Owning a Tesla and supporting the “Go Green” campaign can have its challenges, as one Canadian Tesla owner recently discovered. After his Tesla battery died, he found himself locked out of his opulent vehicle.
Upon visiting the dealership, he received a shockingly high estimate of $26,000 for a battery replacement. Mario Zelaya, the frustrated owner, shared a video of the ordeal, captioned with his disbelief at the cost. This incident raises concerns about recalls and the recurring battery issues faced by Tesla owners.
Zelaya had purchased his specific Tesla model back in 2013, and he has consistently voiced concerns about this model and the 2014 variations. The batteries in these models are prone to damage from fluid seepage, leading to their eventual destruction.
Transport Canada, the country’s transportation agency, investigated Zelaya’s car and plans to conduct another study that Tesla is unaware of. However, Tesla seems to be ignoring the issue and has refused to provide an explanation for the premature battery failure.
Zelaya expressed his anger towards Tesla, claiming that the company’s longstanding issues are exacerbated by their careless handling of batteries. With a touch of sarcasm, he vowed to never purchase another Tesla vehicle and advised others to steer clear of them.
According to Zelaya, Tesla’s reputation as a car manufacturer is tarnished, and the fact that the company is only ten years old doesn’t help instill confidence.
Unfortunately, complaints about Tesla are not uncommon. In July, a German Tesla owner was reimbursed after a national court deemed the car to pose a serious risk due to faulty driver’s aid systems.
The court also noted the frequent breakdowns, which are particularly dangerous given the prevalence of car breakdowns in the country’s cities. In February 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that Tesla had violated safety regulations, leading to a recall of nearly 578,000 cars.
Moreover, many Tesla owners have expressed grievances about the high cost of battery replacements. A Finnish man even chose to destroy his vehicle rather than spend $23,000 on a new battery. His 2013 Model S’s battery had already surpassed its warranty by more than eight years, prompting his drastic action.
Social media has been buzzing with reactions to the predicament faced by the Tesla owner. Many TikTok users expressed empathy, sharing their own tales of Tesla troubles.
Some questioned the idea of owning a Tesla that could be controlled remotely by others, while others jokingly suggested that a classic 2005 Honda Civic would have been more reliable. However, there is a silver lining for Zelaya. He was able to sell his displeased Tesla to someone who plans to disassemble it and charge the battery anew.
With a touch of finality, Zelaya declared that his Tesla journey has come to an end and urged others not to let it become their burden.
Overall, owning an electric car like Tesla offers environmental benefits, but it is crucial for manufacturers to address issues promptly and provide affordable solutions when problems arise.
