Gary Zhou 
Well-known Tesla fan and investment guru Jim Cramer disagrees with J.D. Power’s latest consistency survey that placed the automaker dead last out of 32 brands.
The American data processing firm J.D. Power published its annual quality report, which showed Tesla cars having an average of 250 issues per 100 vehicles. The report suggested that this year’s study was Tesla’s first involvement in the survey and that its cars had a small number of quality-related defects.
Yet he doesn’t buy the article and feels it’s “nonsense.”
Cramer, a Tesla owner and supporter himself, refused to believe the automaker was riddled with quality-building problems. As the driver of a Model X SUV, Cramer has repeatedly said the company’s goods are enjoyable, reliable and point to a sustainable transport future. Yet J.D.’s. Power survey definitely hit a chord with the ex-hedge fund trader turned TV personality.
“Tesla’s great,” Cramer said in survey with The Street. “It’s like Land Rover; people think Land Rover’s bad too. I got 1994 Range Rover, it’s incredible … it’s going up in value. I think Teslas’ value will grow, and I think these surveys are dumb.
Cramer went on to describe Tesla’s brand loyalty over its 12-year history of cranking out electric vehicles, saying he’s never heard anyone speak bad about their ownership experience.
“I don’t know a person who owns a Tesla who doesn’t really think it’s the best thing ever,” Cramer said.
Ironically enough, Tesla has faced concerns with the build quality of its vehicles for years, and a Bloomberg survey of 5,000 Model 3 owners conducted in October found problems with the car’s design had improved significantly.
From claims of “soft” and improper paint, body gaps, and poorly installed components, Tesla used real-owner information to exponentially improve its vehicles. Most of the recorded quality problems emerged while Tesla was in the middle of “production hell” for Model 3, as Fremont ‘s facility worked long and exhausting hours in an effort to ramp the sedan that would enter the mass-market sedan business.
Improvements were made and after Consumer Reports cut the inexpensive sedan from its recommendation list, CR again recommended Model 3, citing “improved reliability.”
Before a vehicle is delivered, owners are encouraged to inspect the car for possible problems with panel gaps or other lackluster build quality indicators. If something is found, the automaker will fix it.
Tesla’s new Model Y update revealed that panel differences improved compared to Model 3’s first launches. Automotive veteran Sandy Munro said in his first Model Y teardown episode, “This is pretty good for an early-stage product.”
J.D. Power’s survey recognized Dodge as the most reliable brand, but Tesla’s final ranking finish is controversial. Since hearing complaints, the Silicon Valley-based automaker has made steps to improve the build quality of its vehicles, the company’s cars have regained recommendations from former critics.
Reported by Teslarati.
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