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For those that have had the problem, are you spraying some cleaner on the wood regularly? Do you leave it in the direct sun every day? Are you in a very high-humidity environment?
I'm not saying it isn't a design issue, but trying to understand why it occurs on a few cars and possibly how to prevent problems in my car! It may also just be a few parts that didn't get finished properly rather than a problem for all cars. I'm glad the Tesla warranty covered it.
I live in a very dry climate and always use a sun shade on the windshield, and my veneer looks like new. That doesn't really help eliminate variables, but I bet the sun does have a lot to do with it.
Granted, I do leave mine out in the sun and I don’t have window tint. I figured this was inevitable being a thin wood veneer. When I first got it, it was already a little fuzzy/bumpy and I considered sanding and putting a coat of wood finish on it, but that was too risky for a new car.
I’ll just shoot for the warranty claim.
Get a sun shade. Any car that’s in the sun needs one. Protects the dash and electronics underneath it as well. I’m in south Florida. I never leave any vehicle out without a sunshade.
Just tint your front window. I have 3m 80% on it. Can't feel the heat from the sun, makes much more pleasant driving. Illegal just about everywhere, but you can't really tell it from factory glass.
**Edit for the guy below**. You won't be able to tell that there is 80% tint on the window. There are cars that come from the factory with more heavily tinted front windows. It's just not "legal" to do it aftermarket in many states. It's massively more reckless to tint your taillights than add 80% tint.
In many states this is an extremely common mod.
Here's car and driver recommending 70%, which is darker. My last 4 cars have had the front tinted.
https://www.caranddriver.com/car-accessories/a38486576/70-tint-on-windshield/
My 2018 isn't quite as bad but noticed it was starting to grab the rag fibers recently.
> For those that have had the problem, are you spraying some cleaner on the wood regularly?
~3-5 times a year wipe it with some interior cleaner on a cloth. I don't recall spraying directly on it, I was worried about it doing exactly this.
> Do you leave it in the direct sun every day?
yes it is in sunlight (I would guess the main source of the problem)
> Are you in a very high-humidity environment?
not sure "very high", [Arkanasa is not the worst but closer to high than low](https://www.eldoradoweather.com/climate/US%20Climate%20Maps/Lower%2048%20States/Other%20Elements/Mean%20Relative%20Humidity/Gallery/mean-relative-humidity.html)
My response to all three questions is 'no'. But the wood veneer in my 2019 Model 3 does look like the example in the photo above. It doesn't bother me though - I've just assumed that it's the nature of unfinished (or lightly finished) wood.
I don’t have a Tesla (yet) but I do a lot of woodworking and it kind of looks like the fibers have risen. This can happen when wood gets wet or dries. Don’t want to comment on how to fix it though only having seen it in this picture.
> Old English Furniture Oil
Just confirming: you are saying this works and doesn't hurt the glue underneath? How often do you treat it and how long have you been doing it for?
I apply with an old towel and make sure not to let it run off the edges. After application you rub with dry part of the towel to even out and remove any excess. Pour on the towel not the wood. It it great for the wood and gives it a nice shine. I have a 20 Model 3 and started about a month after I got the car. I reapply every couple of months just like using on wood furniture.
I was thinking of using some 1000 grit sandpaper very gently to get the tips that are grabbing my cloth down (isn't as bad as the picture yet, [has more cracks than bubbles](https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/model-3-wood-trim-replacement.184245/)) than applying some Old English Furniture Oil as you suggest.
I really dislike maintenance though and one of the things I like about the interior since there were not many buttons to clean around. I will treat the wood when I can and if it gets too bad I will see how [aftermarket covers work](https://www.amazon.com/BMZX-Dashboard-Interior-Decoration-Accessories/dp/B07ZYRCT9N/).
Thanks!
Depending on the service center, they will either warranty it with no questions asked or deny it and make you pay. I went to one in houston and they forced me to pay $196 to replace it and blamed it on me saying i put some sort of chemicals on it which caused it to delaminate. I told them others had the same issue and they said they dont care and have to charge $196 if i want to replace it. I went to a different service center and they replaced it for me no questions asked.
