The allure of owning a Tesla, often synonymous with green practices, can sometimes be overshadowed by unpredictable challenges. A recent incident with a Tesla owner in Canada highlights the complexities associated with electric vehicles, especially when it comes to battery issues. Mario Zelay’s experience of being stranded in his Tesla due to a faulty battery, coupled with exorbitant replacement costs, underscores the frustration some electric car owners face. Zelaya’s candid expression of disappointment and subsequent decision to part ways with his Tesla resonates with a broader discussion about the reliability and affordability of electric vehicles. As the debate continues, incidents like these prompt reflection on the future of electric car technology and the experiences of those who adopt it.
Having a Tesla these days seems to validate the whole “Go Green” concept. However, using an electric car has many disadvantages. One such owner in Canada recently claimed that his luxury Tesla vehicle was locked out. This happened after the battery life had expired. When they brought his car to the dealership, they informed him that it would cost $26,000 to trade it in. Mario Zelaya, the owner, posted this unnecessarily irritating video and captioned it, “$26,000 for a new battery.”
off from the vehicle. There must be a recall.”
Zelaya intended to sell the car but was confused by the cost of a new battery. He just wasn’t ready to part with that much money for a replacement. Unfortunately, he couldn’t sell his car without the correct title deeds that were stored in the vehicle! Zelaya was in trouble when several TikTok users asked him to dismantle the vehicle. Fortunately, he was able to obtain a duplicate of these documents for thirty dollars.
Tesla owners and their constant battery replacement problems
This particular Tesla model was purchased by the owner back in 2013. But as he has pointed out time and time again, there is a problem with this model and other 2014 variations. The batteries would eventually be destroyed by vehicle fluid seeping through them. “I got Transport Canada involved and they actually looked at the car,” the owner said. Not only have they conducted an investigation into this vehicle, but they will be conducting an investigation that Tesla does not know is imminent. Tesla tries to ignore it. They refuse to explain to them why their battery died.”
Zelaya angrily claimed that Tesla’s problems had always existed. They were even worse because of the company’s careless approach to batteries. “I will never buy a Tesla again. This is my famous way of telling you to go away and stay away from Tes/as.”
They make terrible cars and the worst part is that the company is only ten years old.”
There seem to be a lot of complaints about Tesla.
This is not the first time that Tesla has encountered legal problems. Tesla’s German owner received compensation in July after the car was found to pose a serious risk. This was decided by a national court, which found that the driver support system does not accurately identify traffic obstacles. The car broke down frequently, the court added, which was extremely dangerous given how common car breakdowns are in the nation’s cities.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that Tesla violated safety regulations, forcing the company to recall nearly 578,000 cars in February 2022. The cost of replacing the batteries has been a source of complaint for many other Tesla owners. One Finn decided to scrap his vehicle in 2021 rather than spend $23,000 on a new battery. His 2013 Model S battery lasted more than eight years beyond the warranty period. Because of this, he employed a group of explosives experts to blow up his car.
In a similar vein, the Zelaya was only one year past the warranty expiration date, so it’s reasonable to assume that the corrosion and water damage predated that year. It doesn’t matter if the problem occurs during the warranty period and they have no incentive to examine the battery even though you service it regularly with them because it started during that time. It is not covered by warranty.
Social media reaction to Tesla owner’s predicament
Those who saw this viral video on TikTok felt a strong sense of empathy for the Tesla owner. “Shout it from the rooftops,” one person commented. Mine has had nothing but problems.” Regarding another user’s statement: “You will never convince me that owning a Tesla that can be driven by someone else is a good idea.” Someone else who appreciates vintage cars said: “A mint 2005 Honda Civic would still be running… just sayin’.” [2]
Fortunately, the owner of this disgruntled Tesla managed to sell the vehicle. Zelaya said in a recent TikTok video that the car’s new owner intended to completely disassemble the car and recharge it. “This will be the end of my Tesla journey,” Zelaya wrote as a caption. It left my life.
Don’t take it from you.”
In conclusion, the experience of Mario Zelaya, owner of Tesla in Canada, sheds light on the challenges facing electric car owners, especially when it comes to battery replacement costs and related issues. Zelaya’s frustration with the high cost of the new battery, along with Tesla’s handling of the situation, reflects broader concerns about the company’s approach to customer service and product quality. While Zelaya’s ordeal has sparked empathy and solidarity among social media users, it also underscores the ongoing debate about the reliability and affordability of electric vehicles. Despite these challenges, Zelaya’s decision to sell his Tesla marks the end of his journey with the brand and highlights the personal impact such experiences have on owners’ relationships with their vehicles.