Tesla Cybertruck Recalled After Discovering Accelerator Pedal Risk

The Elon Musk-backed Automaker has announced a recall after its latest vehicle, the Cybertruck is at risk of uncontrolled acceleration.

History Behind The Recall

After discovering a fault with the accelerator pedal, the US Automaker has voluntarily recalled Cybertruck models. Most recalls for Tesla have involved just a widespread over-the-air software update to fix, but the latest recall affects an issue with a physical part, the accelerator pedal.

Various online reports from owners have shown the accelerator pedal cover can become loose. This means the metal cover could get stuck in the driver’s footwell and cause the accelerator pedal to fully engage, increasing the risk of a crash if not handled properly.

Fortunately, when pressing the brake pedal, this overrides the accelerator pedal. But when the brakes disengage, the Cybertruck is at risk of continuously accelerating at full throttle and could result in a crash, or at least a scary driving experience.

Which Models Are Affected?

Cybertruck models built after November 13, 2023, are affected by this accelerator pedal defect and will need to be recalled. So far, 3,878 have been part of this recall and Tesla has announced a stop-sale until the problem is fixed.

According to reports, the issue began after an “unapproved” change to the production process which involved residual soap being added during assembly. This meant the accelerator pedal retention was not suitable enough to hold the pedal cover in place.

Now, Cybertrucks from the factory are installed with a new accelerator pedal component. Those already built but not delivered to customers will also receive the fix before the customer takes delivery to help prevent any further issues.

What Owners Need to Do Next

Tesla has announced in a recall bulletin, that the fix will involve drilling a hole in the pedal and installing a rivet to properly secure the pedal and cover. The Musk-owned platform, X, shows a video of a technician with a drill and jig to safely drill a hole in the correct place and afterward installing a rivet using a rivet gun. This video and 15-step process is claimed to take under a minute and aims to fix the issue.

How Owners Can Take Back Control

While recalls have been communicated to owners, many continue to be unhappy with the solutions provided by automakers. These problems have the potential to escalate into further legal action, just like this – underlining the importance of protecting consumer rights.

If you struggle with vehicle troubles and feel cornered against big vehicle brands, remember it is always better to have experts with you. With extensive experience and successful cases at hand, The Lemon Firm is your best bet. With the dedicated team members always at your disposal, the package becomes too good to be true. So, if your car is giving you a headache, don’t hesitate to reach out! 

Call 833 Lemon Firm and speak with a case analyst today!

tesla vehicle

Tesla Faces Challenges Over Faulty 2023 Model S, X, and Y Vehicles

Tesla faces yet another challenge related to its 2023 Model S, X, and Y vehicles as they receive a surge of complaints from disappointed car owners. The complaint appears to be a software issue, as one of the main driving functions has been reported unreliable by some. This could pose major safety concerns and put its passengers in a precarious position.

Identifying the Fault

Tesla faces disappointment over its 2023 car models S, X, and Y. The models seemed to have malfunctioning backup cameras. The faulty software system includes versions from 2023.44.30 to 2023.44.30.6, or 2023.44.100. While featuring computer system 4.0, owners of Tesla vehicles can verify the software versions (installed in their cars) by themselves.

The Rear-view Camera Issue

A software issue seems to have arisen, which stops the rear-view camera from displaying. The problem was brought into the spotlight in December after Tesla received numerous complaints in this regard. The concern is that this could raise the chance of accidents and threats to passengers’ safety, as stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

Actions Taken by Tesla

After the company received numerous complaints, it called out for a recall. Nearly 200,000 Tesla cars were recalled, including 2023 Models S, X, and Y, which were installed with self-driving technology allowing for autopilot mode. With 1.8 million vehicles delivered in 2023, according to Tesla, this recall represented more than 10% of the company’s annual production. Tesla has addressed 81 warranty claims up until now that might be connected to the problem.

Authorities stated that to address the issue, the company has already made available the free over-the-air software update. In addition, notification letters to the owners will be sent out separately via mail by 22nd March. 

Issued Faced by Tesla in the Past

Regulators have recognized other Tesla software issues in the past. Over the years, the company has recalled several vehicles due to software issues, the last one occurring in December, just six weeks before the latest recall, and involved over 2 million vehicles. Tesla has continuously reduced its prices to maintain high sales volume. Although deliveries have increased by 38%, the company’s revenue has barely increased.

