So this is fair. In terms of not showing Tesla's denial of the issue, does Tesla have sufficient credibility to denounce the allegations? Also you need to take into account that the only people that WILL know about an issue would be the folks who have recently left the company (VP Fin, and CAO) who probably it is in their best interest not to talk. Fired employees will be seen as sour grapes by reporters. And current employees who if they did go on record would be fired. Not saying they should be seen as gospel tellers, but there is a reason it is thinly sourced.
In regard to the story, it is pretty apparent that the minor "defect" rate on Tesla's right now is up probably around 20% + ? What is major defect %? Maybe 2-3%? Are they higher? Please note, that something that would require a software update to enhance would not be an upgrade. I.e. SW to make wipers turn on auto. But SW update to control radio from blaring would be a 'defect' as i see it. Albeit a minor one, as it costs probably less than $100 for Tesla to fix. A major defect would be something where they would have to have a truck roll with a tech to your house.
Lastly, as someone who does not own a Tesla, and is not big into cars, but is interested in Manufacturing and system engineering, if these cars were at the ~20-25K price point, do we think that that the issues would not be as reported on? Probably more right? I.E. most folks on the TMC like myslef are able to afford 2-3 vehicles and if one craps out for the day, you just take the next one. Breakdowns are not miss work type activities. Just food for thought.