Tesla Model S EV repair: €15k estimate vs €100 DIY fix
Tesla Model S owner turns €15k EV repair quote into €100 fix
Tesla Model S EV repair: €15k estimate vs €100 DIY fix
Facing a €15k quote to fix his 2016 Tesla Model S, a Finnish owner traced the fault to moisture near fuses and restored the EV for ~€100. Get a second opinion.
2025-12-11T08:22:11+03:00
2025-12-11T08:22:11+03:00
2025-12-11T08:22:11+03:00
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.
Tesla Model S, EV repair, €15k estimate, €100 fix, DIY EV maintenance, moisture ingress, fuse replacement, battery pack, second opinion, Finland, 2016 Tesla, seals, pressure relief valve
2025
Michael Powers
news
Tesla Model S owner turns €15k EV repair quote into €100 fix
Facing a €15k quote to fix his 2016 Tesla Model S, a Finnish owner traced the fault to moisture near fuses and restored the EV for ~€100. Get a second opinion.
Michael Powers, Editor
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.
