Tesla Sued for Allegedly Speeding Up Odometer Mileage Accumulation
A California Tesla owner has filed a lawsuit that alleges the automaker sped up his vehicle’s odometer, causing the warranty to expire faster than it would have normally. Plaintiff Nyree Hinton said the automaker’s odometer readings don’t reflect actual mileage, and instead rely on driving behavior, algorithms, and energy consumption to calculate mileage.
Hinton bought a used 2020 Model Y in late 2022 with 36,772 miles. He claims the car clocked mileage at least 15 percent faster than it should, saying some days it recorded 72 miles when he had driven 20 at most. Hinton’s 50,000-mile basic warranty expired much faster than he thinks it should have, leaving him on the hook for a $10,000 suspension repair.
The lawsuit seeks punitive and compensatory damages for Tesla owners in California, which could impact more than a million vehicles. The complaint reads, “By tying warranty limits and lease mileage caps to inflated ‘odometer’ readings, Tesla increases repair revenue, reduces warranty obligations, and compels consumers to purchase extended warranties prematurely.”
Tesla has also been sued for allegedly inflating the driving ranges of its vehicles, but the automaker’s lawyers have denied wrongdoing in both cases. Interestingly, Tesla successfully petitioned to have the case moved from a California state court in Los Angeles to a federal venue in the city, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out while Elon Musk remains involved with the federal government.
[Images: Tesla]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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I believe buyers of new Teslas are required to sign an arbitration agreement. No lawsuits allowed. Will be interesting to see how this plays out for a used buyer from a private party or non Tesla dealer. Tesla is sinking fast under Musk’s (non)leadership. At this rate even the “hideously rich” EBFlex may be able to afford one!
Tesla's algorithm sounds like a bastardized version of the software programmed to tell you when to change your oil.