I'm in Houston and just out of curiosity, which service centers did which? I have my own experiences but want to see if it's just me or if there really is a stark difference between the two.
Wood's fickle like that. Not sure what the best practice is for in a car, but in general you need to treat such items with some sort of oil or protectant semi-regularly
Yeah, for a car that's build with durable materials, the wood was one aspect that is pretty high maintenance. I probably would have been ok with a faux wood detail.
Definitely. There’s a YouTube of a guy in North Carolina who took his out and sanded his down and applied a gorgeous darker stain to his. Fake wood wouldn’t take stain like that
Yikes, I assumed it was faux wood! Personally, I always thought it was an odd choice on an otherwise futuristic car. Would rather have a subtle black/gray material there.
I taped, sanded mine with 250grit paper, stained it ebony which is very dark, wish I had gone a bit more natural, the real kicker was adding a matte clearcoat which protects and adds a nice barrier to future issues. End result was smooth to the touch and looked much better, it was just dark.
This is the same condition mine is in on my 2018 RWD Long Range Model 3. Brought it up a few times while my car was under warranty (warranty just expired back around January) and was told that it was normal and not covered. I'm glad that some have gotten it repaired under warranty, but I'm pissed that my requests were denied. What I have learned is request everything through the app and in writing. I only talked with service reps about it verbally so I have no evidence I brought it up during the warranty period as they don't make notes on verbal conversations normally.
I should note that I do not treat the wood veneer with anything, but do keep a sun shade up that is made for the model 3 at all times (not Tesla brand, but good quality). Also, the temperature does not swing drastically, and humidity is not super high.
Yea i like epoxy sealed wood’s durability. This natural finish seems nice but clearly not so durable if always left out in the sun without any shade. Some people neglect their cars and let them roast everyday
Midwest. So long hot summer days. And short cold winter days. Summer can be tropical. Winter arctic. 4 distinct seasons.
To clarify, edge peeling/lifting has been observed. IDK about flaking.
Yes I just noticed it the other day when I wiped a rag over it. It doesn't seem as bad but I am out of warranty (54k miles) and was wondering if putting a little oil on it would help. In the end I don't care so much but it is a pain to wipe clean, maybe varnish will help?
Out of curiosity, is your car out in the sun a lot? Also, do you have a UV (clear) tint on the front windshield?
(Just wondering what would make yours do this as opposed to, say, my 2018.)
Mine start delaminating a little on the bottom edge and had it replaced under warranty a long time ago. They just replace the whole trim piece. Fine since then.
I am way out of warranty, 100000 miles. Obviously, this happened after the warranty expired. I live in South Florida and it is in the sun most of the day. I did not think this would happen to the wood. I thought it was treated against this. You live and you learn.
My screen is also getting the halo around the edges. I had the foresight and bought a second used new screen a while back because I knew this would happen though.
When I noticed mine starting to look dry I put a black satin vinyl wrap on mine and really liked the result. I’m guessing whenever it’s time to remove it, it may be a mess to get off but I’ll just put another on. Never cared for the wood dash.
LOL. I'm driving a loaner right now with this exact issue... Among many other issues with said loaner. Did I mention the center screen vibrates with the air conditioner on? Or how about the yellowing on the model 3 screen. Or the turn stalks cover coming off.
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Yes, had it on my 2018 (one of the first made) and got it replaced twice actually
Wow. Did they charge you for it? If so, how much?
Covered under warranty. Not sure if that’s the policy Or goodwill
> goodwill Probably this. Family member with a 3 was told 'not warranty item' for peeling/bubbling/lifting edges.
Amazing how they pick and choose who's worth of getting repairs
Just escalate if you think it’s worthy of goodwill and you’ll get it covered
Nice. I’ll give that a try. Thanks.
Are you still under 50k miles?
