Imagine buying a brand-new Tesla Model Y, driving it for just 200 miles, and suddenly—while cruising down the highway—one of the wheel covers flies off and damages your own car. That’s exactly what happened to Michael Durr.
Michael recently took delivery of his 2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper. Just a few days after getting the car, something unexpected—and frankly frustrating—happened. His front left hubcap flew off at highway speed, scraped the paint, and left visible dents on his door.
“I haven’t even taken it to a car wash yet!”
In a post to the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club on Facebook, Michael explained what happened:
“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 hubcap 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.”
He had owned the car for just one week, and it had already caused damage—to itself.
Will Tesla Cover the Damage?
Thankfully, yes—Tesla said they would. Michael noted that a Tesla representative admitted it was their mistake and confirmed the issue would be covered under warranty.
He has already scheduled a service appointment and is currently waiting for Tesla to finish processing the repair request.
“It’s been filed. The wheel flew off two days ago. I haven’t heard anything from Tesla yet.”
How Long Will the Repair Take?
Tesla’s repair timelines vary based on your location and the nature of the damage. Some owners report same-week fixes, while others wait weeks—sometimes even longer.
In Michael’s case, he might be looking at a multi-week wait, especially since Tesla Service Centers often have longer queues depending on location.
Should He Have Tried to Fix It Himself?
Before Tesla inspected the car, Michael attempted to clean up the damage:
“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.”
While it’s understandable that he wanted to fix the visible marks, it’s generally best to wait until Tesla examines the car. Making your own repairs could complicate a warranty claim—especially if it’s unclear who caused the damage.
Is This a Common Problem?
Sadly, yes—this isn’t an isolated case. Other Tesla Model Y and Model 3 owners have complained about wheel covers (aero caps) flying off, especially at high speeds.
Common Causes:
- Factory installation error — The hubcaps might not have been fully secured.
- Weak or defective clips — They may loosen during high-speed driving.
- Potholes or vibrations — A strong jolt could dislodge a poorly fitted hubcap.
Some owners report the driver’s side hubcap as the most likely to fail, and that’s exactly what happened to Michael.
Does Tesla Inspect These Things Before Delivery?
Yes—but it might not be enough.
Tesla conducts a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) before handing over the keys. This includes checking both the exterior and interior for visible issues. However, human error happens, and minor issues like a loose hubcap might go unnoticed.
What You Should Do:
- Inspect your vehicle thoroughly at delivery
- Photograph or document issues
- Speak to a delivery specialist before driving off
- Refuse delivery if you spot significant problems
In Michael’s case, a quick tug on the hubcap at delivery might have revealed the loose fit before it flew off on the road.
This Isn’t Michael’s First Tesla
Michael also owns a Tesla Model 3 Highland, and he says the experience was part of what convinced him to buy the new Model Y. Despite the issue, he still praises how great the car feels to drive.
But as he says:
“Accidents can still happen. Tesla said they realized it was their mistake and will cover it under warranty.”
Bonus Story: Another 2026 Model Y Owner Rejected His Delivery
Michael isn’t alone in facing early issues with the new Model Y Juniper.
Mark, another Tesla customer, was excited to pick up his 2026 Model Y with Ultra Red paint. But upon inspecting the car, he found flaws in the paintwork significant enough that he rejected delivery entirely.
Stories like Michael’s and Mark’s highlight a key truth: Even a $50,000 car isn’t immune to quality issues.
Have You Had a Similar Experience? If you’ve purchased a Tesla and run into unexpected issues—whether it’s missing trim, bad paint, or a flying wheel cover—share your story in the comments. Let’s help future owners know what to watch for.