without scratches, dents, or defects
• ☐ Uniform panel gaps and aligned panels
• ☐ Seals, trim, and gaskets correct
• ☐ 4 tires/wheels identical, no damage, recent DOT
• ☐ Frunk and trunk: closing, seals, no moisture
• ☐ Doors, handles, windows, and latches OK
• ☐ Seats and upholstery without defects; everything functions
• ☐ Glass and roof without damage; mirrors OK
• ☐ Screen, ALL cameras, and sensors without errors
• ☐ Climate control, audio, lights, and charging tested
• ☐ Car on your account and app; keys delivered
• ☐ Complete documentation and defects in writing

Spending half an hour on this review can save you weeks of hassle later. A Tesla is a great purchase; go in, inspect it calmly, and leave with the peace of mind that everything is as it should be.

Did we miss anything from your delivery experience? Leave it in the comments to help other buyers.