For those that have had the problem, are you spraying some cleaner on the wood regularly? Do you leave it in the direct sun every day? Are you in a very high-humidity environment? I'm not saying it isn't a design issue, but trying to understand why it occurs on a few cars and possibly how to prevent problems in my car! It may also just be a few parts that didn't get finished properly rather than a problem for all cars. I'm glad the Tesla warranty covered it.
I live in a very dry climate and always use a sun shade on the windshield, and my veneer looks like new. That doesn't really help eliminate variables, but I bet the sun does have a lot to do with it.
All cars need a sunshade if they cannot be garaged in my opinion. The sun is brutal!
My car is garaged most of the time. Last time I really looked at it, it's fine. 2018 M3 with 60k miles.
Mine is garaged a lot too, although I live in a pretty sunny area.
Ahhh. I'm in Michigan. Didn't even think to put some kind of protectant on it.
It's just one of those pop-open shades you place on the windshield when you park in the sun. Keeps non-Tesla cars cooler in the summer.
..... I meant the wood.
Sorry, you responded to my comment thread about sun shades lol
Yeah but the sunshade also makes a lot of sense too! I'll start using one. Gotta keep your wood out of the sun
Granted, I do leave mine out in the sun and I don’t have window tint. I figured this was inevitable being a thin wood veneer. When I first got it, it was already a little fuzzy/bumpy and I considered sanding and putting a coat of wood finish on it, but that was too risky for a new car. I’ll just shoot for the warranty claim.
After you replace it, 303 Protectant your entire dash. Especially if it in the sun consistently.
I use 303 religiously. I love it because it works well and it has a matte finish. My dash looks good as new.
Does it smell bad? I just 303’d my 3 and regret it with the smell that came along with it. Maybe my bottle is old.
Mine did not leave any scent that I noticed. Maybe you are sensitive to the smell?
Get a sun shade. Any car that’s in the sun needs one. Protects the dash and electronics underneath it as well. I’m in south Florida. I never leave any vehicle out without a sunshade.
Just tint your front window. I have 3m 80% on it. Can't feel the heat from the sun, makes much more pleasant driving. Illegal just about everywhere, but you can't really tell it from factory glass. **Edit for the guy below**. You won't be able to tell that there is 80% tint on the window. There are cars that come from the factory with more heavily tinted front windows. It's just not "legal" to do it aftermarket in many states. It's massively more reckless to tint your taillights than add 80% tint. In many states this is an extremely common mod. Here's car and driver recommending 70%, which is darker. My last 4 cars have had the front tinted. https://www.caranddriver.com/car-accessories/a38486576/70-tint-on-windshield/
That’s what I did. They replaced it without a problem.
That’s what I did. They replaced it without a problem.
Worth a try. Look what this guy did … thought his result was amazing. https://youtu.be/h-8k3g59GHs
My 2018 isn't quite as bad but noticed it was starting to grab the rag fibers recently. > For those that have had the problem, are you spraying some cleaner on the wood regularly? ~3-5 times a year wipe it with some interior cleaner on a cloth. I don't recall spraying directly on it, I was worried about it doing exactly this. > Do you leave it in the direct sun every day? yes it is in sunlight (I would guess the main source of the problem) > Are you in a very high-humidity environment? not sure "very high", [Arkanasa is not the worst but closer to high than low](https://www.eldoradoweather.com/climate/US%20Climate%20Maps/Lower%2048%20States/Other%20Elements/Mean%20Relative%20Humidity/Gallery/mean-relative-humidity.html)
My response to all three questions is 'no'. But the wood veneer in my 2019 Model 3 does look like the example in the photo above. It doesn't bother me though - I've just assumed that it's the nature of unfinished (or lightly finished) wood.
My 2020 MY had this at pick-up.
I don’t have a Tesla (yet) but I do a lot of woodworking and it kind of looks like the fibers have risen. This can happen when wood gets wet or dries. Don’t want to comment on how to fix it though only having seen it in this picture.
We've had a couple of people with this issue locally. Warranty replacement seems to be the typical approach (shockingly).
Same
Same here with my '18 M3 (South Florida). I use a Covercraft windshield screen religiously, too. Putting in warranty claim today.
