A Tesla owner from Canada, Mario Zelaya, found himself in a frustrating situation when he was locked out of his own car after the battery died. 🚗🔒
His high-end, $140,000 vehicle had effectively become unusable until he agreed to pay a staggering $26,000 for a replacement battery.
A Video Goes Viral: Tesla Troubles Exposed
Zelaya took to TikTok to vent his frustration, calling his luxury car a “piece of trash.”
In the video, he demonstrated how the car’s automatic locking system had left him stranded, as the doors were impossible to open without power. Unlike traditional cars with manual locks, Zelaya had no way to bypass the system.
A Pricey Predicament: The Cost of Battery Replacement
The issue that led to this unfortunate situation was the deterioration of the car’s battery. When Zelaya discovered the astronomical cost of replacing it, he decided it wasn’t worth the investment.
“I got Transport Canada involved,” he shared, revealing that the agency had launched an investigation into the car. According to Zelaya, this investigation could soon lead to broader scrutiny of Tesla’s practices.
A Battle with Tesla: Searching for Answers
Zelaya isn’t alone in his frustrations. He mentioned that other Tesla owners have encountered the same problem, with Tesla allegedly offering little to no explanation.
The core issue seems to stem from a design flaw in Tesla models from 2013 and 2014, where fluid leaks onto the battery, causing significant damage. Despite this known issue, Tesla’s maintenance services reportedly do not include thorough checks of the battery, leaving owners in the dark until it’s too late.
Selling the Car: The Final Straw
Faced with an untenable situation, Zelaya decided to sell his Tesla. However, he faced another hurdle: his proof of ownership papers were locked inside the car.
Fortunately, he was able to obtain a second copy for $30. “I’ll never buy another Tesla again,” he declared, expressing his deep disappointment with the company and its products.
A Cautionary Tale: The End of the Tesla Journey
Zelaya’s ordeal ended when he successfully sold the car. The new owner, according to Zelaya, plans to dismantle the vehicle to recharge it.
In a final TikTok video, Zelaya warned others to avoid Tesla, labeling the cars as “brutal” and criticizing the company’s manufacturing standards.
Wider Implications: Tesla’s Growing Pains
Zelaya’s experience is not an isolated incident. As reported by Fox News, Tesla owners in Norway went as far as staging a hunger strike to draw attention to ongoing issues with their vehicles.
With more and more stories like Zelaya’s coming to light, Tesla may face increasing pressure to address these problems and improve customer satisfaction.
In the meantime, Zelaya’s parting words serve as a stark warning: “That’s going to be the end of my Tesla journey. It’s out of my life. Keep it out of yours.”