Signs a Tesla Could Qualify for a Lemon Law Case

If you’ve gone electric by buying or leasing a Tesla motor vehicle but regret it because it has recurring problems, California’s Lemon Law may be of help to you.

If your vehicle qualifies under the Lemon Law in California, Tesla may be required to buy its faulty vehicle back from you and pay additional costs and losses you have suffered due to your vehicle’s repeated problems. But because Elon Musk and Tesla don’t want to give up a sale to a Lemon Law buyback, you’ll need legal help pressing your case and pursuing the money you are due.

The Barry Law Firm can help you make your Tesla Lemon Law buyback case at no cost to you. California’s Lemon Law requires the auto manufacturer to pay the consumer’s legal fees after a successful claim. And you’ll never get a bill from us, no matter the outcome of your case.

Our experienced Lemon Law attorneys have helped thousands of frustrated car owners and lessees get justice from big auto makers who have sold defective vehicles in California. If you have a Tesla that seems to spend more time in the service center than on the road, contact our Tesla Lemon Law attorneys today for your FAST & FREE legal consultation.

Help! Is My Tesla a Lemon?

California law says your Tesla sedan, SUV, or Cybertruck is a lemon if it has a substantial defect covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty that persists despite a reasonable number of attempts by the manufacturer to repair it. The defect must substantially impair your vehicle’s safety, use, or value.

What’s considered a “reasonable number” of repair attempts can vary from case to case. If the defect poses a significant danger, two or more attempts to fix the problem are typically considered reasonable under the California Lemon Law for Teslas. The manufacturer may be entitled to more than two attempts to repair less severe issues. In certain circumstances, a Tesla may automatically qualify as a lemon if it is out of service for an inordinate amount of time.

The Barry Law Firm can help you determine whether the problems you are experiencing with your Tesla qualify under California Lemon Law so you can demand your money back.

Top Signs That Could Suggest Your Tesla Is a Lemon

The primary reason for a California Lemon Law claim is recurring warranty-covered issues after the manufacturer’s multiple repair attempts. Common issues known to plague vehicles made by Tesla include:

• Battery and charging problems – This can include slow charging, charging port malfunctions that prevent the car from charging properly, and battery degradation, which reduces charging capacity or slows charging speeds.
• Malfunctioning electrical system – Power loss, software glitches, and problems with lights and other electrical components could make a Tesla a lemon. A malfunctioning electrical system in a Tesla can also negatively impact battery charging and functioning.
• Unexpected braking during autopilot and self-driving – Tesla’s autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems have been reported to cause unexpected or “phantom” braking. The vehicles suddenly decelerate without an identifiable reason or driver input.
• Suspension, steering, and wheel assembly failure – Tesla owners report issues with their steering suspension, such as suspensions collapsing and axles breaking under acceleration, resulting in collisions. Some even say their wheels fell off while driving. Tesla has tried to blame these well-documented recurring defects on the consumers.
• Faulty climate control – Problems with a Tesla’s climate control system compressor or electrical system and refrigerant leaks may cause issues with the vehicle’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. In some cases, software errors cause temporary system failures.
• Body defects – Many Cybertruck owners report issues with steel panels falling off the vehicle, posing a major road hazard and prompting Tesla to recall nearly every Cybertruck.
• Door handle issues – Although they provide a sleek look, Tesla door handles can also be defective. Some Tesla owners report the door handles not working in freezing weather or even breaking off and issues with the keyless door entry. All these problems severely affect their ability to use their vehicle.

What Do I Do If My Tesla Shows Signs of Being a Lemon?

If you think your Tesla qualifies as a lemon, you’ll need to document its problems and your attempts to have it repaired.

First, document your ownership or lease of a Tesla and its warranty. Gather and review your:

• Purchase or lease agreement
• Vehicle warranty
• Vehicle registration

Next, you’ll need to show your attempts to have your vehicle repaired. This can be done with:

• Repair orders and invoices
• All correspondence with Tesla

You’ll also need to establish the money you are owed in a California Lemon Law buyback. Along with what you’ve paid for your Tesla, you may demand repayment of your costs related to owning and dealing with the faulty vehicle. Try to assemble all of your receipts and bank or credit card records for:

• Repairs
• Towing
• Rental cars or other alternative transportation
• Vehicle licensing and registration
• Other official fees required of vehicle ownership
• Any other costs related to your lemon Tesla

To proceed with a claim, we suggest you speak to an experienced California Lemon Law attorney. We can help you organize your documentation, submit your claim as required by law, and respond aggressively to the inevitable pushback from Tesla. If necessary, The Barry Law Firm will also be prepared to take a solid case to court for you.

What Are the Reasons My Tesla Wouldn’t Qualify as a Lemon?

There are a few reasons why your defective Tesla may not qualify as a lemon, including:

• The problem isn’t covered by your original warranty from Tesla or started after the warranty expired.
• The problem was caused by neglect, misuse, or abuse of the vehicle or unauthorized repairs, after-market parts, or alterations.
• You purchased or leased the Tesla outside of California (and you don’t qualify for military member exceptions).
• You haven’t given Tesla enough chances to repair your vehicle.
• The defect is minor and doesn’t substantially affect your Tesla’s safety, use, or value.

If you aren’t sure if your Tesla is a lemon, contact a California Lemon Law attorney for advice.

Legal Advice Can Help with Your Tesla Lemon!

You have the right to demand a refund of the money you have spent on a Tesla vehicle that qualifies as a lemon under California law. When Tesla makes excuses or denies your claim, an experienced California Lemon Law attorney can protect your rights and press for fair compensation on your behalf.

Contact The Barry Law Firm today for a free review of the issues you are experiencing with your Tesla and an explanation of how you can pursue a Lemon Law buyback. If your Tesla qualifies as a lemon, we’ll help you with your case for no charge. Call today to learn more!