Tesla Owner Locked Out of Car, Faced with $26,000 Battery Replacement
In a TikTok video, Canadian Tesla owner Mario Zelaya blasted his $140,000 car as a “piece of trash” after discovering he was locked out and faced with a staggering $26,000 bill for a new battery. Unlike traditional cars where you can simply unlock the door or call a locksmith if you lose your keys, Zelaya’s situation was far more complicated.
He was infuriated to learn that replacing the battery would cost nearly as much as a new car, prompting him to contemplate selling his Tesla. However, he encountered another problem: the proof of ownership papers were locked inside the car. Fortunately, he managed to obtain a duplicate for $30.
Zelaya’s 2013 Tesla was affected by a known issue in models from that year and 2014, where fluid leaks can damage the battery. He reached out to Transport Canada, which initiated an investigation into his vehicle and hinted at further scrutiny of Tesla’s practices.
Zelaya discovered he wasn’t alone; another Tesla owner experienced the same issue and received no satisfactory explanation from the company. He criticized Tesla for not including battery checks in their services and vowed never to buy another Tesla, urging others to avoid the brand as well.
Ultimately, Zelaya managed to sell the car, and the new owner plans to dismantle it to recover some value. Zelaya has shared his final thoughts on TikTok, advising others to stay away from Teslas and avoid the frustrations he endured.