Tesla Model Y Buyer Faces $14,000 Repair Bill One Day After Purchase Amid Quality Concerns
In a surprising turn of events, a buyer of a new Tesla Model Y found themselves grappling with a $14,000 repair bill less than 24 hours after the purchase, shedding light on potential quality issues within the automaker. Shreyansh Jain recounted his ordeal to Reuters, revealing that his Model Y, acquired for $55,000 with only 115 miles on the odometer, experienced a front-right suspension failure, leading to a comprehensive repair process.
Jain, after making a slow turn into his neighbourhood, witnessed the collapse of the vehicle’s front-right suspension, resulting in a loss of control and subsequent damage to various parts. The repair, involving nearly 40 hours of labour, encompassed the reconstruction of the suspension and replacement of the steering column. Despite initial assurances that Tesla would cover the costs due to the absence of external damage evidence, the final bill amounted to $14,000.
Tesla, however, refused to assume the expenses, attributing the incident to “prior” suspension damage. Jain, left with little recourse, paid a deductible of approximately $1,250 through his insurance, leading to a substantial increase in rates for another car he owned. Dissatisfied with the experience, the disgruntled Tesla customer ultimately sold the repaired Model Y at a $10,000 loss compared to the purchase price.
Reuters, after reviewing Tesla documents and conducting interviews, uncovered that Jain’s case was not isolated but part of thousands of similar incidents spanning at least seven years and involving various Tesla models worldwide. The company reportedly possesses more knowledge about the frequency and extent of suspension and steering issues than disclosed to customers and safety regulators.
This revelation raises concerns about transparency and customer safety, as Tesla has often blamed owners for these issues, asserting that the components were not inherently faulty. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously acknowledged that quality issues may exist in shipped vehicles, especially during production ramp-ups, when discovering and addressing problems becomes more apparent.
Tesla vehicles have faced scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the past, with recent recalls due to autopilot flaws. Additionally, a recent study highlighted that Tesla drivers were involved in more accidents than drivers of other automobile brands, though the reasons for this trend remain unclear.
