Owning a Tesla might pose issues. Mario Zelaya, a Tesla owner in Canada, recently voiced his frustration following his car’s lockout due to a dead battery. The dealership informed him that a replacement would cost $26,000. Zelaya tweeted a video saying, “$26k for a new battery.” I found myself locked out of my vehicle. “Recalls are necessary.”

Zelaya attempted to sell his Tesla, but he couldn’t find the necessary documents hidden inside. He paid $30 for the replacement documents. He purchased the Tesla in 2013 and cited a design defect that caused fluid to seep into the batteries, damaging them over time. “I got Transport Canada involved,” he stated, referring to an ongoing probe. Zelaya chastised Tesla for its poor management of battery issues, saying, “I’ll never buy another Tesla again.”

Tesla has encountered various complaints and legal issues. In July, a German court ruled against Tesla for faulty driving assistance technology. In February 2022, Tesla recalled 578,000 vehicles for failing to fulfill safety regulations. Complaints about expensive battery replacements are prevalent; one Finnish owner burned up his car rather than spend $23,000 on a new battery.

The popular TikTok video generated sympathy. One user said, “I’ve had nothing but problems with mine.” Another person said, “A mint 2005 Honda Civic would have still been running.” Zelaya finally sold his car, saying, “That will be the end of my Tesla journey.” It is no longer part of my existence. Keep it out of your possession.”