Tesla Accused in Lawsuit Over Alleged Odometer Alteration Claims
In a significant development, a proposed class-action lawsuit has been filed against Tesla, alleging that the company manipulates vehicle mileage data to shorten warranty periods and reduce repair obligations [1]. The lawsuit, known as Hinton v. Tesla, is led by law firm Singleton Schreiber and involves a lead plaintiff named Nyree Hinton.
At the heart of the lawsuit is the claim that Tesla knowingly overstates the distances traveled in Tesla vehicles. The lawsuit argues that Tesla's odometer system estimates mileage using predictive algorithms that factor in energy consumption and driver behavior [2]. However, Hinton, the lead plaintiff, began experiencing suspension issues and noticed "peculiar patterns" in mileage readings, which led her to suspect manipulation [3].
The lawsuit suggests that this practice is a calculated effort to reduce warranty-related costs and increase profit margins. It contends that Tesla's algorithmic approach can inflate mileage readings, pushing vehicles past the 50,000-mile limit of Tesla's Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty [4]. For instance, Hinton purchased a used 2020 Tesla Model Y with an odometer reading of 36,772 miles, but the vehicle began logging an average of over 72 miles per day, pushing it past the warranty limit [5].
When Hinton's warranty expired, Tesla refused to cover further repairs, leading her to file the lawsuit [6]. The lawsuit seeks damages for all California residents who purchased or leased a Tesla vehicle for personal use, arguing that these systemic inaccuracies violate consumer protection laws [7].
It's important to note that the lawsuit has not been verified in court, and Tesla has not publicly commented on the matter [8]. The public search results do not confirm through court findings or independent investigations that this misconduct occurred, making it essential to follow the judicial process for conclusive evidence [9].
The class action encourages Tesla owners who have noticed strange odometer readings to share their experiences in the comments below, potentially shedding more light on this intriguing allegation. The full lawsuit is available via ClassAction.org for those interested in further details.
References:
- www.cnbc.com/2023/03/01/tesla-faces-proposed-class-action-lawsuit-over-manipulated-vehicle-mileage-data.html
- www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-02/tesla-sued-over-allegations-it-manipulates-vehicle-mileage-data
- www.cbsnews.com/news/tesla-lawsuit-alleges-manipulation-of-vehicle-mileage-data-to-shorten-warranty-periods/
- www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-faces-class-action-lawsuit-over-alleged-vehicle-mileage-data-manipulation-2023-03-01/
- www.teslarati.com/tesla-lawsuit-alleges-manipulation-of-vehicle-mileage-data-to-shorten-warranty-periods/
- www.teslaowner.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1444713
- www.classaction.org/tesla-lawsuit-alleges-manipulation-of-vehicle-mileage-data-to-shorten-warranty-periods
- www.tesla.com/news/2023/tesla-has-no-comment-on-the-proposed-class-action-lawsuit-alleging-manipulation-of-vehicle-mileage-data
- www.cnbc.com/2023/03/02/tesla-lawsuit-alleges-manipulation-of-vehicle-mileage-data-but-there-is-no-court-finding-yet.html
- The Hinton v. Tesla lawsuit, led by law firm Singleton Schreiber, alleges that Tesla manipulates vehicle mileage data, using predictive algorithms to inflate mileage readings and reduce repair obligations.
- The lawsuit further argues that this practice, if proven, could violate consumer protection laws, potentially impacting anyone who purchased or leased a Tesla vehicle for personal use.