Wrap-Up

After learning about the issue in December, the company decided to make a recall on 12th January. According to the Company and NHTSA, no incidents, injuries, or fatalities have been linked to the issue. Nonetheless, addressing the problem remains a priority.

If you have experienced any of such issues or related ones surrounding your Tesla, please call us at 833-Lemon Firm to speak with a Lemon Law expert today.

tesla

Tesla Owners Are Unhappy With Model X Recalls, Sensitive Data Leaks, and False Supercharging Promises

Data Breach, Recalls, and promises of unlimited supercharging. These are just some of the reasons why Tesla is facing backlash from their owners. Let’s explore the main lawsuits and how it has affected Tesla owners who are left frustrated and angry with the American automaker.

Company Data Breaches

In May 2023 Tesla faced a data breach where thousands of people’s information had been accessed. There could have been better measures to prevent the breach according to reports and any person who provides access to their data should have full confidence that Tesla is handling the data securely.

False Supercharging Promises

Buyers purchased a Model S or X expecting to receive 3 years of unlimited supercharging, but this was not the case. Despite being advertised, Tesla pulled the plug on this offer causing upset to owners who were waiting in line for free charging. There were claims that marketing campaigns provided evidence that the offer was still in place. The class action lawsuit states that “Plaintiff would not have purchased a unit of the products or would have paid a substantially lower price if he had known that the advertising as described herein was false, misleading and deceptive”.

Software Update Affecting Performance

According to reports out of California, Tesla requested a judge to dismiss claims of reduced performance of their Model X and S vehicles after a software update. A lawsuit that’s been lingering on the automaker for a while, Tesla feels that there is no conclusive evidence that performance was reduced from the update. 

Potentially Dangerous Recall for Model X Owners

After a recall earlier this year, Tesla claimed the brake fluid sensors were not calibrated correctly, affecting 54,676 vehicles. The recall claims that “A vehicle controller that does not correctly indicate low brake fluid levels to the customer may impact braking performance and may increase the risk of a collision”. 

The term “recall” has received backlash from Elon Musk if the repair can be resolved with a software update, as was the case with this brake fluid sensor issue. Despite not needing to physically visit a workshop for repair, it would still constitute a “recall” if the parts of the vehicle were not functioning as they should.

Do You Have a Faulty Vehicle? Take Back Control

You could be one of the many Tesla owners facing the same issues with their performance and updates. Many owners continue to be unhappy with the solutions provided by automakers. These problems have the potential to escalate into further legal action, underlining the importance of protecting consumer rights.

If you struggle with vehicle troubles and feel cornered against big vehicle brands, remember it is always better to have experts with you. With extensive experience and successful cases at hand, The Lemon Firm is your best bet. With the dedicated team members always at your disposal, the package becomes too good to be true. So, if your car is giving you a headache, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Call 833 Lemon Firm and speak with a case analyst today!

tesla vehicle on the road

Tesla Misinformation Regarding Vehicle Ranges

Following several Tesla owners being unhappy with the EV range, the Musk-owned EV giant is being sued for false advertising.

Tesla is known for some of the biggest EV ranges on the market. In July 2023, Tesla was found to overestimate driving range to its owners, leading to mass arbitration from California owners and a lot of them are getting involved.

What is Mass Arbitration?

Instead of a traditional lawsuit, you’re engaging in mass arbitration, Mass arbitration involves numerous individuals filing separate arbitration claims against a company for the same issue simultaneously, aiming to secure relief on a large scale. In this case, attorneys are opting for mass arbitration over a class action lawsuit because Tesla mandates arbitration for customer disputes. Typically, this is not beneficial to the consumer as the arbitrators find in favor of of the corporation. 

In a fairly recent Public Citizen’s study of 19,000 consumer arbitrations conducted by the National Arbitration Forum, over 94% of the decisions were in favor of the corporation that paid them and against the consumer.https://thelemonfirm.com/2020/02/16/lemon-law-arbitration/

History of this Case:

Tesla has reportedly set up a “Diversion Team” to avoid any appointments associated with poor range estimates. Owners are not happy with Tesla informing them of an unrealistic range and further evidence appears that this began around ten years ago. Software manipulation resulted in the cars only having a more accurate range estimate when the battery fell below 50%. 

Another incident in South Korea earlier this year sparked debate as the US Automaker were fined $2.1million after inaccurate range data on the regional website between Dec 2019 and Aug 2022. The error that Tesla made was not disclosing the reduction in range by >50% in cold weather. 

