Tesla backflips on $30k battery repair after Musk steps in
Elon Musk has personally intervened after his company initially failed to assist a loyal Tesla customer in dealing with a costly recall fault.
The drama began when X user Jessica Tetreau posted a tweet asking for a contact at Tesla management after her Tesla's battery seal failed.
Jessica claimed that Tesla's warranty and insurance would not cover the issue, and Tesla Service indicated it was not their responsibility, despite her vehicle being under warranty at the time.
MORE: Musk threat to leave Tesla, gets $42 billion
Jessica claimed that Tesla's warranty and insurance would not cover the issue/AFP
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Does driving a Tesla make you an agent for Elon?
more as... more long as you can separate it from the cult of Elon Musk, as David McCowen discovers.
The Tesla Model Y is an incredible car -... ... more
'Does anyone here have a contact with Tesla management?' she wrote.
'My car has a recall on the battery seal and mine failed. Tesla Insurance won't cover it, and Tesla Service says it's not their problem either.
'They want $30k by the end of the week. I'm literally heartbroken and in tears. My car was $150k and this is an enormous stress for me.'
Three days later, Elon Musk responded to her post from his personal X account, promising to 'investigate.'
MORE: China unveils plan to smash Tesla in Aus
Elon Musk responded to Jessica's tweet. Picture:
Jessica's Tesla is reportedly worth US$150,000 ($231,000), and from the images shared online, it appears to be a Tesla Model S, a high-end electric sedan.
The Model S, along with the Model X, is currently subject to a recall notice in the US for battery seal issues that could allow water to enter the high-voltage battery pack, potentially causing electrical failure.
Jessica had a battery fault issue in her Tesla Model S. Picture: X/@JessicaTetreau
Tesla wanted to charge Jessica $24,000 to repair her Tesla Model S. Picture: X/@JessicaTetreau
MORE: Musk signs $25bn AI deal with tech giant
According to Jessica, Tesla initially wanted to charge her US$24,200.98 to repair the battery fault, and before Musk's intervention, social media users criticised Tesla's customer service.
'That's criminal … I'm so sorry, Jessica. Tesla has fallen victim to the same greed they once criticised legacy automakers for,' one wrote.
'As a TSLA shareholder, service problems are a big reason I'm holding and not buying more,' another added.
'They're only going to get worse — they're not even a luxury car,' a third person claimed.
After Musk's post, Tesla employees swarmed Jessica's thread, promising to have the car ready by the end of the week.
Three days after Musk's promised investigation, Jessica confirmed that the Tesla was returned to working order.
The swift resolution after Musk's public reply has ignited fresh debate about Tesla's customer service and whether a high-profile intervention from the billionaire CEO should be the only means for customers to receive adequate assistance.
It has become increasingly common for frustrated Tesla owners to post complaints on X in hopes that Musk will see them. Many believe it's the only way to solve major problems related to their Teslas.
Jessica with her repaired Tesla Model S. Picture: X/@JessicaTetreau
One user on X said, 'It turns out you have a contact through X. Directly to the motha f***ing god of Tesla.'
'Would be nice if there was a way for people who get stuck in these binds to be able to escalate for resolution without requiring X,' another said.
This isn't the first time Tesla owners have expressed dissatisfaction with the company's customer service, and it's certainly not the first time Elon Musk has personally intervened to address Tesla matters.
Earlier in May, Elon Musk was forced to intervene again after a Tesla customer posted on X criticising Tesla's customer service as a 'failure.'
That matter was resolved in just a few hours after Musk's involvement.
Originally published as Elon Musk response sparks fury among Tesla community
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