My 2021 Model 3 Battery Failed Out Of Warranty, and Tesla Quoted $17K, I Found an EV Shop That Did It For $8K, I’m Not Going Back To Tesla For Anything

When the dreaded HV battery failure struck out of warranty, one Model 3 owner refused to pay Tesla's $17,000 demand and discovered a game-changing solution that could save every EV driver thousands.

As I researched electric vehicle reliability and ownership costs, I came across a telling account on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club Facebook page from Kellis Morris about exorbitant out-of-warranty repair costs. Morris bypassed a shocking $15,000-$17,000 quote from Tesla for a failed battery, successfully getting the job done at an independent shop for less than half that price. 

I see this as a vital case study for owners facing the daunting reality of EV maintenance once the factory warranty expires. What all EV owners need to know.

The Reality of Out-of-Warranty Repairs

The transition from a protected warranty period to paying out of pocket is a shock for many EV owners. Kellis Morris shared his frustration clearly: "My 2021 Tesla Model 3 HV battery failed not under warranty, and Tesla Service quoted $15k-$17k." For many, a quote of this magnitude effectively totals the car.

It is a scenario I have covered extensively, such as when this Tesla Model 3 owner reached 250,000 miles on his battery, illustrating how proper charging can make a big difference. However, what happens when they don't?

Independent Shops Are The New Frontier

Morris did not accept the service center's pricing as the final word. He says, "I found an EV shop (Grand Lakes EV) to do the entire service for under $8k, and they were able to get my gear oil changed and fix a couple other issues." His account represents a massive shift in the Tesla Model 3 HV battery replacement cost landscape. For years, owners felt trapped in the manufacturer's ecosystem. Now, reputable third-party specialists are emerging.

However, even after repairs, results can vary. I recently reported on a case where a Ford Dealer Says, "If You Ever Need To Replace Your Ford Mustang or F-150 Lightning EV Battery Pack, Get Ready To Take a $25K to $40K Hit", highlighting that sticking with the dealer does not always guarantee the best outcome financially. By choosing an independent shop, Morris not only saved money but also received additional services, such as a gear oil change, which added value to the repair.

Why You Should Shop Around

The savings from independent EV repair shops are undeniable. In this case, the owner saved nearly $9,000. That is the difference between keeping the car and financial ruin for some families. Morris is emphatic about his decision: "I'm definitely not going back to Tesla for anything since I'm not under warranty." This sentiment is growing among owners who feel that Tesla Service Center out-of-warranty repairs are priced aggressively high to encourage new-vehicle purchases rather than maintaining older ones.

It is worth noting that some vehicles do go the distance without these issues. In my report, I have 250K Miles On My 2021 Tesla Model 3, and You Won't believe the Battery Health - This Will Silence All the Tesla Naysayers. We see that high mileage is possible. But when failure occurs, fixing a Tesla battery without warranty shouldn't cost as much as a used car.

Financial Implications for Owners

The rise of shops like Grand Lakes EV suggests a maturing market in which affordable electric-vehicle battery repair is becoming more accessible. Morris's experience serves as a Grand Lakes EV shop review of sorts, proving that competence exists outside the walled garden of the Service Center.

For many owners, the high cost of repairs compounds existing financial pressure. As I discussed in I Don't Talk About This Much, But Behind Loving My Tesla Model Y, I Had Too Much Debt With All My Upgrades, My Dashboard Is Cleaner Than My Finances, the hidden costs of EV ownership can be a heavy burden. Saving $9,000 on a repair is a crucial step in managing Tesla Model 3 maintenance costs after warranty.

Key Takeaways

• Don't Panic: A five-figure quote from the dealer is not your only option.
• Shop Independently: Seek out specialized Tesla Model Y battery replacement alternatives and independent shops in your area.
• Verify Credentials: Ensure the independent shop specializes in high-voltage systems.
• Calculate Value: If the repair cost exceeds 50% of the car's value, reconsider the repair.

What Tesla Owners Are Saying

The community is actively discussing these costs. Here is what I found:

Reddit: User DoublePotential6925 shared their experience with high mileage replacements: "I just replaced my 2018 LR battery, @ 200k miles. Out the door it was $13,093.57."

Reddit: Another user, SortSwimming5449, suggests aggressive shopping: "Shop around. You can get the battery installed for about $1k in labor. And $3k-6k for the battery."

Recurrent Auto: Data suggests a wide range for replacement costs: "The total cost of a Tesla battery replacement can cost $15,000 to $22,000 if it occurs outside of the manufacturer's warranty window."

Conclusion

Kellis Morris's story is a beacon of hope for out-of-warranty Tesla owners. By refusing to accept a $17,000 repair bill, he exposed the dealership's inflated pricing structure and proved that viable, affordable alternatives exist. As vehicles age, the independent repair market will be the lifeline that keeps these EVs on the road, turning potential financial disasters into manageable maintenance events.

Tell Us What You Think

Would you trust an independent shop with your high-voltage battery replacement, or do you believe the dealer is the only safe option? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I'm Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012, bringing over 30 years of automotive expertise to every story. My career began with a consulting role with every major car brand, followed by years as a freelance journalist, test-driving new vehicles, which equipped me with a wealth of insider knowledge. I specialize in delivering the latest auto news, sharing compelling owner stories, and providing expert, up-to-date analysis to keep you fully informed.

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Photo credit: Denis Flierl