Tesla is generally known for manufacturing innovative vehicles featuring cutting edge technology. However, if your Tesla Model Y keeps returning to the service center, driving a Tesla can quickly become more stressful than exciting. From battery or charging issues to software glitches and recurring system warnings, owning a Moel Y can quickly turn into a headache. Fortunately, under Florida Lemon Law, you may qualify for a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement.
Determining Whether Your Tesla Model Y Is a Lemon
If you have reason to believe that your Tesla Model Y may be a lemon of a vehicle, then one of the first steps to assess your situation under applicable law. For context, lemon laws vary from state to state. For example, in the State of Florida, a vehicle is generally considered to be a lemon if:
- You experienced mechanical or other problems with your Tesla Model Y in the first 24 months of ownership.
- You took the Tesla Model Y to be serviced at the dealership at least three times for the same issue, and the issue persists.
- During the first 24 months of ownership, the Tesla Model Y has spent 30 days or more in the dealership for repairs to issues not caused by a collision, abuse, neglect, or any modifications made to the vehicle.
These statutory requirements for a vehicle to be considered a lemon may be different in other states. For example, states often define what is considered to be a “reasonable number of repair attempts” differently. Nevertheless, across multiple jurisdictions, if you’ve had to take your Tesla Model Y into the dealership at least four times for the same issue, you may have a viable lemon law claim.
Lemon Laws and Used Tesla Model Ys
Considering the steep price tag for new Tesla Model Y, some people may opt to purchase a pre-owned (i.e. used) Tesla Model Y. If you purchased a pre-owned Tesla Model Y and have encountered significant issues, it is important to know you may still have certain legal rights. Florida’s lemon law statute only applies to new automobiles, but used vehicles can still be protected under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, as long as the defect is reported during the vehicle’s warranty period.
So, if you bought a used Tesla Model Y that still has a valid manufacturer or dealer warranty, and a defect or mechanical issue occurs during that period, then you may still have a viable lemon law claim.
What To Do If Your Tesla Model Y is a Lemon
If your Tesla Model Y meets the statutory standard as a lemon, here are the steps you should take:
- Provide a written notice to the manufacturer via certified or express mail.
- Allow the manufacturer to try and repair the issue one more time.
- If the issue persists, submit a Request for Arbitration with Florida’s Department of Legal Affairs along with supporting documents (assuming you reside in Florida).
- Prepare for and attend an arbitration proceeding. If you encounter an unfavorable outcome to the arbitration proceeding, you still have the right to file a civil lawsuit.
These steps can be intimidating, especially preparing for, and attending arbitration. This is where hiring an experienced lemon law attorney can help.
If Your Tesla Model Y a Lemon, Contact an Experienced Florida Lemon Law Attorney Today
A Tesla Model Y is generally considered to be a “luxury” vehicle, which makes it even more frustrating to discover your Model Y is a lemon. If you are struggling with a defective Tesla Model Y, then now is the time to assess your legal options.
Contact Jonathan Schwartz with Bad Vehicle. Jonathan is an experienced and knowledgeable Lemon Law attorney with a track record of getting results for car owners. Bad Vehicle provides free, confidential case evaluations, and there are never any out-of-pocket fees or costs for our services unless your claim is successful. To learn more about your Lemon Law rights, please contact us online or call 1-855-223-8344.