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For all the ways Tesla has changed the car-buying experience, some things never seem to change. For example, like the anxiety of waiting for a promised delivery that suddenly disappears without explanation. In a world where apps update faster than salespeople can call you back, it’s easy to think a vanished delivery date is just a glitch. But what's going on here when that glitch turns into a week of silence?
That question was on my mind when I came across Jigs Vekariya's today in the “Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club” group on Facebook. Jigs placed an order for a 2025 Tesla Model Y from inventory on April 2nd, with an initial delivery window between April 12 and April 26. While the purchase process was smooth and exciting at first, the delivery date suddenly vanished from the Tesla app, and no further updates have been provided. After reaching out, Jigs was told the vehicle is stuck in Quebec with all transports on hold, and Tesla still has no idea when it will arrive.
Jigs shared the full experience in a heartfelt post: “Finally buying my first Tesla, but the delivery experience has been incredibly frustrating. I’m based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and placed an order for a 2025 Model Y from inventory on April 2nd. Initially, the delivery window showed between April 12 to April 26. The booking process was smooth and I was super excited, and it truly felt like a 10/10 experience. But since last week, the delivery date has completely disappeared from the Tesla app. No updates, no communication, just silence. I reached out via chat to the Tesla Edmonton Centre, and they told me the car is in Quebec, but all vehicle movements from there are on hold, and that they don’t have any ETA. Is anyone else waiting for a Model Y in Alberta or other provinces? Would love to hear if others are going through the same thing.”
When Excitement Turns into Uncertainty
It’s the kind of situation that Tesla fans and first-time buyers alike dread. The excitement of a new EV, especially one as coveted as the 2025 Model Y, giving way to anxiety and silence. For many owners, Tesla's app-based purchasing process is smooth and futuristic, until something goes wrong. At that point, the lack of real-time human communication can make even a minor delay feel like being left in the dark.
Tesla has often been praised for simplifying the car-buying experience by cutting out the traditional dealership model and offering a streamlined online-first system. But stories like Jigs’ show that when the system stalls, it becomes a guessing game for the buyer. In this case, the car was supposedly in Quebec with vehicle movements on hold, yet the app provided no further info and Tesla support had no clear answers. Some owners have taken their Tesla in for a minor fix, only to end up in a long service limbo, which echoes the silence many delivery customers are now facing.
What Other Tesla Buyers Had to Say
Other buyers chimed in with their own experiences. Brady Fyfe explained, “They probably sold all the inventory and don’t have anymore. That’s been happening. They have fully transitioned to the new Model Y so if you ordered an old one chances are they don’t have it even if it was in the app at one point. I’ve seen them just disappear.” His comment adds a possible twist: some customers suspect that Tesla is quietly pulling back on prior-gen Model Y inventory in favor of the newer variants, even if those older listings were available at the time of purchase. A 2025 Model Y Performance owner shared how much they love the drive, but logistics weren’t perfect, adding more nuance to the ownership experience.
Nick Dolank added to this theory, saying, “To my knowledge, Tesla is all sold out of the previous gen of Model Y’s, so I doubt you’re getting one.” If true, this paints a picture where customers may be unknowingly ordering vehicles that are no longer in Tesla’s physical possession, raising questions about the transparency of their inventory system.
Devin Salsman brought up the digital back-and-forth aspect of the frustration: “It was a hassle for me as well. I'd prefer to just go handle everything at the dealer. The back and forth for documents for days was annoying.” While many enjoy skipping dealership visits, the trade-off for convenience can sometimes be a longer and more uncertain process.
But not all stories were negative. Mélissa Ducharme offered a counterpoint, saying, “Sorry to hear about your experience. We bought a used Tesla a month ago in Quebec from Tesla directly, and the delivery was flawless. I was really impressed with the online process and how well everything went. It seems like there might be some adjustments needed for deliveries to other provinces. Maybe it's an unprecedented issue with the new Model Y. I'm not sure, but hold on to your reservation! They will likely work to make you happy as best they can. We love our 2021 Model 3! (Though we secretly wish we'd bought a new one!)”
A Broader Pattern of Frustration
What we see in these responses is a broad spectrum of delivery experiences as some went smooth, some frustrating, and some left in limbo. But the common thread is clear: when communication breaks down, so does trust. And in the EV world, where buyers are often early adopters and enthusiasts, trust is everything. Battery health concerns in the Model Y Performance have also added to questions around what Tesla owners can expect over time.
Tesla's approach to vehicle handoffs is undeniably innovative. Skipping the dealer, finalizing paperwork online, and receiving the car at a delivery hub or even your home is game changing. For many, this modern process feels like a breath of fresh air. It's the same sentiment expressed by a new Tesla owner who couldn’t imagine switching back, even in the face of criticism.
And when it comes to loyalty, some Tesla owners shared if they’d buy again, without bringing politics into the conversation. Surprisingly, it wasn’t the product but the process that raised the most hesitation.
From my perspective, I see Tesla’s delivery issue not as a failure of technology, but a failure of support. The company has mastered the “what” — the product, the process, the vision. But the “how” — how people feel during that process — still needs refining. When customers are spending money and placing their trust in a tech-forward system, they deserve prompt and personal communication when things go off track. It's not about perfection but about presence.
Key Takeaways
- Inventory Visibility Can Be Misleading: Tesla’s app may show vehicles that are no longer available, especially when phasing out previous-gen models.
- Communication Gaps Damage Trust: Without proactive updates or ETAs, buyers are left wondering if their cars even exist.
- Cross-Province Delivery Comes with Unique Delays: Vehicle movement restrictions between Quebec and other provinces may be contributing to longer timelines.
- The Digital Process Isn’t Always Seamless: When digital paperwork replaces in-person transactions, the lack of guidance can leave first-time buyers frustrated.
- Support Matters as Much as Innovation: Tesla’s tech-driven approach shines in theory, but buyers still crave human interaction when something goes wrong.
Share Your Opinion
Have you ever had a Tesla delivery delay or a vehicle disappear from your account without warning? What ended up happening in your case?
And do you think Tesla’s online-first model is worth the convenience, or would you prefer a traditional dealership experience when it comes to delivery and service?
I'd love to hear what you have to say in the comments section below.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: Tesla Gallery and the "Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club" public Facebook group.
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