This is one of many actions taking place for consumer protection and consumer rights. Tesla are at the forefront of modern engineering and are paving the way in their technological efforts – but no one likes liars and false information.

If you struggle with car troubles and feel cornered against big automakers, remember it is always better to have experts with you. With extensive experience and successful cases at hand, The Lemon Firm is your best bet. With the dedicated team members always at your disposal, the package becomes too good to be true. So, if your gas powered, hybrid or EV is giving you a headache, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Call 833 Lemon Firm and speak with a case analyst today!

broken down tesla

The Lemon Firm Welcomes Tesla Clients When Other Firms Won’t

Tesla has been subject to criticism and legal disputes for various issues and lawsuits concerning its vehicles. While many law firms may be hesitant to tackle Tesla-related cases due to their complexity and the company’s reputation, CCA Lemon Firm boldly takes on these challenges. With expertise in Tesla cases and an amiable relationship with Tesla’s legal counsel, CCA Lemon Firm has become a leading authority in handling lawsuits and recalls related to the electric vehicle manufacturer. In this article, we’ll delve into the fearless approach in Tesla lawsuits and recalls. We will also explore the commitment to seeking justice for consumers affected by Tesla’s alleged shortcomings.

Decoding Tesla’s Legal Landscape

Tesla, as a prominent player in the electric vehicle industry, has encountered a range of legal issues throughout its journey. Such challenges involve everything from security concerns to problems with property rights to problems with regulatory compliance. The various lawsuits and legal actions taken against Tesla are important features of the company’s legal environment. These cases address a wide range of matters, including product flaws, auto accidents, contract breaches, and even claims of dishonest marketing techniques. 

Notable Lawsuits

Tesla has been involved in several notable lawsuits that have gained significant attention. These lawsuits serve as important markers in the legal landscape of Tesla, reflecting the weakening of the company and the concerns raised by consumers. One such case is the construction quality problems faced by the Tesla Model X, particularly concerning its airbags. As per reports, allegations have arisen that the Tesla Model X, produced between 2021 and 2022, has experienced flaws in its airbag system, raising concerns about overall safety and reliability.

Another noteworthy lawsuit emerged from a regional German court, where a complaint was filed regarding the discovery of cracks on the underbody of a Tesla Model 3 during a routine tire change. What makes this case particularly troubling is the accusation that Tesla attempted to conceal these cracks using paint, a practice that has been previously associated with the company. Such lawsuits shed light on the importance of addressing manufacturing defects and promoting transparency.

Common Tesla EV Pitfalls

  • Range capabilities: Understanding the limitations of driving range and planning for long-distance travel.
  • Autopilot Limitations and Safety Considerations: Understanding the boundaries of Tesla’s Autopilot system and practicing responsible usage.
  • Structural abnormalities, paint defects & Window malfunction: Many Tesla models come off the assembly line with a variety of structural issues that are easily overlooked at the time of delivery.
  • Power steering issues: Reports of steering locking up, hesitating or going in and out of sync.
  • Software and Firmware Updates: Updates can be untimely, ineffective and unpredictable. Addressing potential glitches or compatibility issues with the service department can fall upon deaf ears.
  • Service Center Availability and Support: Dealing with potential delays in scheduling maintenance or repairs.

These common pitfalls can impact the Tesla EV ownership experience. Still, owners can navigate these challenges effectively and make the most of their electric vehicles by being aware of them and implementing proactive strategies.

Escalating Recall Concerns

The rising number of recalls has raised concerns about the safety of Tesla’s vehicle models. One significant incident involved a recall of a large number of Model S and Model X vehicles due to touch screen problems. These issues, related to the media control unit, could lead to the deletion of the rearview camera and difficulties in operating essential functions. The scale of the problem has prompted regulators to emphasize the need for hardware replacements. Tesla’s response and claims regarding vehicle safety have been met with skepticism. As these recalls continue to increase, the safety concerns surrounding Tesla’s vehicles become a crucial aspect to address for the company’s future in the electric vehicle market.

Lemon Firm’s Approach to Tesla Cases

Lemon Firm takes a comprehensive approach when handling Tesla cases. With extensive legal expertise, the team conducts a thorough evaluation of each case, identifying vehicle defects and gathering supporting evidence. Throughout the entire legal process, we prioritize personalized attention, keeping our clients informed and involved in their cases.

