08:22 11-12-2025

Tesla Model S owner turns €15k EV repair quote into €100 fix

A story from Finland shows why EV owners should double-check intimidating repair estimates. The owner of a 2016 Tesla Model S with roughly 220,000 kilometers on the odometer found the car suddenly stopped operating properly. He did the sensible thing and sought a diagnosis, but was quoted a number that would make most people hesitate: 15,000 euros to restore functionality, with the warranty long expired.

Unwilling to pay that sum, he decided to investigate on his own, carefully studying manuals and safety guidance. An EV battery is no place to improvise, so he moved cautiously and, crucially, did not open the battery pack. During disassembly it turned out the issue wasn’t fatal: moisture had reached the area around the fuses because a protective cover had rusted away.

From there, it was down to methodical work. He gradually drove out the moisture with a dryer—essentially warm airflow—a process that took about two weeks. He then replaced the seals and the fuse, fitted a new pressure-relief valve component, and installed a stainless-steel cover to avoid a repeat. The parts cost came to about 100 euros, and the car returned to error-free running. The modest fix fits the symptoms described and quietly underlines how a small ingress can mimic a major failure on paper.

Attempting the same without preparation is ill-advised, but the takeaway stands. If you’re presented with a sky-high bill, seek a second opinion and clarify exactly what failed. Sometimes the problem is far simpler than the price sheet makes it look.