Tesla - Lantern

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Consumer Rights
November 09, 2023

Is Tesla deceiving you?

You may be entitled to compensation.

You may qualify for this claim if your Tesla vehicle does not get the full driving range that was advertised when you purchased it or if you purchased the Full Self-Driving premium feature.
Tesla owners concerned they have not received features they paid for should sign up.
All claims are backed by Labaton Keller Sucharow, a national law firm that has recouped over $25 Billion for people like you.

Tesla is one of the largest electric vehicle companies, standing out not just for its technology but also its direct-to-customer sales model. Primarily through their website, potential buyers can browse the prebuilt inventory or customize their Tesla, selecting features that align with their preferences. However, Tesla has been accused of deceptively advertising both the range of its electric vehicles and the capabilities of the Full Self-Driving premium feature.

When buying electric vehicles, many consumers make purchasing decisions based on the vehicle’s advertised driving range—the distance the electric vehicle can travel on a single charge. This range isn’t just a number; it represents the practicality of the vehicle, influencing everything from daily commutes to road trips.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests methods for calculating range to electric vehicle manufacturers. Lawsuits allege that Telsa adopted a different method, one that potentially showcases their cars as having superior range compared to competitors.

Despite advertising ranges based on a full battery charge, Tesla advises owners against charging their vehicles to 100% and only up to a suggested charge limit. Effectively, based upon Tesla’s suggested charge limits, Tesla vehicles cannot reach the total ranges Tesla advertises.

The way Tesla addresses customer concerns regarding their cars’ ranges and batteries has also come under scrutiny. A Reuters investigation claims that Tesla has been exaggerating the advertised range of its vehicles. Reuters also claims that Telsa has a so-called “Diversion Team” within Tesla, specifically established to handle complaints about battery and range issues. Reuters reports that this diversion team was tasked with diverting customers away from service appointments regarding concerns over vehicle range.

Furthermore, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has accused Tesla of making misleading statements that describe the Full Self-Driving feature – a premium feature that can cost up to $15,000—as more capable than it actually is.

As electric vehicles surge in popularity, it is important that consumers receive accurate information to make informed consumer choices about which electric vehicles to buy. Labaton is pursuing private arbitration claims against Tesla on behalf of consumers who purchased new Tesla vehicles. The claims allege that Tesla buyers were misled by the advertised ranges of their vehicles and Tesla’s statements regarding the capabilities of the Full Self-Driving premium feature. Successful claims could be entitled to compensation.

Please remember:

This content is for your information only and is not legal advice. We are not your lawyers until you sign an attorney-client agreement with us. All information provided by you is confidential and will only be used for your case.

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How do I know if I might be eligible for this claim?

If you purchased or lease a new Tesla vehicle within the past four years and relied on the advertised range when making your decision, or if you paid for the premium Full Self-Driving feature, you might be eligible. One claim alleges that Tesla’s advertisements mislead consumers about the true range of its vehicles, in some cases advertising a range as much as 25% more than the actual range after a full charge. The other claim alleges Tesla mislead consumers about the actual capabilities of the Full Self-Driving feature. If you feel the actual range of your Tesla doesn't match the advertised range or if you've had concerns about battery performance, or if you paid for the Full Self-Driving feature, check and see if you qualify for this claim using the link above.

What are state false advertising laws?

State false advertising laws prohibit businesses from making deceptive or misleading statements about their products. These laws aim to protect consumers by ensuring they receive honest information about products and services. In relation to Tesla, the claim alleges potential violations of these laws, suggesting that the company may have misled consumers about the range of their vehicles and the capabilities of the Full Self-Driving feature.

What is the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act?

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a federal law that governs warranties on consumer products. Established in 1975, it requires manufacturers and sellers to provide consumers with detailed information about warranty terms. It also sets forth remedies if warranties are not honored. This claim alleges that Tesla breached its warranties by failing to provide a vehicle that conformed to the promises made in its advertised and that it also created a special internal team to divert and cancel customer complaints related to the range of their vehicles and the Full Self-Driving feature.

Has Tesla been formerly investigated?

Yes, Tesla has been under the spotlight. Tesla was fined by South Korean regulators, who found discrepancies in Tesla's advertised range for falsely advertising the ranges of its vehicles and the performance of its Superchargers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also evaluated Tesla's practices, particularly concerning vehicle range claims. Since 2020, the EPA has required Tesla to reduce the range estimates Tesla advertised to consumers.
The California DMV has also accused Tesla of falsely advertising the Autopilot and Full Self-Driving feature of its cars. Since 2014, Autopilot has come installed in new Tesla vehicles, but Tesla still charges a significant premium to unlock the Full Self-Driving feature.

What is arbitration?

Arbitration is a private dispute resolution process. Your claim will not be filed in court. Your claim will be decided by an arbitrator, who is a neutral person chosen by you and the company. We can select an arbitrator for you who is fair and neutral.

Is arbitration confidential?

Yes, arbitration is a confidential, private process.