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safety issues with tesla-- interesting thread on twitter from guy who worked in quality control (Original Post) orleans May 2022 OP
Very disappointing - thank you for posting this. NBachers May 2022 #1
Seems like the issue was with his employer, not Tesla MichMan May 2022 #2
my impression was that this was the crap tesla was accepting and selling nt orleans May 2022 #3
So If I enter a contract for a supplied component and it doesn't meet quality standards... MichMan May 2022 #4
It is your fault kcr May 2022 #6
+1. dalton99a May 2022 #9
How does Tesla determine that a component is non conforming? MichMan May 2022 #10
Stop right now jmowreader May 2022 #5
Nothing wrong with aluminum suspension, if it's all done correctly sir pball May 2022 #8
At least those parts weren't from the hardware store. sir pball May 2022 #7

MichMan

(11,960 posts)
4. So If I enter a contract for a supplied component and it doesn't meet quality standards...
Sat May 21, 2022, 01:09 AM
May 2022

that makes it my fault?

Sounds like the supplier couldn't meet contractual agreements on quality and delivery and shipped non conforming product per their management. Tesla certainly didnt instruct them to do so. I worked 35 years for automotive suppliers.

I thought this part in particular was telling...

"Quality parts were being made, enough to keep Tesla lines running. When we ran behind, Tesla forced us to expedite shipments, huge expense to a small company!"


Supplier couldn't fulfill their production requirements and the poster makes it seem like Tesla was being unreasonable wanting parts expedited to keep their assembly plant running.

That's what happens when you can't meet orders and risk shutting down an assembly plant employing thousands. Seen it happen before with employers of mine. One even had helicopters landing in a field next to the plant every now and then. Cheaper than getting a big bill for assembly plant downtime.

kcr

(15,318 posts)
6. It is your fault
Sat May 21, 2022, 07:50 AM
May 2022

if you keep using the parts. And I don't think Tesla pressuring them to expedite is the defense you think it is.

MichMan

(11,960 posts)
10. How does Tesla determine that a component is non conforming?
Sat May 21, 2022, 10:01 AM
May 2022

If it isn't readily apparent by merely glancing at it by the operator on the line? Auto manufacturers do not have an army of receiving inspectors closely examining every single part to see if it meets requirements. They receive the components, move them to the line, and install them on the cars. Suppliers are expected to provide conforming product. Period. If they don't, they will be forced to hire a third party company to inspect the parts and pay those costs which gets very ugly.

The contracts between manufacturers and suppliers dictates price, specifications, quality, volume and delivery requirements. An auto manufacturer generally will place orders 10-12 weeks in advance for "x" number of pieces. The supplier accepts the contract through negotiation. Suppliers are eager to win business, so there are likely several bidders. It can be a very tough cutthroat cyclical business with low profit margins and hi pressure environment.

IF the supplier is behind due to machine downtime, excess scrap, staffing shortages, or a myriad of other issues, they are the ones expected to pay extra for expedited shipping. Not their customer, they just want good parts on time, like they ordered per the contract. Not days early or days late, but when they need them.

If they were to shut down Tesla's assembly line by missing a shipment, the costs would be millions and Tesla could charge that back to the supplier. Expediting parts under those circumstances isn't even a tough decision to make for a supplier. Seriously, do you expect Tesla to shut their line down and lay off thousands of workers because a supplier misses shipment by not expediting?

I spent 30 plus years working for several suppliers in a quality role, so I have extensive knowledge of this scenario. Just curious if you work in the automotive manufacturing industry ?




jmowreader

(50,562 posts)
5. Stop right now
Sat May 21, 2022, 01:19 AM
May 2022

You are telling me that the control arms on a 6000-pound car are being made out of cast aluminum and not hydroformed stainless steel?

sir pball

(4,758 posts)
8. Nothing wrong with aluminum suspension, if it's all done correctly
Sat May 21, 2022, 08:18 AM
May 2022

IIRC Chevy uses alu arms in the Z71 off-road package, if they can handle a 5,000-lb pickup bouncing down a trail they're fine for a Tesla on a paved road.

Of course, that's contingent on them being manufactured correctly, which after seeing the finish in that picture, I have doubts about.

sir pball

(4,758 posts)
7. At least those parts weren't from the hardware store.
Sat May 21, 2022, 08:13 AM
May 2022
https://jalopnik.com/tesla-model-y-owners-have-found-home-depot-shit-used-to-1844999285


Seriously, the physical cars are such garbage (and apparently completely unfit for the speeds they can achieve), I'm genuinely surprised they're still selling much at all. I'd spend my money on a VW ID.4, or if I had the 6 figures for a supersedan, a Porsche Taycan. They know how to make a 200mph car, thankyouverymuch.
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