Featured Image Credit: @preneh24/Twitter
Topics: Tesla, Cars, Electric Cars, US News
Daisy Phillipson
There's been another Tesla drama as a driver claims his steering wheel fell off just four days after he got the car.
In case you missed it, a number of owners have taken to social media over the past couple of months to complain that they can't open their Teslas due to the handles being frozen shut.
Although the Elon Musk-owned company has already come up with a solution for this, there were also lengthy queues over the holidays as people gathered to use their local charging station.
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But one thing no one expects when getting themselves an electric car – especially one that starts as $43,990 – is for one of the most essential components to rip straight off.
However, this is the unfortunate situation Prerak Patel claims to be in.
The New Jersey resident took to Twitter to share photos and a gif of his Tesla Model Y (which starts at $52,990, FYI), with the wheel completely hanging off its base.
Other photos show police officers at the scene after the motorist had to pull over – thankfully, Patel and his family escaped from the incident unscathed, but it could've easily gone another way.
Tagging Musk and the Tesla Owners Twitter group, he wrote: "Family was excited to receive Tesla Y delivery on 1/24/2023.
"Was driving on highway and all the sudden steering wheel fall off, was lucky enough there was no car behind and I was able to pull on devider."
He also shared screenshots of a conversation with Tesla's service team in which he explained the issue and was told by Tesla that it is looking into the matter.
But Patel, understandably shaken by the incident, said: "We lost trust in Tesla and would greatly appreciate this car be taken back and a full refund be issued."
A separate screenshot shows Patel being charged $103.96, to which he said in a tweet addressed to Musk: "Am I responsible for manufacturing defect? It’s not even week and getting bill for faulty steering wheel.
"Isn’t it company’s responsibility to fix it? I would greatly appreciate refund and keep the car as we lost trust and family is not feeling safe driving it back."
The company later removed the charge, but said it does not have a return policy and suggested that he contact their sales and delivery team to explore his options.
Since going viral, Patel shared a follow-up post in which he said: "Thank you all for continue support.
"Also, like to extend my thanks to Woodbridge Police for safeguarding family during this incident.
"Tesla dealership called and apologised for the incident."
He then shared a poll asking for advice on what to do, with two options: keeping the car or selling it and getting a new one –with an overwhelming majority choosing the latter.
UNILAD has contacted Tesla for comment.