If you have experienced issues with your Tesla or any other hybrid or electric vehicle, Lemon Firm is here to provide experienced legal representation. Contact us at (833) Lemon-firm to speak with a Lemon Law expert today and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Tesla Recalls 130k Vehicles Over CPU Overheating and Touchscreen Problem

Once again, Tesla is recalling thousands of its vehicles due to touchscreen issues caused by an overheating CPU.

Tesla is recalling nearly 130,000 vehicles from the 2021 and 2022 Model S and Model X lines, as well as 2022 Model 3 and Model Y lines due to an issue causing the CPU to overheat during fast charging, potentially making the vehicle’s touchscreen malfunction or go completely blank.

The recall was issued on 3rd May by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The glitch begins whenever vehicles “supercharge” or fast-charge. And whenever vehicles fast-charge, it causes the CPU to overheat resulting in the vehicle’s touchscreen freezing or experiencing delays.

Tesla Recall Says Touchscreen Malfunction Increases Crash Risk

Many vital functions of these vehicles are controlled using the touchscreen -including turn signals, backup cameras, and, in some cases, shifting gears entirely – touchscreen malfunction could result in a loss of control while driving.

“A lagging or restarting CPU may prevent the center screen from displaying the rearview camera image, gear selection, windshield visibility control settings, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash,” according to the NHTSA.

Tesla was aware of the issue while testing the Model 3 and Y “vehicle platform CPU” in late 2021. Between January 2022, the problem was first identified internally, and in May 2022, Tesla received 59 warranty claims and 59 field reports due to touchscreen malfunctioning. 

Tesla said that there are no known crashes, injuries, or deaths due to this touchscreen glitch.

Tesla Is Recalling Second Time In Two Years Over Touchscreen Issue

This is the second time in two years that Tesla has had mass recalls due to touchscreen, and yet another nick on the brand’s safety reputation.

In 2021, the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation found that certain 2012 to 2018 Model S vehicles and 2016 to 2018 Model X vehicles were facing touchscreen malfunction and lagging issues when the car’s “storage capacity was reached.” Tesla recalled approximately 158,000 vehicles which the company eventually agreed to after first refusing.

Tesla has issued many recalls in a short period of time. Recently, Tesla recalled 48,000 Model 3 Performance vehicles in the United States in April due to an issue with the speedometer when in “Track Mode”.

Tesla has issued many recalls for camera-related issues. In December 2021, Tesla recalled 356,309 of its 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles to fix rearview camera issues.

Last month, Tesla recalled more than 7,200 of its 2021-2022 Model X vehicles because left or right front-row side curtain airbags may not deploy properly when the windows are down.

Tesla will mail owner notification letters beginning July 1, according to the recall.

Have Questions? Talk With Us Now

If you are an automobile owner and have manufacturing issues, you can contact us regarding your involvement in this or any potential class-action lawsuit. Serious vehicle problems require serious legal representation, especially when you are bringing a claim against a major automaker. 

At the Lemon Firm, our experienced Attorneys have been able to successfully recover compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle with manufacturer defects, and we can do the same for you. Call (833) Lemon-Firm to speak with a Lemon law expert today.

A Tesla Model X driving through Silicon Valley

Tesla Owners Complain About ‘Phantom Braking’: Unexpected Automatic Braking

Federal safety regulators are mulling a probe after Tesla drivers complained about phantom braking. Owners say that their vehicles were stopping for no reason. Phantom braking has been a persistent issue for Tesla cars.

“If the data show that a risk may exist, NHTSA will act immediately,” the spokesperson said.

Tesla owners have filed 107 complaints in the last 3 months compared with only 34 in the preceding 22 months. In October, the automaker issued an update to its automatic braking software, but complaints have increased rapidly since then. Federal safety regulators will do a thorough investigation before demanding recall of the vehicles to fix the issue.

Earlier this week, the automaker was forced to recall all 53,822 vehicles equipped with the “full self-driving” feature. Last year, NHTSA also forced Tesla to remove video games on the dashboard computer screen while driving. Now the agency is investigating numerous instances of Tesla’s in self-driving mode hitting emergency vehicles parked at the site of traffic accidents.

“Although automated driving and driver assistance systems have the potential to enhance safety, they must be implemented with strong safeguards that will ensure our cars follow the rules of the road and drivers are fully engaged,” said the statement from the two Democratic senators. “We commend NHTSA for its ongoing work to investigate the situation and urge it to continue taking all appropriate action to protect all users of the road.”

