Somerset homeowner recounts how his £12,000 second hand Tesla Model 3 Performance exploded into flames while parked outside his house in Compton Dando

Nobody expects their parked car to erupt into flames without warning.

But that’s exactly what happened to 56-year-old Rich Farrant in the small village of Compton Dando, near Keynsham in Somerset.

One moment, he was inside his home enjoying a normal evening.

The next, he heard what he described as a strange hissing sound followed by an “almighty explosion” that sent him running outside.

What he saw was devastating. His 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance, which he had bought second-hand for £12,000 just weeks earlier, was engulfed in flames by the roadside.

A Dream Car Bought at a Bargain

Rich had purchased the vehicle in October through Copart, a well-known auction platform that often sells insurance write-offs and damaged cars.

The Model 3 Performance is one of the higher-spec variants of the Tesla Model 3, known for its rapid acceleration, dual-motor all-wheel drive system, and advanced software features.

At £12,000, it was significantly cheaper than the market rate for a 2022 performance model.

That alone suggested it came with a history.

It later emerged that the vehicle had previously been involved in an accident before being resold.

Still, for Rich, it was a dream come true.

He had “always wanted” a Tesla — particularly one with enhanced self-driving capabilities.

Charging Problems Before the Blast

According to Rich, there had already been issues with charging the car in the weeks leading up to the incident.

Electric vehicle battery systems are complex, and in cases where a car has previously been damaged, hidden battery or wiring faults can sometimes go unnoticed.

Experts have long warned that improperly repaired EVs, especially those sold through salvage auctions, can pose risks if high-voltage battery packs have been compromised.

Lithium-ion battery fires, while statistically rare, can be intense and difficult to extinguish due to a phenomenon known as thermal runaway — a chain reaction within the battery cells.

It is not yet clear whether battery damage played a role in this explosion.

Tesla’s Response and the Inspection Gap

The manufacturer stated it was unable to inspect the vehicle to determine the exact cause of the fire.

In correspondence with Rich, Tesla confirmed that the car had been purchased via a third-party partner and had previously been involved in an accident.

Because the vehicle was not inspected at a Tesla service center and had been bought through Copart, Tesla declined to offer what it described as a “goodwill gesture.”

The company also said it could not reinstall Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) or Full Self-Driving (FSD) software onto Rich’s replacement car.

Software-based features like Full Self-Driving are tied to a vehicle’s digital profile and VIN number.

When a Tesla is written off or sold through salvage, certain features may not automatically transfer — especially if there are safety or inspection concerns.

Neighbours Rush In as Flames Rise

Thankfully, no one was injured. Rich’s neighbour quickly used a fire extinguisher to help contain the blaze before fire crews arrived to ensure there was no further risk.

Rich admitted he was left shaken.

His biggest fear was what might have happened if someone had been walking past the vehicle at the moment of the explosion.

EV fires, while uncommon, can escalate quickly and produce intense heat.

In the UK, fire services have developed specific protocols for electric vehicle fires, often requiring large amounts of water or extended monitoring due to the risk of reignition.

A Second Tesla — But Not the Same

Despite the frightening experience, Rich did not abandon the brand.

He went back to Copart and purchased another Tesla, this time for £9,000.

However, the new vehicle did not come with the same upgraded features as his previous one.

Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving were absent — and Tesla declined to install them at no extra charge.

For someone who had long dreamed of owning a self-driving Tesla, it was a frustrating blow.

Electric Vehicles and Fire Risks in Context

It’s important to note that electric vehicle fires remain statistically less common than petrol or diesel car fires.

Data from various transport safety studies have shown that internal combustion engine vehicles catch fire more frequently overall.

However, EV fires can draw greater public attention because of their dramatic nature and the complexity involved in extinguishing them.

Brands like Tesla have previously stated that their vehicles undergo extensive battery safety testing.

Yet, cases involving previously damaged or salvaged cars introduce additional risk variables.

Vehicles bought through salvage auctions often come at attractive prices, but they can carry unseen complications — especially when high-voltage systems are involved.

What’s Next?

The burned-out Model 3 has been written off, and without a formal inspection by Tesla, the exact cause of the explosion may never be publicly confirmed.

The incident raises wider questions about the resale and repair of electric vehicles, particularly those previously involved in accidents.

As EV adoption grows across the UK and globally, regulators and manufacturers may face increasing pressure to tighten standards around battery inspections and post-accident certification.

For buyers, the case serves as a reminder to thoroughly investigate a vehicle’s history — especially when dealing with salvage platforms.

Rich, meanwhile, continues driving his replacement Tesla, albeit without the advanced self-driving features he once enjoyed.

Summary

A 56-year-old Somerset man watched in shock as his £12,000 second-hand 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance burst into flames while parked outside his home.

The vehicle, bought through Copart and previously involved in an accident, had reportedly experienced charging issues before the explosion.

Tesla said it could not inspect the written-off car and declined to offer compensation or reinstall premium self-driving features on his replacement vehicle.

No injuries were reported, but the incident highlights ongoing concerns around salvaged electric vehicles and battery safety.