Owning a Tesla can be an exciting and innovative experience, but it does come with its fair share of challenges. One Tesla owner in Canada, Mario Zelaya, recently shared his frustration after experiencing a dead battery that left him locked out of his car. To his surprise, the dealership quoted him a staggering $26,000 for a replacement battery. Understandably, Zelaya was taken aback by this unexpected cost and voiced his concerns in a video, calling for recalls to address such issues.

Zelaya had initially planned to sell his Tesla but encountered another obstacle – he couldn’t access important documents that were locked inside the car. To resolve this issue, he had to pay an additional $30 for replacement papers. His frustrations didn’t end there. Having purchased the Tesla back in 2013, Zelaya highlighted a design flaw that led to fluid leaks onto the batteries, ultimately causing their failure over time. He even reached out to Transport Canada, emphasizing the need for an investigation into these concerns. Zelaya expressed his disappointment in Tesla’s poor handling of battery-related issues, making it clear that he would not be purchasing another Tesla in the future.

Unfortunately, Zelaya’s experience is not an isolated case. Tesla has faced numerous complaints and legal troubles over the years. In July, a German court ruled against Tesla, citing unreliable driver assistance systems. And just this year, Tesla had to recall a staggering 578,000 vehicles for failing to meet safety standards. Complaints about the high cost of battery replacements are also common, with stories like a Finnish owner who went to extreme lengths, even blowing up their car, rather than paying $23,000 for a new battery.

Zelaya’s story gained widespread attention, especially after his video went viral on TikTok. Many viewers empathized with his frustrations, sharing their own negative experiences with their Teslas. One user commented, “I’ve had nothing but issues with mine,” while another stated, “A mint 2005 Honda Civic would have still been running.” Ultimately, Zelaya decided to sell his Tesla, putting an end to his Tesla journey and advising others to proceed with caution.

While Teslas undeniably offer cutting-edge technology and features, it’s essential for potential buyers to be aware of the challenges that some owners have faced. Proper maintenance and understanding potential issues can go a long way in ensuring a positive ownership experience. So, if you’re considering a Tesla, make sure to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.