According to Reuters, after the building of Tesla Model X SUVs and Model S sedans roll off the assembly line in Fremont, California, most of the new cars have to stop for repairs. According to unnamed sources, up to 90 percent of cars made since 2012 have at least one defect or manufacturing issue that must be corrected before delivery.

Most of the issues are fit and finish problems, such as body gaps, improper sealing, and interior component misalignment. Some issues, especially interior, are more obvious in a Tesla or another electric car, as there is no engine noise to conceal interior parts squeaking or rattling.

Additionally, according to some workers, production goals force cars to be sent down the line with missing parts when there are none on hand. Some examples include bumpers and windshields, according to Reuters. The problem with this is that cars are designed to be produced in a specific manner to ensure quality, but production deviates from the process. Of course you’ll get inconsistent body gaps when the panels aren’t installed in the proper order.

Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, has promised more cars produced less time, in order to be competitive with established manufacturers. The issue, though, is that Tesla’s quality is not on par with established manufacturers. But that’s nothing new in the United States. During the Malaise Era, from the mid 1970s to the 1980s, General Motors was infamous for the poor quality of Chevrolet and some Pontiac vehicles.

General Motors decided that Chevrolet would offer inexpensive cars in order to compete with Japanese imports. However, because of high labor costs, the introduction of new technology, and outdated manufacturing processes, many Chevrolets from the era are now regarded as poor cars. For instance, the Citation and Vega were notorious for poor quality — some owners even reported roof pillars breaking after four years.

What General Motors showed us was that quality is a conscious choice. When making a car, it is necessary to balance quality, cost, and production to satisfy the largest group of consumers.

And despite Tesla’s quality issues, it still has arguably found balance. Over half a million people have placed a $1000 deposit on a Tesla Model 3 which has yet to be released, raising over $500 million dollars without a single investor. Not bad, considering that Tesla hasn’t marketed the car or even tried to sell it.

Wether or not you wish to downplay the quality issues facing Tesla, and regardless if you would shell out $35,000 for a new car with fit and finish issues, there are over half a million people who will — people who are all too willing to overlook the issues that come with their new car. And we have to remember, Tesla was founded in 2003. They might be able to do better in quality, but it’s in no way surprising that a 15 year old company making a niche market product would not prioritize quality in the same way that established manufacturers would.