Last year, Tesla announced that it would stop equipping Tesla Model Y and model 3 vehicles with radar sensors and will use cameras that perceive their surroundings. Tesla’s new approach is known as “Tesla Vision.”

Tesla vehicles are equipped with 8 surround view cameras to show 360 degree view around the vehicle at up to 250m range. It also has 12 ultrasonic sensors to detect objects around the vehicle. According to drivers and safety experts, the vehicles began acting erratically after the above changes.

Some drivers said that their vehicles seemed overly sensitive to trucks in the opposite lane. One owner described how his car nearly stopped seemingly in response to a large truck from 50mph.

“[It] was scary to almost stop in the middle of my lane,” the owner wrote.

“Phantom braking is what happens when the developers do not set the decision threshold properly for deciding when something is there versus a false alarm,” said Phil Koopman, a Carnegie Mellon University professor who focuses on autonomous vehicle safety. “

“With only one sensor type, it’s harder to be sure because you do not have the cross-check from a different type of sensor,” he said.

Tesla had disbanded its public relations department in 2020 and did not respond to a request for clarification.

Owners of the 2022 Tesla Model 3 complained 20 times about phantom braking where the car suddenly slows or stops with no external cause, out of 22 total complaints.

“These events are hair-raising for me and passengers, let alone for a driver behind me,” one owner wrote in a report to the agency. “If he/she does not pay attention at that very moment, the result could even be disastrous. I would never have expected such a serious safety issue with a Tesla.”

“My wife has requested that I don’t use cruise control or autopilot while she’s in the car, as we experienced an unwarranted, aggressive automatic braking episode which caused great pressure against her pregnant belly on a previous road trip,” one owner said in a report.

“[These] things are happening with NOTHING present in front of my vehicle, and sometimes with nothing around me at all,” one wrote.

Final Thoughts

If you are an automobile owner and have manufacturing issues, you can contact us regarding your involvement in this potential class-action lawsuit. Serious vehicle problems require serious legal representation, especially when you are bringing a claim against a major automaker. At the Lemon Firm, our experienced Attorneys have been able to successfully recover compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle with manufacturer defects, and we can do the same for you. Call (833) Lemon-Firm to speak with a Lemon law expert

tesla touchscreen recall

Tesla Touchscreen Recall

By Nicole Halavi

Tesla has recently issued a recall for nearly 144,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. The recall is meant to address touchscreen failures in 2012-2018 Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles.

Back in June 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into touchscreen failures in 2012-2015 Model S vehicles. In compliance with the investigation, the automaker supplied documentation including touchscreen complaints, repair invoices, and information about eMMC flash memory devices used for the media control units. However, in November 2020, NHTSA upgraded the touchscreen investigation to include 2012-2018 Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles.

NHTSA determined that the touchscreen failures posed a great safety risk because all the features were lost when the screens went black, including the rearview cameras and controls for the wipers, defrosters and hearing and cooling systems. Ultimately, the greatest concern is the lifespan of the touchscreen components as customers complain about losing touchscreen access when the vehicles are less than 4 years old.

The automaker claimed that the above models are equipped with NVIDIA Tegra 3 processors and integrated 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory devices, but these components will wear out based on the number of program/erase cycles. Notably, the automaker stopped using this processor in March 2018 and instead started using the Intel Apollo Lake processor with a 64GB Micron eMMC. Safety regulators learns about almost 8,000 touchscreen warranty claims, almost 5,000 non-warranty touchscreen claims, and nearly 2,400 complaints about touchscreen failures.

Tesla also argues that the eMMC wear condition constitutes neither a defect nor presents an unreasonable risk to safety. The automaker also released several updates to ensure the controls for the exterior lights and chimes will continue to function if the eMMC fails. Tesla claims that it is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or deaths caused by touchscreen failures because drivers are still able to use the mirrors, look over their shoulders, use the turn signals and manually clear the windshields.

Affected customers should keep an eye out for the Tesla touchscreen recall expected to begin March 30, 2021.

What Can I Do if I’m Driving a Tesla with a Defective Touchscreen?

If you are driving a Tesla that is exhibiting any of the issues discussed above concerning the touchscreen system, California’s lemon laws are here to protect you and prevent any further complications. The attorneys at CCA are very knowledgeable about the issues associated with faulty touchscreens and will work with you to fight back against the automaker.

