Imagine waiting months just to get your dream Tesla Cybertruck or Model 3 back from the shop after a minor accident. Sounds frustrating, right? Well, that’s exactly what’s happening to some Tesla owners, and their stories are raising eyebrows.
Recently, Tesla Cybertruck owner Adoni Cuevas shared his frustration in a popular Cybertruck Facebook Owners group. His truck, involved in a minor sideswipe accident two months ago, is still stuck at a Tesla Collision Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Adoni explained:
“My truck was sideswiped about two months ago. Damages were minor, yet my Cybertruck is still stuck at the Raleigh Tesla collision center. It only took them one day to take apart the damaged parts, but now, even with almost all the parts delivered, the waiting continues.”
What’s more frustrating, he adds, is the lack of clear communication from the repair center about what’s been fixed and what’s still pending.
Tesla Owners Share Mixed Experiences
While some Tesla owners echo Adoni’s frustration, others have shared more encouraging experiences.
Take Bradley, for instance, who recently got his Tesla repaired at a collision center. Unlike others, Bradley has a positive outlook:
“My experience at the Tesla collision center was perfect. They fixed my vehicle flawlessly. The entire process was smooth, and my truck came out looking brand new. Trust the process and stay patient!”
But Bradley’s good fortune isn’t the norm for everyone. Owners like Chris detail how straightforward the repair process usually starts—sending pictures through Tesla’s app, getting an estimate, and then scheduling a drop-off. Yet, once the car is dropped off, the timeline becomes uncertain, especially if the parts needed are not readily available.
Delays and More Delays: The Struggle Continues
One frustrated owner from Florida, PNW_Eddie, said:
“I was rear-ended back in August. I called 24 auto repair shops before finally finding one certified by Tesla that could help. But here’s the kicker—they had to order 80 different parts from Tesla, and I’ve already been waiting over a month.”
Even minor accidents aren’t immune from delays. Another Tesla Model 3 owner shared on social media:
“My Model 3 Long Range is currently at a Tesla-certified collision center, and even minor fixes have taken more than four weeks just waiting for parts!”
Why Such Long Wait Times?
Tesla Collision Centers, operated directly by Tesla, specialize in everything from minor cosmetic repairs to major structural damage. But even official Tesla centers aren’t always fast. The reasons?
- Complex repairs take longer: Major structural repairs or extensive bodywork can easily stretch into months, not weeks.
- Part availability: Some parts are harder to come by, especially with newer models like the Cybertruck, potentially adding weeks or even months to the repair timeline.
Not Near a Tesla Center? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re not close to a Tesla collision center, you can go to third-party repair centers. However, these shops may face even more delays because they have to order Tesla-specific parts separately.
For example, PNW_Eddie found himself in a tough spot after a rear-end collision:
“I got rear-ended in August. It took me calls to 24 auto repair shops before finding one that could handle my Tesla. Now, months later, they’re still waiting for parts. On the upside, the rental is a brand-new Rivian SUV!”
This shows that while Tesla collision centers offer specialized, Tesla-trained services, they’re still vulnerable to delays caused by part shortages or backlog.
So, what does Tesla say about this?
Tesla has official Tesla Collision Centers trained specifically to repair Teslas. These specialized centers handle everything from minor cosmetic fixes to major structural work. If there isn’t a Tesla-certified center near you, independent repair shops can also order Tesla parts and complete repairs.
But whether you choose a Tesla Collision Center or an independent repair shop, patience is essential. Tesla vehicles are packed with advanced technology, and sometimes the perfect fix takes time.
What’s the bottom line for Tesla owners?
Repair times vary greatly depending on damage severity and parts availability. A minor sideswipe could keep your Cybertruck in the shop for weeks or even months, as Adoni Cuevas is experiencing. But if you’re lucky, your experience might mirror Bradley’s—fast, smooth, and satisfying.
Share Your Experience and Help Others
Have you experienced something similar? Was your repair quick and hassle-free, or have you faced months of waiting? Let us know in the Comment Section below. Your insights might help fellow Tesla owners in their own repairs, set realistic expectations, and perhaps ease their frustrations.
