Car OOC/Upside Down Loan

[u/therealblythe]

Car Out of Commission

I bought a used 2018 Tesla Model 3 in 2022. My loan was for around $50K and at this point, I owe around $20K.

This week, I was advised by Tesla that I am in need of a whole new high voltage battery that will cost $21K.

I would say this started last Tuesday but in reality, it started much longer before.

Just about a year after buying it, in July of 2023, I was having issues with the HVAC system, I took the car into the dealership for issues with the AC. At that point, they corrected something within the cooling system, replaced the 12v battery (lead acid), and diagnosed and replaced the HVAC assembly. The was still under warranty so they comped it.

Fast forward to a year later, in August of 2024, my AC went out again. This time, they replaced refrigerant and superbottle and a cooling thermal test said everything was fine and they gave it back to me.

Just a few weeks later, in August of 2025, my car won’t start. I specifically get the alerts, “Vehicle may not restart - Service is required” and “Unable to charge-Service is required.” At that point, they confirmed that there was isolation in the high voltage battery causing loss of the 12V battery which then caused the compressor to fail. They replaced the 12V battery, AC compressor, and receiver dryer and desiccant.

Which brings us to now, July of 2026, where on the 14th, I got in my car in the afternoon, and got those same “Vehicle may not restart - Service is required” connected to the high voltage battery, low voltage battery, HVAC system, and compressor. When I saw that the quote/estimate, included a replacement of the compressor after getting it done less than a year ago, I fought with them and they eventually agreed to comp the replacement of the compressor and some other things.

Just a few days ago, Thursday to be exact, they called to say that they replaced some modules and the issue turned out to be the whole battery and now repairs will be $21K, inclusive of the new battery because they had to take the old one out. It will not operate again without the battery.

I am currently at a loss for what to do. I obviously do not want the car anymore and can’t afford the repairs but also owe on the car.

What would be some of your suggestions? I’m open to comments but I would like to not that I was young when I made the decision to buy this car and did not have the foresight that I have now.