Mark had to shell out an additional $2,000 for the Ultra Red exterior paint color on his new 2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper. Now, he's left to ponder whether this was a costly mistake. Mark McCracken is seeking advice from other Tesla Model Y owners with the Ultra Red trim. On the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club Facebook page, he's asking if others with the Ultra Red exterior paint color have faced similar quality issues. His new 2026 Model Y Juniper had to be rejected due to significant paint flaws. Mark says, "I have a question for Ultra Red owners. Is it normal for the Ultra Red models to have issues with the paint, or is it a problem with Teslas in general? My delivery day was today to pick up my Ultra Red Model Y Juniper AWD in Orlando, Florida. I had to reject the car due to a lot of paint imperfections." In May, Mark was in the market for a new Tesla. He was looking at the Model Y Juniper and the Model 3. He says, "The Model Y is a 2026, and I just learned the Model 3 is a 2025 with a refresh coming near the end of the year. Should I wait for the Model 3 refresh or opt for the Model Y? I haven't decided whether to go with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) yet. I live in Florida, so there is no snow here." Mark decided to order the Ultra Red 2026 Model Y Juniper instead of waiting for the Model 3 updates to arrive. Now, he isn't sure if he made the right decision because of the paint color. Imagine eagerly awaiting the arrival of your new car in a specific color, only to discover flaws in the paint upon pickup. You would be highly disappointed, and it's a situation that potential buyers should be cautious about. This story is Mark's dilemma. Mark describes his disappointment, "There were multiple pieces of dirt under the clear coat, causing unsightly bubbles. I found four chips in the paint, marring on the rear black plastic where the license plate is, light scratches all over the car, and what looked like whiteish dots under the clear coat, ruining the overall look of the car." So, Mark Rejected the New Model Y "I was assigned a new VIN for another Ultra Red for tomorrow at a different Florida location. You only get one rejection, and I have to accept the second car; otherwise, they'll cancel the whole deal, and I'll have to start all over (new order, new financing, etc.). Mark asks other owners with Ultra Red paint if they have experienced any issues. "So, people with the Ultra Red, how many have had paint defects when picking yours up after inspecting it? Like chips in the paint, dirt under a clear coat, light scratches, etc.?" Pete Curtis says, "I don't think the color would have anything to do with it. It's just poor quality control." Ron Frost - "I picked up my Ultra Red on March 31st, and I've not seen any issues with mine." Bryan Miner - "Mine has two white specks under the clear coat. It also had some pale spots, like when you leave bird poop on there too long, and it kind of stains the paint, but those buffed right out." What happened when Mark picked up his second Ultra Red Model Y? Mark says, "So, I picked up the replacement Model Y. The paint is better, but there's a scratch in the clear coat that the Tesla employee tried to buff out but failed to fix." "There are a few minor nicks in the paint. The trunk is misaligned and protrudes significantly on one side. The dash on the left side, where it meets the windshield, is lower than the right side. I made a service appointment with them to see what they could do to help. I'm sure the dash will be "within" spec, but it is what it is." Does Tesla have a quality control issue with its exterior paint? Mark is not the only owner with Tesla's paint issues. Some Tesla Model Y owners, including those with Ultra Red paint, have reported paint imperfections, including scratches, stains, and "orange peel" texture. While some owners have reported paint imperfections on their Tesla Model Ys, this does not necessarily mean that all Ultra Red paint is flawed; instead, it suggests that quality control issues can occur in this specific paint color. Here's a more detailed look at the issue: Reported Issues: Several owners have reported paint issues, including swirl marks, scratches, missing paint, and a textured "orange peel" finish. Common Complaints: Some owners have also reported paint issues, such as "spidering" (cracks or fissures in the paint) and rock chips. What is Tesla's Response? Tesla has acknowledged the quality control issues with its paint and is working on fixes, but some owners have found the fixes to be unsatisfactory. Potential Solutions: Some owners have taken preventative measures, such as applying paint protection film (PPF) or ceramic coating, to help protect their car's paint. What Are Other Tesla Model Y Owners Saying? Reddit user RedlineSix says, "I picked up my Model Y Long Range almost a month ago and gave it its first-hand wash today. I noticed a poorly painted area on the right rear panel. It doesn't bother me too much, as you can only see it if you're looking for it. You have to get close to the car to see it, but it's pretty disappointing that Tesla can't even paint the car properly. I haven't found any other areas with imperfections, but I'll continue to check for more." "Some will say I'm being dramatic, but it's a brand-new car. It should not have these imperfections. I hand wash my cars and take care of my things, but oh well. It's not worth getting fixed." It's difficult to see, but he attached a picture. What Does Tesla's Paint Warranty Cover? Tesla states that the Tesla Parts, Body, and Paint Repair Limited Warranty takes effect on the date of purchase for the part(s) and provides coverage for 12 months or 12,500 miles, whichever comes first. Specific categories of parts have unique warranty coverage periods: Body and Paint Repair "Tesla Parts, Body and Paint Repair Limited Warranty applies to repairs that are not provided under goodwill or not otherwise performed by Tesla free of charge and provides a limited lifetime coverage on body and paint repairs performed by Tesla. The limited lifetime body repair warranty includes repairs for cracking, flaking, pitting, and deterioration of body parts, but excludes damage caused by rust. The limited lifetime paint repair warranty includes repairs for peeling and cracking of paint or topcoat and loss of gloss caused by hazing." Conclusion: When you buy a new car with a purchase price of $50,000, such as the Tesla Model Y Juniper, you expect its paint to be nearly perfect. When you pay extra for a specific paint color, such as Ultra Red, you expect a higher-quality paint finish. However, that's not the case for Mark, who had not just one but two cars that failed to meet expectations. It's important to note that not all Tesla Model Y Ultra Red paint jobs have issues. However, there are enough to warrant customers to inspect their new Tesla models' paint closely before taking delivery. It's Your Turn Have you purchased a Tesla Model Y Ultra Red with paint defects? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know. Check out my Tesla Model Y story: I Bought A 2025 Tesla Model Y Performance. After 90 Days, I Love Driving This Thing, However, My Only Complaint Is How Light the Doors Are I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram. Photo credit: Denis Flierl