In October 2023, a couple in Edinburgh said their Tesla stopped starting after a rainy dinner outing and that Tesla service quoted them £17,374 for a battery replacement. They said they were told the failure involved water ingress and was not covered by the battery warranty. The reports do not establish what caused the failure or whether the couple paid the quote.
What the couple said happened
Johnny Bacigalupo and Rob Hussey said their car would not start after they went out to dinner in rainy Edinburgh. In contemporary reporting, Bacigalupo said Tesla service attributed the problem to water in the battery and quoted £17,374 to replace it. He recalled being told: “He told me it had water in it due to the fact the weather in Scotland has been so bad. That was the issue.” Carscoops reported the account on October 16, 2023; The Drive covered it the following day.
The £17,374 amount was a reported quote, not a confirmed final bill. The contemporary dollar conversions—about US$21,200 from Carscoops and about US$21,166 from The Drive—were estimates made in 2023, not current exchange-rate conversions.
What is—and is not—known about the cause
The water-ingress explanation comes from the couple’s account of what they said Tesla service told them. The reports do not include a diagnostic report, inspection findings or an independent technical assessment. They therefore do not establish that ordinary rain caused the failure, or even what physically caused it.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems#1 Best Overall
- 【A must have for tesla owners】Yieokei Tesla Jack Pads are specifically designed for 2016-2026 Tesla Model 3/Y/S/X.Fit Model Y Juniper
- 【Material】The one-piece molded rubber is sturdy and durable,providing sufficient support
- 【Battery,Chassis,Paint Protection】These lifting jack pads help protect the underframe. The tesla pucks accessories can provide cushioning and post precisely positions the jack pad tool in the jack point thus protecting car battery, paint or chassis from damage
- 【Easy to install and remove】 The portion that goes into the hole is 0.9 inch (24 mm) without any risk of loosening, Insert the floor jack pucks into the center of the jack hole on the vehicle and position the jack directly beneath it,which providing optimal protection
- 【Tire Repair Tool】Yieokei tesla jack pads set includes a tire repair kit, which can repair tires in unexpected situations.It is a comprehensive solution for emergency tire repair
Bacigalupo also reportedly said the battery had effectively been submerged. That is an attributed account, not a verified finding about the car’s condition. The reported sequence—rainy outing followed by a car that would not start—does not by itself prove the rain caused the battery problem.
Why the battery warranty question remains open
The couple said they were told the repair would not be covered by the eight-year battery warranty. Bacigalupo described the explanation this way: “They said it’s not necessarily my fault, but it’s not Tesla’s to pay under warranty.” The reports do not provide the applicable warranty document or a final written coverage decision, so they do not establish the precise basis for denying coverage.
Rank #2
- Perfect Fit & Secure Connection: Our specially engineered rubber pad features precision grooves that perfectly align with the scissor jack, delivering a stable, wobble-free lifting experience. The integrated tesla jack pads enhance safety for your Tesla.
- Complete Emergency Tool Kit: This comprehensive tesla tire repair kit includes a high-quality scissor jack, ratchet wrench, lug wrench, 21mm drive head, and essential tire repair tools—making it the ultimate car jack solution for roadside emergencies.
- Precise Weight Rating & High Capacity: Rated for 2.5 tons (5512 lbs), our scissor jack offers reliable performance and firm support. As a trusted tesla jack, it ensures secure lifting and stability for your vehicle.
- Universal Compatibility for Tesla Models: Designed specifically for Tesla, this car jack is compatible with Model 3, S, X, and Y. Enjoy peace of mind knowing it fits perfectly, no matter which Tesla you drive.
- Durable Construction & Effortless Operation: Constructed from high-strength cold-rolled steel with an enlarged base, our scissor jack guarantees long-lasting durability and stability. Its user-friendly design makes tire changes quick and stress-free, embodying the excellence of a true tesla tire repair kit.
The Drive reported that Tesla customer relations registered the complaint for investigation. Its article did not include the email itself, and the available coverage does not say how the investigation ended.
