Man shocked after being hit with $16,000 bill at the end of his Tesla Model 3 lease
Published on Aug 20, 2025 at 4:20 AM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Aug 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Taking up a lease to own a Tesla Model 3 is a popular method of ownership these days.
It has been a big factor in making EV brands accessible and affordable to more people.
One man in Germany, however, was not so lucky with his Tesla Model 3 lease.
Because, at the end of the lease, this German Model 3 owner was hit with a $16,000 bill.
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How did Tesla Model 3 lease lead to a $16,000 bill?
So, how on Earth did this man end up with a $16,000 bill at the end of his Tesla Model 3 lease?
Had this German man been using his Tesla Model 3 to go rallying?
Had it been used to traverse the German Alps on the weekends?
It turns out that it was actually none of those things – not even close.
As a matter of fact, Dennis, the German native in question, had never endured a single issue.
At the end of his lease, however, Dennis received the mother of all shocks.
When he returned his Tesla Model 3, a whopping $16,000 bill was waiting for him.
The leasing and inspection companies both provided their reasoning for such obscene charges.
Reasoning for bill leads to fundamental concerns
According to them, damaged rims and jacking point cracks were prominent in the EV.
But those two issues were far from the most concerning thing within this Tesla.
There was a need to replace the entire battery due to water infiltration.
“I have never encountered any significant problems while using the vehicle,” Dennis stated, reiterating that he carefully followed all the maintenance instructions recommended by the manufacturer.
It appears, however, that Dennis’ story is far from an isolated incident.
Units produced between 2020 and 2021 were reported to have some faults.
Internal documents previously leaked appeared to have confirmed a shift in approach for production from April 2021 onwards.
Risks, including those of corrosion to the battery, throw up all sorts of concerns for EV owners.
It especially raises concerns for those who own the Tesla Model 3 through leasing.
Does this story make you concerned about potentially owning a Tesla Model 3?
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
