Tesla Driver Locked Out as Battery Dies, Faces $26K Bill for Replacement

Locked Out and Frustrated: A Tesla Owner’s Ordeal

Mario Zelaya, a Tesla owner in Canada, found himself in a bind when he was unexpectedly locked out of his luxury electric vehicle. The incident occurred after the car’s battery died, rendering the vehicle inoperable. To Zelaya’s dismay, when he visited the dealership for a solution, he was shocked by the quoted price of $26,000 for a battery replacement. Zelaya vented his frustration on social media, stating the need for recalls and expressing his outrage over the exorbitant cost.

An Unexpected Twist in Selling the Car

Compounding his troubles, Zelaya was planning to sell his Tesla. However, without a functional battery, this plan was thwarted. Moreover, the ownership documents essential for the sale were locked inside the car. This prompted suggestions from viewers on TikTok to dismantle the car, though Zelaya opted to obtain a duplicate set of documents for $30, allowing him to proceed with the sale.

 

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Ongoing Battery Issues and Manufacturer Response

Purchased in 2013, Zelaya’s Tesla is not unique in facing battery problems. He mentioned that his model, along with others from 2014, suffered from fluid leaks onto the batteries, significantly shortening their lifespan. His complaints escalated to involving Transport Canada, which initiated an investigation into the matter. Zelaya accused Tesla of ignoring the issue and attempting to downplay the severity of the situation.

Tesla’s Troubled Track Record

Tesla’s struggles extend beyond individual complaints. In recent years, Tesla has faced legal and safety challenges globally. For instance, a German court ruled against Tesla, citing the unreliability of its driver assistance systems and frequent breakdowns. In the United States, Tesla recalled approximately 578,000 vehicles in February 2022 due to non-compliance with safety standards as highlighted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Costly Repairs Lead to Drastic Measures

The high cost of battery replacements has led some Tesla owners to take extreme actions. In 2021, a Finnish owner chose to destroy his Tesla with explosives rather than pay $23,000 for a new battery. These incidents underscore the financial and practical burdens faced by Tesla owners once the warranty expires.

 

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The Public Weighs In: Social Media Backlash

The plight of Tesla owners like Zelaya has sparked a broad discussion on social media, with many users expressing dissatisfaction with the brand. The consensus among disgruntled owners and observers is a growing skepticism towards the sustainability and reliability of Tesla vehicles, contrasting sharply with their initial allure.

Conclusion: The End of the Road for One Tesla Owner

Despite the challenges, Zelaya managed to sell his Tesla. The new owner plans to dismantle and rebuild the car, marking the end of Zelaya’s tumultuous journey with Tesla. This incident serves as a cautionary tale for potential buyers about the hidden costs and potential frustrations of owning an electric vehicle from a brand as renowned yet controversial as Tesla.