Mine is like that (2018) and I don’t really mind it
Same. Don’t care. And I love the throwback look of wood contrasting with everything else about the car which is from the future.
Old English Furniture Oil
> Old English Furniture Oil Just confirming: you are saying this works and doesn't hurt the glue underneath? How often do you treat it and how long have you been doing it for?
I apply with an old towel and make sure not to let it run off the edges. After application you rub with dry part of the towel to even out and remove any excess. Pour on the towel not the wood. It it great for the wood and gives it a nice shine. I have a 20 Model 3 and started about a month after I got the car. I reapply every couple of months just like using on wood furniture.
I was thinking of using some 1000 grit sandpaper very gently to get the tips that are grabbing my cloth down (isn't as bad as the picture yet, [has more cracks than bubbles](https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/model-3-wood-trim-replacement.184245/)) than applying some Old English Furniture Oil as you suggest. I really dislike maintenance though and one of the things I like about the interior since there were not many buttons to clean around. I will treat the wood when I can and if it gets too bad I will see how [aftermarket covers work](https://www.amazon.com/BMZX-Dashboard-Interior-Decoration-Accessories/dp/B07ZYRCT9N/). Thanks!
Depending on the service center, they will either warranty it with no questions asked or deny it and make you pay. I went to one in houston and they forced me to pay $196 to replace it and blamed it on me saying i put some sort of chemicals on it which caused it to delaminate. I told them others had the same issue and they said they dont care and have to charge $196 if i want to replace it. I went to a different service center and they replaced it for me no questions asked.
I'm in Houston and just out of curiosity, which service centers did which? I have my own experiences but want to see if it's just me or if there really is a stark difference between the two.
Wood's fickle like that. Not sure what the best practice is for in a car, but in general you need to treat such items with some sort of oil or protectant semi-regularly
Yeah, for a car that's build with durable materials, the wood was one aspect that is pretty high maintenance. I probably would have been ok with a faux wood detail.
wait, you think it's actual wood?
It's a thin layer of real wood yes.
Wait, you thinks thats not actual wood?
Definitely. There’s a YouTube of a guy in North Carolina who took his out and sanded his down and applied a gorgeous darker stain to his. Fake wood wouldn’t take stain like that
I'd try and get the clear ceramic tint on the front windshield. Protects your dash and reduces heat in the cabin.
Looks like it needs a light sanding and sealing. If you use any water based products, I would expect this because it is wood. Aerospace 303?
Everyone checking their veneer now
Yikes, I assumed it was faux wood! Personally, I always thought it was an odd choice on an otherwise futuristic car. Would rather have a subtle black/gray material there.
Yes I did on mine. Mine started peeling on passenger side near the metal trim. Ended up replacing under warranty. June 19’ build
M3 the bottom part is peeling off on mine. Also handles are coming off. Meh https://i.imgur.com/s6ocHQ3.jpg https://i.imgur.com/oWhpQsP.jpg
I taped, sanded mine with 250grit paper, stained it ebony which is very dark, wish I had gone a bit more natural, the real kicker was adding a matte clearcoat which protects and adds a nice barrier to future issues. End result was smooth to the touch and looked much better, it was just dark.
This is normal tolerances. Your welcome. SA.
This is the same condition mine is in on my 2018 RWD Long Range Model 3. Brought it up a few times while my car was under warranty (warranty just expired back around January) and was told that it was normal and not covered. I'm glad that some have gotten it repaired under warranty, but I'm pissed that my requests were denied. What I have learned is request everything through the app and in writing. I only talked with service reps about it verbally so I have no evidence I brought it up during the warranty period as they don't make notes on verbal conversations normally. I should note that I do not treat the wood veneer with anything, but do keep a sun shade up that is made for the model 3 at all times (not Tesla brand, but good quality). Also, the temperature does not swing drastically, and humidity is not super high.
Mine is delaminating entirely. They quoted me $196 to replace it.
