Tesla has emerged as one of the most popular vehicle brands on the market. With its sleek design, cutting-edge technology, and environmental suitability, it has become a dream car for many. However, the dream can turn into a nightmare if you ever have to get extensive repairs on a Tesla. Let us explore the cost to repair a Tesla and discuss strategies to mitigate the financial burden.
Common Issues With a Tesla
Renowned for their outstanding performance and advanced technology, Tesla vehicles are not without some known issues that may require repair or replacement service. One of the biggest issues with any vehicle with a battery is battery degradation, and it’s no different with Tesla. Over time, the battery loses its capacity, especially in extreme temperatures. Battery degradation can also be accelerated if the Tesla is subject to frequent fast charging.
Tesla vehicles rely heavily on sensors, including their autopilot systems. Hardware issues or software glitches may result in major issues with Tesla vehicles. Once the malfunctioning sensor has been identified, the technician may perform recalibration or repair to fix the issue.
The gorgeous touch screen of Tesla has become its iconic feature. Not only does it look great, but it is also a critical component of the vehicle’s function. Users have reported issues with the touchscreen, including problems with responsiveness and connectivity. Any repairs or replacements for a Tesla touchscreen can be expensive.
The charging point and cables on a Tesla can also malfunction due to physical damage or connection issues. There have also been reports of software bugs, which are most common with new features that are added after new updates.
Understanding Tesla Repair Costs
The reason why Teslas are notorious for being expensive to fix is that they often have specialized parts that are not easily available and often unique to Tesla models. Unlike several other vehicles, Teslas have aluminum bodies and car parts are often custom-made, resulting in higher costs to repair Tesla models.
Another significant factor contributing to the high cost of repairing a Tesla is the need for technicians with specialized skills. These technicians, who are trained specifically to handle Tesla’s unique technology and components, often charge a premium for their services. The labor costs are typically higher to repair Tesla models compared to other vehicles. In some cases, the repair can also take longer, which means more labor hours on your invoice.
Lastly, you may not have a lot of options for where you can get your Tesla repaired. There are a limited number of service centers that are Tesla-certified workshops. However, as Tesla are becoming increasingly common, you can expect these service centers to be more widespread.
The Cost to Repair a Tesla
The cost to repair a Tesla depends on the specific issue with the vehicle. For example, touchscreen issues can range anywhere from $500 to $1500. Powertrain and body repairs can be significantly more expensive. In cases of severe damage, you can expect to pay $5000 to $10,000. A simple diagnosis test for a Tesla can cost you $150 to $300, with labor rates being around $100 to $200, but this can vary widely depending on the location. Repairing a cracked windshield on a Tesla could cost anywhere between $1000 to $2500, depending on whether it is a minor or major repair job.
The repair costs also depend on the model you own. The higher-end models have more expensive components and are more technically advanced, and as a result, they are more expensive to repair. It’s also worth noting that in some cases, getting a replacement is more cost-effective than a repair. Door handle malfunctions are a common problem faced by Tesla owners. Replacing the door handles may be more cost-effective rather than getting repeated repair services.
Minimizing Financial Impact
The Texas Lemon Law is a law administered by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to offer protection to Tesla owners who have repeated problems with their vehicles under the manufacturer’s original warranty. It may be considered a lemon if your Tesla has repeated issues even after repairs. You can work with a car accident attorney to determine if your vehicle meets the eligibility criteria for being considered a lemon. Common factors include repair attempts, vehicle type, and the type of defects.
If you’re successful in proving that your vehicle is a lemon, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle. In addition, you may be able to recover compensatory damages for your legal fees and costs. If your Tesla is still under warranty, many repairs might be covered or significantly discounted. You can consider getting extended coverage for the warranty. Carefully review the extended warranty details to check what repairs are covered.
Even if you are getting repairs done at a Tesla-certified service center, it is best to get multiple quotes to compare costs. For some types of repairs, you might be able to take your vehicle to independent service centers, but be careful, as those centers are not manufacturer-certified and may not have the skills, tools, or parts to deliver satisfactory results.
Wrapping Up
A proactive step you can take to minimize the financial impact of repairing a Tesla is to get more comprehensive auto insurance coverage. While you may have to pay more in premiums, you can reduce your liability in case of malfunction or damage to your Tesla. Consider getting comprehensive coverage that covers your Tesla or all types of damages, including non-collision events such as vandalism and theft. If you are concerned about the insurance premium, you can consider increasing your deductible, which is the amount you will have to pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in. As Teslas are expensive to repair, you can expect insurance premiums for Tesla models to be relatively higher than other vehicles.
In some cases, Tesla accidents can be the result of someone else’s negligence or misconduct; you may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury claim or a lawsuit. Consult an injury lawyer to assess your legal options.
