Tesla Repurchase
Lemon Law Services
Cline APC helps California Tesla owners seek fair compensation after being sold a defective model.
Tesla Models with the Most Recalls
Tesla is a trail-blazer in the electric car market. While electric vehicles have been around for a while, Tesla was the company that broke the barrier and showed consumers that EVs can be better, sleeker, and faster than gasoline cars. The company changed the auto industry forever, but it’s not immune to manufacturing mistakes. Here are the models with the most recalls.
Model S
The Model S is one of Tesla’s most popular sedans. Known for giving consumers the freedom to customize their vehicle, the S has been in production since 2012. Even though it’s one of the brand’s top models, it has been plagued by recalls over the years for issues including:
- eMMc controller problems
- Defective airbags
- Issues with the steering racks
- Faulty brakes
- Malfunctioning seatbelts
Model X
The Model X is Tesla’s prized mid-size luxury crossover. Known for its falcon-wing doors and high performance, the X is a favorite among families and other EV enthusiasts. The model was launched in 2015 and has racked up seven recalls to date for problems involving:
- Issues with the steering
- Shoddy seats
- Parking brake issues
- Faulty AEB system
Model Y
The Y is one of the newer vehicles in the Tesla catalog, launched in 2020. The model is perfect for larger families – with optional third-row seating. This model has already received a fair share of recalls in its short existence for problems related to:
- Seat belt retractor problems
- Software errors
- Suspension issues
- Brake caliper problems
- AEB system failures
Model 3
Model 3 is widely regarded as Tesla’s affordable sedan model. Launched in 2017, the 3 is known for a long-range – as well as balancing style with performance. The model has amassed six recalls over the years for:
- Airbag malfunctions
- Seat belt problems
- Suspension issues
- Braking defects
- Problems with the AEB system
Does Your Vehicle Qualify for Tesla Lemon Law California?
Tesla has become synonymous with stylish EVs – everyone is excited to purchase or lease one. Finding out yours is defective is extremely frustrating. But a single defect doesn’t automatically qualify it as a lemon in California, it must meet the following criteria:
- The vehicle’s warranty was in effect when the defect was reported to Tesla; and
- The Tesla model has one or more substantial defect(s) that compromises the safety, functionality, or value of the vehicle; and
- Tesla’s technicians have made a reasonable number of repair attempts (usually at least two) to repair the defect(s); or
- Your Tesla has been out of service for repairs for 30 or more total days; and
- The defect was not due to driver neglect or abuse.
Documentation is critical in proving your vehicle meets the qualifications of lemon law in CA. Hold onto ALL receipts, repair orders, invoices, and records – as you’ll need them to file for a Tesla buyback lemon.
Tesla Lemon Law FAQs
Which vehicles are covered by Tesla lemon law California?
Every Tesla model sold with a valid manufacturer or dealer warranty in California qualifies for Tesla lemon law. The vehicle’s defect(s) must be reported to the manufacturer within the terms of the warranty to qualify for a Tesla buyback lemon or replacement.
What compensation can I seek in a Tesla lemon law claim?
All Tesla lemon law settlements are different. In the scenario your Tesla model meets California’s lemon criteria, you may pursue compensation for:
- The total cost of the Tesla (minus a mileage offset).
- Down payment
- Monthly payments made
- The remaining balance of the loan
- All official costs paid
- Sales tax
- Registration
- All incidental costs stemming from the defective Tesla
- Towing fees
- Uber/Lyft/Cab fares
- Hotel stays
- Meals
- Etc.
- All attorney fees and court costs
Am I still eligible for lemon law Tesla benefits if my warranty expires?
Defective vehicles are only eligible for lemon law benefits if the defect(s) was reported to Tesla during the warranty period.
What’s the time limit to seek a Tesla buyback lemon?
California consumers have four years to seek compensation under Tesla lemon law – after the vehicle meets the proper qualifications.
We advise consumers to start the process of pursuing a buyback or replacement under the Tesla lemon law as soon as possible. Your ability to seek compensation becomes more difficult every day you wait. To put it in perspective: say you wait a year to file a lemon law claim for your defective vehicle. At this point, Tesla will argue the defect was not “substantial” enough to warrant a claim – which will complicate matters.
Driving around with a defective vehicle puts you, passengers, and other drivers at risk. Do everyone a favor and start the Tesla lemon law process early.
Can I seek a Tesla lemon law buyback for a used vehicle?
Potentially. In California, consumers can seek lemon law claims for used vehicles sold with dealership warranties. These are usually good for 30 days or before 1,000 miles accrue on the odometer. If your Tesla meets California’s lemon law terms within these limitations, you can seek a replacement or buyback in the same way as a new vehicle.
What happens if I bought my Tesla model “as is”?
Buying any vehicle “as is” means there is no warranty and you assume full responsibility for all defects. In California, dealerships are required to state if the vehicle is sold with a dealer warranty or “as is” agreement on the buyer’s guide. As is agreements are common in private car sales.
What happens if there is no indication of a dealer warranty or “as is” agreement?
If the dealership doesn’t specify a warranty or “as is” agreement on the buyer’s guide, there will be an implied warranty of merchantability. In the state of California, these are unspoken warranties that guarantee vehicles are fit for the intended purpose, covering the essential components of the vehicle. These warranties are usually in effect for 60 days up to a year.
Does Tesla require forced arbitration?
Tesla includes a sneaky forced arbitration clause in their purchase orders. This states that if a defect cannot be resolved within 60 days after purchase, the consumer cannot seek a Tesla lemon law buyback or replacement through the U.S. court system. Instead, they must go in front of an arbitrator or panel of arbitrators paid for by Tesla.
Keep in mind, these arbitrators will commonly side with the manufacturer – leaving you short-changed. Tesla buyers have the option to opt-out of this agreement within 30 days after purchase. Be sure you do this. If you purchased or leased a defective Tesla, you deserve access to the court system. After all, your tax dollars fund it!
How much do Tesla lemon law California lawyers cost?
Partnering with a skilled Tesla lemon law attorney will not cost you anything out of pocket.
Assuming the Tesla model meets California’s lemon law qualifications, the manufacturer is required to pay for all attorney expenses and court costs. Given this, lemon law lawyers work on contingency fee agreements. This means they make their fee after they win the case, and shouldn’t ask you for any money upfront. Moreover, they won’t likely take your case unless they think they can win.
In other words, everyone can afford a skilled Tesla lemon law lawyer.
Should I Hire a Specialized Attorney to Seek a Tesl Lemon Law Buyback?
Trying to seek a fair Tesla lemon law settlement without an attorney will be nearly impossible, no matter how strong your claim is. There are no guarantees of results in lemon law, regardless of whether the vehicle meets the state’s qualifications.
Tesla is a near-trillion dollar company. They have the highest legal defense teams money can buy. Bypassing a lemon law attorney will almost certainly end poorly. Tesla is no stranger to shoddy manufacturing, and the brand must be held accountable for selling faulty products. A Tesla lemon law attorney will make sure you get a fair settlement.
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