With a lack of parts, long waits and dead rats, what does the U.S. go through to fix a Tesla?

Recently, U.S. Tesla owners have submitted thousands of complaints about Tesla repair problems, including an insufficient number of service centers, limited inventory of replacement parts, poor communication, poor build quality and long wait times for repair appointments, and some owners have even found dead mice in their cars.

These are just a few of the problems with Tesla's service that have been the subject of complaints filed by U.S. consumers with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Of the more than 1,000 complaints available about Tesla, more than 120 of them involve service, delays and parts-specific issues.

In addition, another Tesla driver reported finding a dead mouse and rat poison in his repaired Tesla electric car when he got it back. Another owner also revealed that when he got his Model S back after 51 days of experience, he found some parts stuck together with duct tape.

This is not the first time Tesla owners have expressed frustration with Tesla's repair services. 2019, Bloomberg surveyed the opinions of nearly 5,000 Model 3 owners, and most were dissatisfied with the speed and quality of repairs at Tesla service centers.

Electric cars are supposed to be easier to maintain than cars with internal combustion engines. They don't require oil changes, have fewer parts, and brake pads last longer. Tesla even says that it "designs every Tesla vehicle to eliminate the need for service." However, according to data shared by the consumer research firm, among owners who need service, Tesla drivers visit service centers nearly as often as owners of high-end gas-powered cars like Lexus or Audi.

Tesla's approach to service has also frustrated some customers. While the likes of Ford and GM utilize a network of thousands of dealerships and independent mechanics to perform repairs, it appears that the vast majority of Tesla repairs tend to be done by Tesla technicians hired or authorized by the company. Tesla also warns customers that damage or failures caused by technicians not certified by Tesla are not covered by the company's warranty policy. In the past, Tesla has also opposed legislation from the right-to-repair movement, a movement that advocates making repairs easier.