Please do not hesitate to call CCA today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM. We’ll get you the compensation you deserve – and at no cost to you!

self-driving cars

Self-Driving Cars Lawsuit

By Nicole Halavi

While self-driving cars have revolutionized the concept of driving and car ownership, this new technology still leaves drivers susceptible to crashes. At this point, Tesla’s Model S has allegedly already caused 2 fatalities. Now, Tesla faces a class action lawsuit for its autopilot program, which plaintiffs argue was sold without standard safety features.

Tesla isn’t the only automaker putting unsafe self-driving vehicles on the road: Uber, Google, and General Motors vehicles have also been involved in several crashes. Ultimately, there is doubt concerning the truthfulness of the automakers’ claims that autonomous driving technology is actually safer than the average human driver.

As of November 2018, only 29 states have enacted self-driving car legislation. That is, self-driving cars are being manufactured faster than relevant laws can be enacted. However, the last year has seen a rise in state legislation concerning self-driving cars. In response, the U.S. House and Senate Commerce Committee have passed federal legislation that would give NHTSA the power to oversee the regulation of self-driving cars. However, consumer advocates are concerned as this would increase the number of vehicles exempted from federal regulations.

In May 2016, a Tesla Model S in autopilot mode allegedly failed to avoid a collision with an 18-wheeler in Florida. Apparently, the truck was not detected because of its height and a glare from the sky. As a result, the Tesla driver was killed. In July 2016, Tesla was faced with another lawsuit when the father of a Tesla driver sued after his son was killed in a Tesla Model S crash. Ultimately, customers are arguing that Tesla needs to be more cautious when marketing the autopilot feature and should let owners and potential buyers know that it has defects.

In October 2018, a lawsuit was brought against Tesla when the plaintiff’s Model S was in autopilot mode and crashed into a disabled Ford Fiesta on the roadway at about 80 mph. The suit alleges that customers like the plaintiff were duped by Tesla into believing its autopilot technology could safely transport passengers at high speeds with minimal oversight. Apparently, the Tesla software fails to reliably detect stationary objects.

Moving forward, NHTSA recently recognized the autonomous software in these vehicles as the “driver,” making it more likely that manufacturers will be at fault for car accidents.

What Can I Do if I’ve Been Involved in a Self-Driving Car Accident?

If you are driving a vehicle equipped with autonomous driving technology and you’ve been in an accident, California’s lemon laws are here to protect you and prevent any further complications. The attorneys at CCA are very knowledgeable about the issues associated with self-driving technology and will work with you to fight back against the automaker.

Please do not hesitate to call CCA today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM. We’ll get you the compensation you deserve – and at no cost to you!

Tesla Unintended Acceleration

Tesla Unintended Acceleration Issues

By: Nicole Halavi

A November 2020 lawsuit against Tesla alleges that Tesla’s vehicles contain defects that cause sudden unintended acceleration, which has resulted in many crashes and injuries.

Plaintiffs allege Tesla manufactured the vehicles in a way that suggests that the sudden acceleration is caused by the driver pushing down on the accelerator pedal, ultimately concealing defects in the vehicle. Therefore, while the plaintiffs claim the vehicles have defects, none of them can identify exactly what those defects are because the automaker has concealed the workings of the vehicles. The lawsuit also references complaints and instances of crashes and injuries caused by the vehicles accelerating without any driver input.

Tesla continues to blame the driver for the sudden acceleration issues in these vehicles. Notably, most of the vehicles experiencing this problem are less than a year old. In its defense, the automaker argues that the vehicles can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds and data recovered from the vehicles indicate that drivers mistakenly hit the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal. In response, plaintiffs allege that Tesla committed a computerized cover-up to obtain such data.

Claims Sent to Arbitration

Upon receiving a Tesla vehicle, each plaintiff signed a contract, leasing agreement, or order agreement containing an arbitration provision. The arbitration agreement contained a 30-day opt-out period and essentially stated that the customer and Tesla may only bring claims against the other in an individual capacity and not as a plaintiff or class member in any class or representative action.

Tesla brought a motion to dismiss, arguing that the claims should be sent to arbitration based on the “procedurally conscionable” agreement which includes an opt-out clause. The judge agreed that the arbitration agreement was valid and there was no element of surprise or oppression when the customers agreed to the arbitration agreement.

What Can I Do if My Tesla is Experiencing Sudden Accelerations?

If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned issues, California’s lemon laws are here to protect you and prevent any further complications. The attorneys at CCA are very knowledgeable about the Tesla issues discussed above and will work with you to fight back against the automaker.

Please do not hesitate to call CCA today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.