A Tesla owner in Columbus, Ohio, has taken to Reddit in a desperate plea for safety after being repeatedly harassed on the road. The post, which quickly went viral, paints a grim picture of what it’s like to drive a Tesla in 2025, as backlash against Elon Musk and his electric vehicle empire intensifies across the U.S.
The driver, who describes themselves as a Creative Consultant, shared their alarming experiences, stating:
Frustrated and fearful for their safety, the driver announced their intention to trade in their Tesla Model S for a Toyota Prius, claiming, “Fuck Tesla. We are traveling at 70+ MPH—please, do not toy with someone’s life.” The post also suggested that a dealership could turn the trade-in into a marketing stunt, stating, “This could be a sick marketing stunt, if we find a dealer. Especially with my plate.”
The Anti-Tesla Movement Gains Momentum
The Columbus driver’s experience is not an isolated one. Across the country, Tesla owners have reported an increase in hostility, from keying incidents and road rage to outright vandalism. Many attribute the rising animosity to a growing disdain for Elon Musk, whose controversial actions have alienated large swaths of the public. The situation only escalated further after Musk’s alleged Nazi salute during an inauguration event, a moment that sparked international outrage.
Social media platforms have been flooded with videos of Tesla vandalism, and entire online communities have formed around mocking and shaming the brand’s owners. Some dealerships have even begun capitalizing on the Tesla backlash, offering special incentives to trade in the once-coveted electric vehicles.
As the Columbus Tesla owner searches for a Prius dealership willing to facilitate the trade, local commenters have weighed in with recommendations and warnings about certain dealerships. Some users pointed them toward Buckeye Toyota in Lancaster, while others cautioned against Toyota Direct on Morse Road, citing poor customer service experiences.
Meanwhile, some commenters suggested bypassing Toyota altogether and looking into a Polestar instead, with one noting, “They’re giving an extra $20K for Tesla trades.” A growing number of former Tesla owners are making the switch, as the brand’s reputation continues to plummet.
Once seen as the future of the automotive industry, Tesla is now at the center of a cultural firestorm. While the company continues to push forward with new models and technology, the brand’s public perception has taken a nosedive. For many, like this Ohio driver, the answer is to get out before things get worse.