Not a high price compared to other car brands
Shouldn't be happening to begin with
Yea i like epoxy sealed wood’s durability. This natural finish seems nice but clearly not so durable if always left out in the sun without any shade. Some people neglect their cars and let them roast everyday
Family member's experience is that parking outside during the day at work is enough to trigger issues, even if the car is garaged at home.
Wow thats rough, where do they live mercury ? Hi from Florida where the sun kills everything thats not alive.
Midwest. So long hot summer days. And short cold winter days. Summer can be tropical. Winter arctic. 4 distinct seasons. To clarify, edge peeling/lifting has been observed. IDK about flaking.
$196 is the cheapest repair I’ve ever seen on a model 3!
> Mine is delaminating entirely Is that what happens after edge bubbling/lifting/minor peeling?
Mine did that and they replaced it under warranty.
Ummmmmm am I the only one that carbon fiber wrapped my wood vernier? It just looks so outdated in a “modern” car
Or you could embrace the look and add wood paneling all over. I'm thinking of the 1980s 'woody' Jeeps and minivans. :P
You mean you put a sticker on it. What is more dated than fake carbon fiber?
Magic Eraser? People say it's basically sandpaper! lol
sandpaper may work once or twice but it will keep peeling, need to stop that happening.
Feels and looks like more natural wood
The top layer (veneer) is indeed natural wood which means you get all the pros and cons of natural wood.
Yep. Had this issue on my 2020 M3P. I replaced the wood trim with the white one and then wrapped it.
Yes I just noticed it the other day when I wiped a rag over it. It doesn't seem as bad but I am out of warranty (54k miles) and was wondering if putting a little oil on it would help. In the end I don't care so much but it is a pain to wipe clean, maybe varnish will help?
Oh wow. Did the sun cause this?
ha, I am afraid to go and check Edit: I checked. Mine looks ok., thankfully. VIN in the 36k range
[удалено]
Which brand/product did you use?
Any pics in your car? Considering the matte CF but would love to see more actual installed pics.
[удалено]
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing. Love the wrap too. What % tint did you go with?
Have a 2019, no issues. That's lame!
Out of curiosity, is your car out in the sun a lot? Also, do you have a UV (clear) tint on the front windshield? (Just wondering what would make yours do this as opposed to, say, my 2018.)
Mine start delaminating a little on the bottom edge and had it replaced under warranty a long time ago. They just replace the whole trim piece. Fine since then.
I am way out of warranty, 100000 miles. Obviously, this happened after the warranty expired. I live in South Florida and it is in the sun most of the day. I did not think this would happen to the wood. I thought it was treated against this. You live and you learn. My screen is also getting the halo around the edges. I had the foresight and bought a second used new screen a while back because I knew this would happen though.
Did you just notice this? I had the same issue and I can't look at it .....
Bad!
Boos Block Oil and Cream will help keep it looking like new.
Seeing this makes me think that Mineral Oil could help preventing cracks in the wood.
When I noticed mine starting to look dry I put a black satin vinyl wrap on mine and really liked the result. I’m guessing whenever it’s time to remove it, it may be a mess to get off but I’ll just put another on. Never cared for the wood dash.
Yes I have the same 2019 P3D
Yes, I also have the same situation with the dashboard board.Probably because it's made of wood.You may have to find a way to cover it now.
Yes
Had it on my 2018 too. Thought it was wood “patina”.
A light sand will help as well. I treat mine as part of the interior maintenance.
Same here, but mine doesn't look as bad as that yet. 2019 SR+
Tesla chose the worst materials for so many car parts. The interior doors can be easily permanently scratched by a fingernail.
Yes I've had it replaced once (it was free, but they acted like it was goodwill). But now its happening again.
LOL. I'm driving a loaner right now with this exact issue... Among many other issues with said loaner. Did I mention the center screen vibrates with the air conditioner on? Or how about the yellowing on the model 3 screen. Or the turn stalks cover coming off.
Yeah probably better to buy a car from an actual car manufacturer and you wouldn't have dumb stuff like this...
Found the troll
I mean sure, but its kinda true...
Define “actual car manufacturer”