MM locking trem bar won't go all the way in (pop-in)

Just got a new Axis (charcoal cloud) & the trem bar will not insert all the way & pop in. I’m very familiar with the tension adjustment, that’s not the issue. The bar goes into the base plate & is not overly tight, but it will not go all the way in. This is my 10th Axis, most of them with the post-2011 MM trem, and I’ve never had this issue. Wondering if anyone else has had this problem & how you fixed it. Already messaged customer service, but figured I’d check here as well. Thank you!