How long does it take to repair a Tesla?

Photo: Anna Barclay/Getty Images)

In 2026, it’s almost impossible to drive on Australian roads without seeing numerous Tesla models.

There’s no denying the US electric pioneer has had a monopoly on the domestic EV market. While Teslas are inevitably becoming more ubiquitous, the marque's extended repair wait times have been cited by early adopters as a key concern.

But in 2026, is this still the case? Here’s what you need to know.

Depending on the severity of the accident, Tesla repairs can generally take more than a week.

A spokesperson for MotorOne Autobody – a Tesla-approved repair centre operating in Queensland and Victoria – said repair times can range from 10 days for drivable smashed Teslas, which require smaller repairs or bolt-on panel replacements, to 15 days for models that sustained structural or mechanical damage.  

“Tesla repairs can be more involved than repairs on a conventional vehicle, such as a Toyota Camry [for example],” a MotorOne Autobody spokesperson told Drive.

While EVs require specialised mechanic training due to the high-voltage safety risk, Tesla cars also have components that require their own repair processes, which is why some jobs can take longer than those on popular petrol models.

“Some weld-on panels may also be bonded and riveted, requiring specialist tooling, equipment and repair methods. There are also certain components on a Tesla that are one-time use items, meaning that once they’re removed from the vehicle, they have to be replaced," the MotorOne Autobody spokesperson said.

“Tesla body structures also use a significant amount of aluminium, which requires its own repair processes, tooling and skill set when repairing, replacing or welding components."

However, a spokesperson for the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) – the state's peak maintenance industry body – said the extended wait times some owners face could be due to their preferred workshop not being Tesla-accredited.

"Owner experiences document wait times of months in some collision cases, it depends on the types of parts needed. The issue is more acute in specific circumstances, particularly for non-authorised repairers and for moderate to severe collision damage," the VACC spokesperson told Drive.

"Outside authorised centres, the repairer has no direct [parts] procurement access. This is the single greatest structural flaw in the Tesla parts ecosystem.

"An owner with no technical knowledge must identify and order what their car needs, creating delays and errors that no conventional repair workflow faces."

A Tesla Australia spokesperson said the extended wait times for repairs were historically due to insurance approval, not to the quoting stage.

"Tesla is planning to boost the body repair capacity in 2026, implementing centralised estimating and increasing site capacities. This speeds up pre-appointment quotation, and the appointment turnaround for repair to have customers' vehicles on the road as quickly as possible,” a Tesla Australia spokesperson told Drive in January 2026.

Some Tesla-approved centres said repair times for Tesla cars can take more than a week, but this depends on the type and severity of the damage.

While repair costs are dependent on the extent and type of damage sustained, the MotorOne Autobody spokesperson said, “As a general guide, repairs can range from $1500 for minor bumper bar repairs through to $30,000 or more for major structural repairs”.

Meanwhile, a VACC spokesperson said Teslas are generally more expensive to repair than traditional petrol cars due to the car's materials and technological features.

"Exterior repair costs for Teslas are materially higher than for comparable petrol vehicles. This is driven by aluminium panel construction, large glass areas and the need to recalibrate sensors and cameras following almost any collision – even minor ones," they said.

Some of the repair centres Drive spoke to said Tesla’s spare parts supply is healthy in Australia, though some parts may be harder to come by.

“Generally, parts availability is quite good. The Melbourne warehouse holds a strong level of inventory, and in most cases, parts are available within approximately one week of ordering. We do not often experience major issues sourcing parts, though availability can vary depending on what specific component is required,” the MotorOne Autobody spokesperson explained.

But the VACC spokesperson said Tesla's restrictions on parts distribution among unauthorised repair centres are a cause of concern.

"EV-specific parts – particularly sensors, cameras, high-voltage connectors, and battery-adjacent components have no aftermarket equivalents. All sourcing must go through Tesla directly, with no competitive supply options available to reduce times," they said.

"Proprietary parts design means standard panel and component suppliers cannot provide alternatives. Unlike conventional vehicles, where aftermarket parts are readily available, every Tesla exterior component must come from the manufacturer."

Ethan Cardinal graduated with a Journalism degree in 2020 from La Trobe University and has been working in the fashion industry as a freelance writer prior to joining Drive in 2023. Ethan greatly enjoys investigating and reporting on the cross sections between automotive, lifestyle and culture. Ethan relishes the opportunity to explore how deep cars are intertwined within different industries and how they could affect both casual readers and car enthusiasts.

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