Is there a problem with the new 2026 Tesla Model Y's wheel covers?
Michael Durr recently purchased a 2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper and is already experiencing issues with the wheel covers. After driving 200 miles, his hubcap flew off while he was on the highway and damaged the side of his car. Is it a problem Tesla customers should be aware of, or is it an isolated issue?
On the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club Facebook page, Michael asks if other Model Y owners have had this problem.
He says, "After taking delivery last Tuesday of my 2026 Tesla Model Y, I only have 200 miles on the car. I haven't had it long enough even to take it to the car wash yet. The front left hub cap came off and ruined my door. Has anyone had this issue? Do you think Tesla will cover it? I haven't touched the wheels or the hubcaps."
First, imagine buying a new car for $50,000, only to have it for a week and already experience problems with the vehicle. The wheel cover flies off while you are driving on the highway, hits the side of your car, and damages the paint.
Now, imagine the frustration of having to schedule an appointment, take the car to Tesla Service, and have it repaired. It's certainly not what a new car owner wants to deal with.
Will Tesla Cover the Damage to Michael's Model Y?
To answer the second question, yes, Tesla will cover the wheel cover that comes off and damages the car. The car has only 200 miles and will be covered under warranty.
Michael will need to schedule an appointment with Tesla Service and have them inspect the damage to his Model Y.
Michael says he's already done this and says, "It's been filled, and the wheel flew off two days ago. I haven't heard anything from Tesla yet."
How long will Michael have to wait for his new Model Y to be repaired?
The wait time for a Tesla service appointment can vary significantly, ranging from a few days to several weeks, depending on several factors, including the specific location and the nature of the issue.
While some Tesla owners have reported quick turnaround times (like a week or even a few hours), others have experienced delays of several weeks or even a month.
The Model Y isn't Michael's first Tesla vehicle. He also owns a Tesla Model 3.
"I already have a Model 3 Highland, and that's why I bought this new Model Y Juniper. It's an amazing vehicle to drive, but I'm aware that accidents can still happen. Tesla said they realized it was their mistake and will cover it under warranty."
Before Michael went in for his appointment, he attempted to remove the scuff marks from the damaged door.
He says, "I got the scuffs out, but there are still some dents and a couple of spots where it went through the paint that didn't come out."
Should Michael have tried to fix it himself, or should he have waited for Tesla to assess the damage?
Michael does have a video he made of the damage to the door, but it's best to have Tesla inspect the car before attempting to make repairs himself. Tesla has already admitted it was their fault and will fix the damage to Michael's Model Y.
Is this a common problem for a wheel cover to come off, or is it an isolated issue with Michael's Model Y?
Tesla Model Y hubcaps can come off for no apparent reason, particularly the "aero caps." Some owners have reported that the hubcaps, or wheel covers, have fallen off while driving or become loose, especially the driver's side hubcap.
Possible Reasons:
Michael's hubcaps may not have been correctly installed at the factory, or the clips that secure them may have become loose.
He could have hit a pothole while driving at highway speeds and caused the hubcap to dislodge, especially if they were not adequately secured.
Does Tesla Do A Pre-Delivery Inspection on All of Its New Cars?
Tesla conducts a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) on all new vehicles before they are delivered to customers. This inspection includes both exterior and interior checks to ensure the car is in good condition. Customers are also encouraged to inspect the vehicle before accepting delivery to identify any potential issues that may arise.
- Comprehensive Inspection: Teslas undergo a thorough pre-delivery inspection at the factory and again before being delivered to the customer.
- Customer Inspection: However, it's recommended that customers also perform their own inspection upon delivery to catch any minor imperfections or issues not identified during the PDI. Seeing an improperly installed wheel cover and having the tech fix it before he drove away could have prevented it from coming off and damaging Michael's car.
- Record Keeping: Tesla recommends that customers take photos and keep records of any minor issues they find during the inspection so they can refer to them later when requesting service.
- Refusal of Delivery: If a customer is unhappy with the condition of the car after inspection, they can refuse delivery.
Check out another Tesla Model Y story.
Mark was scheduled to pick up his new 2026 Model Y, Juniper, with an Ultra Red exterior paint. During the delivery, he noticed flaws in the paint. He ultimately rejected the car due to significant paint deficiencies in the Model Y. Check out Mark's Model Y experience, along with what Tesla customers need to know.
Conclusion and Questions for Tesla Owners:
When you buy a new car with a purchase price of $50,000, such as the Tesla Model Y Juniper, you expect the vehicle to be near perfect. However, mistakes do happen at the factory.
What happened to Michael is a good example of why customers need to inspect their new Tesla models closely before taking delivery.
How About You?
Have you purchased a Tesla Model Y or another model and had quality control issues? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Michael Durr
