In many ways, these have been tough days for Tesla. Falling sales. Squeezed profit margins. Proposed changes in US government policy that could cost the company billions.

With Elon Musk becoming more political and divisive, Tesla owners are feeling the wrath. Drivers are sharing stories of getting flipped off, sworn at, and having their vehicle vandalized.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk told investors and analysts the electric vehicle maker’s investments in autonomous vehicles and robots may have set it on a path to becoming the most valuable company in the ...