Tesla Delivery Day Checklist (2026)

Paint & Body 3 checks

• No scratches, chips, or marks on paintCosmetic
  Scan every panel under direct light for visible damage.
• Paint finish — color match, texture, runsCosmetic
  One slow walk-around: compare panel colors, check for orange peel, look for drips.
• Paint coverage on door edges and hoodCosmetic
  Open each door and check edges and undersides for bare metal or thin paint.

Panel Gaps & Alignment 7 checks

• Even gaps between doors and bodyCosmetic
  Check that gaps are uniform left to right — use a finger width as reference.
• Hood alignment and gap symmetryCosmetic
  Compare the gap on both sides of the hood — asymmetry is reportable.
• Trunk/liftgate — alignment and operationFunctional
  Check how the trunk sits when closed, then open and close it; on Model Y test the power liftgate.
• Headlight and taillight fit — no condensationFunctional
  Check lights sit flush with the bodywork and have no moisture inside.
• Door seals and weatherstrippingFunctional
  Inspect rubber seals for gaps, tears, or misalignment — affects wind noise.
• Frunk alignment and latchFunctional
  Open and close the frunk; check the fit and that the latch clicks firmly.
• All exterior lights workFunctional
  Test headlights, turn signals, brake, reverse and tail lights.

Glass & Mirrors 5 checks

• Windshield free of chips or cracksFunctional
  Look across the glass from inside and outside.
• Glass roof — no marks or seal issuesCosmetic
  Inspect the glass roof for scratches, bubbles, or seal gaps.
• All windows operate smoothlyFunctional
  Roll each window fully up and down — listen for grinding.
• Side mirrors — firm, no squeaksFunctional
  Fold and adjust both side mirrors; check auto-fold works.
• Wipers and washer spray workFunctional
  Run the wipers through all speeds and spray washer fluid.

Interior 9 checks

• Seats — no stains, stitching intactCosmetic
  Check seat surfaces, stitching, and bolsters for factory marks.
• Seat functions — adjustment, heating, ventilationFunctional
  Move each seat through every direction, then test heating (and ventilation) in all positions.
• Interior panels flush — no rattlesCosmetic
  Press around trim panels for gaps or rattles — especially A/B pillars.
• Steering wheel, scroll wheels and hornFunctional
  Test the wheel buttons, scroll wheels, and the horn.
• Glovebox opens and closes properlyFunctional
  Open and close the glovebox — check for USB ports inside.
• Rear seats sit flush and foldFunctional
  Check rear seat alignment and that 60/40 fold works smoothly.
• Door handles and manual release workFunctional
  Open each door from outside and inside; locate the manual release.
• Seatbelts extend, retract and latchMay refuse delivery
  Test every belt — pull, latch, release, and retract.
• Interior lights, USB ports & chargersFunctional
  Test the interior lights, every USB-C port and the wireless phone chargers.

Do this on your iPhone with TSL Check

The same checklist, built for your delivery day — without paper or screenshots.

• Swipe through every check and mark OK or Not OK
• Attach a photo and a note to each problem
• Share a PDF report with Tesla or your Service Center
• Plus: how to inspect each item, real defect photos, and checks for your model

Download on theApp Store

Free to start. No account. Your inspection stays on your phone.

Screen & Software 6 checks

• No dead pixels or discolorationFunctional
  Look closely at the display for dead pixels or yellow tinting.
• Touch response across full screenFunctional
  Tap across all areas — especially corners and edges.
• Software version is currentFunctional
  Check the software version in Settings > Software; request update if behind.
• Tesla account & app — linked and workingMay refuse delivery
  Confirm the car shows in your Tesla app and responds to commands.
• Navigation and connectivityFunctional
  Test maps, cellular data, and premium connectivity if included.
• No warning lights or alerts on the displayMay refuse delivery
  Scan the driver display and main screen for any warning icons.

Cameras & Sensors 5 checks

• Rear camera — clear imageFunctional
  Shift to reverse and check the rear camera view is sharp and clean.
• Side cameras — clear imageFunctional
  Check both side repeater camera feeds for clarity.
• Cabin camera functionalFunctional
  Confirm the cabin camera is working in the Tesla app.
• Parking sensors respond correctlyFunctional
  Move near objects and watch the proximity visualization.
• Dashcam & Sentry Mode recordFunctional
  Confirm the USB drive is recognized and clips actually record and play back.

Wheels & Tires 3 checks

• Tires — no marks, proper pressureCosmetic
  Inspect each tire sidewall and tread; check pressures on screen.
• Rims — no damage, all lug covers presentCosmetic
  Check each rim for scuffs (behind aero covers too) and count the lug nut covers.
• Tire repair kit presentFunctional
  Confirm the tire repair kit is in the sub-trunk.

Charging 3 checks

• Charge port opens and closesFunctional
  Open and close the charge port via screen and button.
• Charging accessories — connector & adaptersMay refuse delivery
  Confirm the mobile connector (if ordered) and the charging adapters are in the car.
• Test charge initiates properlyMay refuse delivery
  Plug in and confirm charging starts; check estimated range.

Test Drive 6 checks

• Brakes — no noise, good responseMay refuse delivery
  Listen and feel for grinding or squealing; test at low speed.
• Suspension — no clunks or creaksMay refuse delivery
  Drive over bumps and listen for abnormal noises.
• No wind noise or rattles at speedFunctional
  Drive 40+ mph on a smooth road, music off — listen for whistling and interior rattles.
• Climate controls and heated seatsFunctional
  Test heating, cooling, defrost, and heated/ventilated seats.
• Audio system — all speakersFunctional
  Play audio, fade front/rear and left/right to test every speaker.
• Regenerative braking feels normalFunctional
  Lift off the accelerator and feel for smooth regen engagement.

Documentation 4 checks

• VIN matches purchase contractMay refuse delivery
  Compare the VIN on the dashboard/door jamb to your paperwork.
• Odometer reading is minimalFunctional
  Check delivery mileage — typically under 50 miles.
• All promised accessories presentFunctional
  Confirm every ordered extra is included (mats, tow hitch, etc).
• Keys — both cards and phone key workMay refuse delivery
  Test both key cards on the B-pillar and set up your phone as key.

Found a problem?

1. Photograph it — once close up, once from further away so the location is clear, and once with the VIN.
2. Write it down on the delivery paperwork before you sign, and ask the advisor to note it.
3. Report cosmetic issues early. The sooner after delivery you raise them, the more likely they are to be covered.
4. For serious defects (safety items, the car not charging, a VIN mismatch), you can generally decline delivery until it is fixed — check your contract.

Do this on your iPhone with TSL Check

The same checklist, built for your delivery day — without paper or screenshots.

• Swipe through every check and mark OK or Not OK
• Attach a photo and a note to each problem
• Share a PDF report with Tesla or your Service Center
• Plus: how to inspect each item, real defect photos, and checks for your model

Download on theApp Store

Free to start. No account. Your inspection stays on your phone.

Frequently asked questions