Previously Tesla manufactured low volume luxury models. People who buy those want the performance and style and just accept that the car needs more repair. Tesla also paid huge sum per car for repairs/recalls and recall insurance. I think the total was something like $2000 per car.

Model 3 is completely different beast. If they succeed manufacturing it 5000, then 10,000 per week, the quality must be up if they want to make money.

That's generally due to parts availability (and is still an issue for lots of folks).

For instance, mine had body damage from a road hazard - not an issue of quality, but definitely needing repair. It took a few weeks before the parts were available.

As you can imagine, if your car isn't drivable in the interim that's a big pain and rental bill, but if it is drivable then you just have to wait longer.

There's definitely a number of anecdotes about Model 3 quality that hasn't been positive. Also, the insurance rates, and overall lemon reports haven't been positive either.