Details the reports do not settle
- Which Tesla model it was: Carscoops called it a Model Y, The Drive called it a Model 3, and Futurism said the original Edinburgh Live story did not specify the model. The model cannot be stated confidently from these accounts. Futurism noted the discrepancy on October 18, 2023.
- Whether the car was repaired: The reports do not confirm a completed repair or its final cost.
- Whether the couple paid: No reviewed report establishes that they paid the £17,374 quote.
- How the complaint concluded: The Drive’s report of an investigation registration is the latest specific account in the reviewed coverage; no final outcome is established.
What the story can—and cannot—tell Tesla owners
This is a report of one couple’s experience and a disputed, incompletely documented repair explanation. It is not evidence that rain generally damages Tesla batteries, that a particular Tesla model is unfit for wet climates, or that Tesla’s battery warranty categorically excludes every water-related failure. The accounts raise questions about diagnosis, warranty coverage and a large quoted expense, but they do not answer them conclusively.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- Essential for Tesla Owners: Designed for Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X, and Model Y models from 2016–2026. This 24mm jack pad adapter fits Tesla’s approximately 25mm lift point opening and is also compatible with the Model Y Juniper
- Premium Durable Material: Made from low-odor, vehicle-friendly composite material, the Tesla jack pads feature a one-piece rubber construction that helps resist cracking, compression, and deformation. The O-ring anti-slip design ensures a secure fit and stable insertion
- Protects Battery, Undercarriage & Paint: The tesla lift pucks are designed to align precisely with Tesla’s designated lift points, helping cushion contact between the jack and vehicle while protecting the battery pack, painted surfaces, and undercarriage during lifting
- Emergency Tire Repair Tools Included: This jack pad kit includes rubber tire plugs, adhesive repair strips, and compatible repair tools to help repair small punctures or larger tire penetrations, providing added confidence during roadside emergencies
- Easy to Carry & Store: Each tesla jack pucks and tire repair tool has a dedicated storage space inside the compact case, keeping components organized and easy to find. An English illustrated instruction manual is included for quick reference, so your kit stays ready in your vehicle
For this incident, the reported figure is useful as the amount the couple said they were quoted—not as a verified typical battery-repair cost or an amount they ultimately owed.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 2X MORE PAINT! - Don't be fooled by other low cost paints and pens, we provide a FULL OUNCE of paint, which is 2-3x more than others. We were the first with Tesla wheel touch-up paint in 2013 and continue to be the best!
- DIY CURB RASH REPAIR! - Tesla wheel touch-up paint for Model 3 wheels / rims conceals minor curb rash, scratches and dings with little effort
- LOW COST WHEEL REPAIR! - DIY repair wheel damage yourself instead of buying a new wheel or paying a wheel repair professional refinishing
- GUARANTEED OEM COLOR MATCH - High-quality automotive-wheel-grade paint is color-matched and mixed by automotive finish professionals to match your Tesla Model 3 wheels
- EASY DIY RIM RASH SOLUTION - Tesla rim touchup paint is easy to apply and dries quickly, minor curb rash jobs can be completed quick and easy
Rank #4
- 【Upgrade Package】 Custom-made portable tire repair kit includes a set of jack pads, tire repair tools, and tire air pumps. All-in-one storage, compact size, convenient storage - a must-have for Tesla owners
- 【Upgrade Air Pump】 Built-in 4000mAh lithium battery, fully charges in just 4 hours. Quickly inflates cars, motorcycles, bicycles and balls, while integrating lighting, SOS distress signals, and portable power bank into one device
- 【Dual-purpose Air Pump】 Battery running low? No worries—SUMK air pump comes with a cigarette lighter adapter. Never fret about inflation again
- 【Pre-set Function】 Allow preset values before inflation, and automatically shuts off after inflation is complete
- 【The Perfect Travel Companion】 This tire repair kit is equipped with very practical and complete tire repair tool. Providing timely assistance for tire blowout problems and solving your urgent needs (not include the tire repair glue)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
