Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteA 2024 Futurism report describes a buyer who found serious underbody damage on a used Tesla Model 3 he bought from Hertz. The report says the damage was affecting the battery and led to a $13,000 repair bill that was not covered by warranty. It is one reported case—not evidence that former rental Teslas generally have battery damage or unusually high repair costs.
What happened to the used Tesla?
Victor Tangermann reported for Futurism on May 17, 2024 that Bijay Pandey bought a 2022 Tesla Model 3 from Hertz for $25,000. The car reportedly had 70,000 miles on its odometer. A body shop later found a sizeable hole in the underside of the vehicle that was damaging the battery, according to the article.
The report put the repair bill at $13,000 and said the work was not covered by warranty. Those details describe Pandey’s reported experience; the article does not include an inspection report, repair invoice, or Tesla’s account of the specific warranty decision. It therefore cannot establish the precise damage mechanism or why coverage was declined.
Tangermann quoted Pandey saying, “I realized why they were trying to get rid of those Teslas,” and, “If anything happens to a Tesla, then the bill is too high.” These are the buyer’s reported comments, not a general finding about Tesla repair costs.
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- Fitment: Front skid plate compatible with Tesla Model 3 2017-2025, Model Y 2020-2025
- Durable Protection: Crafted from high-strength materials to safeguard your motor and components from debris, water and road hazards, enhancing vehicle longevity
- High Quality: Splash shield is made of manganese steel, conforms to OEM production, strong corrosion resistance and impact resistance
- Enhanced Design: Sleek and aerodynamic design improves undercarriage airflow, contributing to vehicle efficiency without compromising protection
- Easy Installation: Designed for a straightforward setup with pre-drilled mounting points, saving you time and effort without compromising stability
What the case does—and does not—say about Hertz Teslas
Futurism reported that Hertz had bought about 30,000 Teslas for its fleet. The same May 2024 article said the company had sold about 10,000 EVs as of the preceding month, was planning to sell 30,000 total, and that its new CEO expected the remaining 20,000 to be sold by year-end. These are historical statements in that report, not a current inventory update or confirmation of how many cars were ultimately sold.
The article also attributed a $195 million first-quarter loss to depreciation of Hertz’s Tesla fleet. These company-level figures are secondary reporting; they were not independently verified against Hertz filings here. Neither the reported fleet sales nor the depreciation figure shows how often individual former rental cars have underbody damage.
Rank #2
- Fitment: Front Underbody Splash Shield is Compatible with 2020-2023 Tesla Model 3. Compatible with 2020-2024 Tesla Model Y. Note: In 2020 Tesla started making these in plastic for the Model Y, then it was used later in 2021-2023 for both the model Y and Model 3 replacing the cotton type for Model 3. This will also fit all Model 3 from 2017-2023. Replacement for 149915100C
- Premium Construction: Crafted from durable Plastic, this Front Underbody Splash Shield provides superior strength and longevity. It’s engineered to withstand the toughest driving conditions
- Protection Function: Front Underbody Splash Shield can protect car body paint and mechanical parts from foreign bodies such as sand and stones, reduce hidden dangers of driving, prevent sand from scratching car paint, and protect chassis and suspension system
- Replacement Installation: Designed as a direct replacement for your old splash shield. No need for complicated modifications or drilling
- Package: You will receive 1 x Front Underbody Splash Shield , installation parts and instruction are not included
How warranty coverage fits in
Tesla’s U.S. vehicle warranty page describes Basic Vehicle, Supplemental Restraint System, and Battery and Drive Unit limited warranties for new vehicles. Tesla lists basic coverage as four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first; battery and drive unit coverage varies by model and trim. The page also describes separate additional coverage for certified pre-owned vehicles bought directly from Tesla, while the remaining original battery and drive unit warranty continues to apply. Tesla says the vehicle’s own warranty document is authoritative.
Those general terms do not establish which warranty applied to Pandey’s Hertz purchase, what exclusions controlled, or the reason for the reported denial. Tesla’s certified pre-owned terms should not be assumed to apply to a car bought from a third-party seller such as Hertz.
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- Tailored for Tesla Model 3/Y: Perfectly fits for Tesla Model Y (2020-2025) and Tesla Model 3 (2017-2025), matching the underbody contours and mounting points of these specific vehicle years/models.
- High-Strength Steel Underbody Armor: Crafted from heavy-duty high-strength steel, this 2-piece motor skid plate and splash shield cover defends the front drive motor and oil filter against road debris, rocks, and impact damage.
- Effortless Installation Process: Designed for easy DIY installation—aligns with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) mounting locations. No drilling or complex tools required, saving time and hassle.
- Ultimate Underbody Protection: Shields critical undercarriage components (front drive motor, oil filter, and surrounding areas) from corrosion, scratches, and damage caused by rough roads or off-road use.
- Rugged & Long-Lasting Build: Engineered to endure harsh driving conditions. The durable steel construction ensures prolonged protection and maintains structural integrity over time.
What to check before buying a used Tesla
This case is a reason to verify the condition and coverage of the specific car—not to assume that every used or former rental Tesla has the same problem. Before completing a purchase, check:
- Vehicle history and mileage: Review available history records and compare the odometer reading with the car’s age and the seller’s description.
- Purchase channel and warranty status: Ask what coverage applies to this vehicle, who provides it, when it expires, and which written warranty document governs. Do not infer Tesla certified pre-owned coverage from the make of the car.
- Underbody and battery-area condition: Arrange an independent inspection that includes the underside and battery area, and ask the inspector to document any visible damage. This is prudent advice based on the reported case, not a Tesla-prescribed inspection protocol.
- Written repair estimates: If damage or a warning is identified, obtain a written diagnosis and cost estimate before deciding whether to buy.
The published report does not provide the VIN, repair records, photographs adequate to assess the damage, an independent expert’s diagnosis, or the governing warranty document. It also says Pandey ultimately got a Tesla that met his needs, but does not establish details of that later purchase.
Quick Recap
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- Compatibility: Designed for the front chassis of the Tesla Model 3 (2017-2025 models) / Model Y (2020-2025 models), providing protection for the reinforced motor and battery coola
- Protection Upgrade: Made from manganese steel, offering excellent thermal conductivity, heat dissipation, and impact resistance, far surpassing the original factory resin guard
- Protective Functionality: Effectively prevents motor damage from impacts, with scratch-resistant, wear-resistant, and corrosive-resistant properties, providing all-weather comprehensive protection for worry-free driving
- Easy Installation: No drilling required; installs directly below the engine cover using the vehicle's existing mounting points, ensuring a simple, quick, and secure installation
- Package Contents: 1front skid plate; all installation hardware including bolts and rivets
Rank #4
- Fitment: Front Underbody Splash Shield is Compatible with 2020-2023 Tesla Model 3. Compatible with 2020-2024 Tesla Model Y. Note: In 2020 Tesla started making these in plastic for the Model Y, then it was used later in 2021-2023 for both the model Y and Model 3 replacing the cotton type for Model 3. This will also fit all Model 3 from 2017-2023. Replacement for 149915100C
- Durable Plastic Construction: Crafted from durable plastic, this front underbody splash shield provides superior strength and longevity. Engineered to withstand tough driving conditions for reliable underbody protection.
- Protective Function: Helps shield the vehicle's body paint and mechanical components from road debris such as sand and stones. Reduces driving hazards, minimizes paint scratches, and offers added protection for the chassis and suspension system.
- Direct Replacement Installation: Designed as a direct replacement for your old splash shield. No complicated modifications or drilling are required for installation.
- Package Contents: You will receive 1 front underbody splash shield. Installation parts and instructions are not included
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.
