Common Tesla Defects That Could Qualify for Lemon Law Relief 

Buying a new Tesla is an exciting experience. But when your new toy turns out to be a lemon, your excitement can quickly turn into frustration and disappointment. The good news is that if your Tesla is experiencing issues that affect its performance, safety, or value, you may be eligible for lemon law relief. 

Teslas are known for their innovation, but they’re not without issues. These can range from software glitches to mechanical failures. At the Law Offices of Kevin Faulk, P.C., we provide legal advice and representation in auto fraud cases, lemon law cases, and cases against car manufacturers and dealerships. Based in Sunnyvale, California, we serve the legal needs of communities in Santa Clara County, Alameda County, Fresno County, and Kern County.

Today, we will help you understand the ins and outs of lemon law and how you can seek compensation for defective Teslas.

What Is Lemon Law?

Lemon law is a legal protection for consumers who purchase defective vehicles. If a car has significant issues that impair its use, value, or safety, and those issues remain unresolved after several repair attempts, it could be considered a “lemon.” 

In California, lemon law is a pathway for vehicle owners to seek compensation or replacement of their car. Some defects may be eligible for lemon law relief, while others could be repaired without meeting the legal thresholds.

Common Tesla Defects That Could Qualify for Lemon Law Relief

Tesla’s cutting-edge technology often causes unique issues that set the brand apart from traditional automobiles. While most of these problems are addressed promptly and efficiently by Tesla’s service team, some issues may persist over time, affecting the car’s performance and safety. 

When these recurring defects disrupt the vehicle's ability to function properly or compromise its safety, you could qualify for lemon law relief. Here are some Tesla defects that could qualify for lemon law relief:

Battery and Charging Issues

Battery life is a major concern for Tesla owners. Many owners report that their vehicle’s battery doesn’t hold a charge properly or discharges too quickly. This can lead to the car unexpectedly losing power or having trouble charging efficiently.

• Frequent charging failures: If your Tesla’s charging system frequently fails or requires extensive repairs, you may be eligible for lemon law relief.

• Rapid battery depletion: When the battery drains too quickly, it compromises the vehicle’s usability, especially for long-distance travel, and could be a significant safety concern.

Autopilot and Driver Assistance Problems

One of the most advanced features in Tesla vehicles is the autopilot system, which assists with steering, acceleration, and braking. However, owners have reported issues with the system, such as inconsistent performance or unexpected disengagement.

• Autopilot malfunctions: If your Tesla’s Autopilot system regularly malfunctions or fails to function as expected, it may be considered a defect.

• Driver assistance issues: Problems with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, or automatic emergency braking could also make the vehicle unsafe, potentially qualifying for lemon law relief.

Screen and Infotainment System Failures

Teslas are known for their large touchscreen displays, which control most functions, from navigation to climate control. Unfortunately, there have been reports of the screen freezing, malfunctioning, or completely failing.

• Frozen or unresponsive screens: When the display becomes unresponsive, it can affect the vehicle's ability to perform basic tasks, such as changing settings or using navigation.

• Inconsistent software updates: Tesla’s frequent software updates can sometimes cause new issues, such as functionality loss or system crashes, affecting the car's overall performance.

Suspension and Steering Problems

Some Tesla owners have experienced suspension issues that result in a rough ride or steering problems that make it difficult to control the car. These defects can be dangerous and affect the car’s overall safety.

• Noisy suspension: A malfunctioning suspension system may lead to unusual noises or a rough, uncomfortable ride.

• Steering defects: If the steering feels loose, unresponsive, or drifts to one side, it can be a serious safety concern.

Paint and Body Defects

While not necessarily safety-related, paint defects and body issues can significantly impact a vehicle's appearance and resale value. Tesla owners have reported issues with poor-quality paint jobs, such as paint chipping, peeling, or having visible imperfections.

• Peeling or chipping paint: If your Tesla's paint begins to peel or chip prematurely, it may qualify for lemon law protection, especially if the issue arose soon after purchase.

• Body panel misalignment: Issues with body panel alignment, such as gaps or panels not fitting properly, could also be considered a defect if the problem persists after repairs.

Electrical and Wiring Failures

Electrical issues are common in many modern automobiles, including Teslas. Problems with wiring or the electrical system could lead to lights flickering, failures in key components, or complete power loss.

• Electrical system failures: If key components, such as headlights or taillights, fail due to electrical issues, your Tesla could be considered defective.

• Short-circuiting or power loss: Short-circuiting or power loss affecting vital functions, such as the motor or onboard systems, could make the vehicle inoperable and qualify for lemon law relief.

Doors and Latches Not Functioning Properly

Teslas often come with automated doors, including features like the Falcon Wing doors on the Model X. These doors can experience problems, including difficulty opening or closing, latching issues, or complete failure.

• Door malfunctions: If the doors refuse to open or close properly, or if they get stuck, it may render the vehicle unusable.

• Latch failure: Door latches failing to engage properly could make the car unsafe and cause ongoing problems.

Climate Control System Failures

The climate control system in Teslas is another area where defects are commonly reported. Issues with heating, air conditioning, or air circulation can affect comfort and usability, especially in extreme temperatures.

• AC or heater failures: If the air conditioning or heating system fails repeatedly, it may qualify as a defect under lemon law.

• Inconsistent temperature regulation: When the system struggles to maintain a consistent temperature, it can make the car uncomfortable to drive.

When to Consider Lemon Law Relief

If your Tesla has experienced one or more of the defects mentioned above, you may be entitled to lemon law relief. However, to qualify for this legal protection, the vehicle must meet the following conditions:

• Repeated repair attempts: The issue must have been addressed by the dealership multiple times (usually at least three attempts) without resolving the problem.

• Vehicle downtime: If the vehicle has been out of service for an extended period (usually more than 30 days), you may qualify for lemon law relief.

• Serious safety concerns: Any defect that compromises the vehicle’s safety could also qualify for lemon law protection, regardless of the number of repair attempts.

If your Tesla meets these conditions, it’s important to seek legal advice to determine whether you have a strong lemon law claim. The Law Offices of Kevin Faulk can lay out your options and strive to get you the compensation or vehicle replacement you're entitled to.

Contact Us Today

If your Tesla has ongoing issues or defects, it’s important to act quickly. At the Law Offices of Kevin Faulk, P.C., we have been helping consumers who are wronged by businesses and unscrupulous business practices since 2006. Our clients are located throughout California, including Sunnyvale, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, San Diego, and beyond. Don’t let a defective Tesla disrupt your life—schedule a consultation today.