A Tesla owner faced an unexpected breakdown and was shocked by a $20,000 repair bill after driving in the rain.
Johnny Bacigalupo and Rob Hussey bought a $78,000 Tesla, expecting efficiency and sustainability.
However, after driving in the rain, they faced a staggering $22,627 repair bill. Their shocking experience highlights concerns about Tesla’s warranty policies and the challenges of electric vehicle ownership.
The promise of electric vehicles
Many opt for electric cars like Tesla to save on long-term costs. Besides being environmentally friendly, Teslas offer significant savings on fuel.
Gas prices average $3.17 per gallon across the U.S., meaning a typical 14-gallon tank costs about $45.
In contrast, charging a Tesla at home costs around $14 for a full charge. This charge can take the car between 303 to 405 miles, making long trips more economical.
Tesla owner faced to unexpect breakdown after rainy weather
Bacigalupo and Hussey’s issues began after heavy rain in Edinburgh, Scotland.
They parked their Tesla on Frederick Street, unaware that the weather could lead to problems. After dinner, the car refused to start. They waited for five hours before Tesla Roadside Assistance arrived and recovered their vehicle at 1 a.m.
Tesla later informed them that water had submerged the battery, leading to the breakdown. Bacigalupo said, “I thought we might get a bill for £500 or £1000. When they said over 17 grand, it’s absolutely obscene.”
After the incident, Tesla refused to cover the repairs under warranty
According to Bacigalupo, Tesla stated that the battery issue was due to the severe weather in Scotland.
Although the problem wasn’t necessarily their fault, Tesla refused to cover the repairs under warranty. The company noted that there was a yellow weather warning in parts of Scotland at the time.
He added: “After finally getting to speak to a manager, he told me it had water in it due to the fact the weather in Scotland has been so bad. That was the issue.
They said it’s not necessarily my fault, but it’s not Tesla’s to pay under warranty. He reminded me there was a yellow weather warning in some parts of Scotland.”
Bacigalupo expressed disbelief, questioning how rain could cause such a costly issue.
Tesla owner faces costly repair, raising questions about warranty polic
Many Tesla owners believe they are investing in a long-lasting, cost-effective vehicle. But Bacigalupo and Hussey’s experience raises concerns.
Spending over $20,000 on repairs after driving in the rain contradicts Tesla’s image of reliability. The pair had to pay $22,627 to fix their car, despite efforts to negotiate with Tesla.
Bacigalupo and Hussey’s story serves as a cautionary tale for potential electric car buyers.
The high repair bill after rain exposure has left them questioning Tesla’s warranty policies and vehicle design. For many, Teslas symbolize efficiency and sustainability, but experiences like this highlight the need for more clarity and support from manufacturers.
What do you think about the potential hidden costs of Tesla vehicle repairs after driving in the rain?