This document provides an overview of consumer rights and procedures related to vehicle defects under various state "Lemon Laws." These laws are designed to protect consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles that develop substantial defects which cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.
Key Principles of Lemon Laws
While specific provisions vary by state, common elements include:
- Notification: Consumers are typically required to notify the manufacturer (Tesla) in writing about the defect.
- Opportunity to Repair: The manufacturer must be given a reasonable opportunity to repair the vehicle. This often involves a specified number of repair attempts for the same defect or the vehicle being out of service for a certain number of days.
- Arbitration: Many states require or offer arbitration as a dispute resolution method before pursuing legal action. Tesla often utilizes a third-party arbitration service, such as the National Center for Dispute Settlement, for this purpose.
- Remedies: If a vehicle is deemed a "lemon," consumers may be entitled to a comparable replacement vehicle or a refund of the purchase price.
Tesla Contact Information
For concerns or questions regarding your vehicle, or to initiate the notification process, please contact:
Tesla Motors, Inc.
3500 Deer Creek Road
Palo Alto, California 94304
Attention: Vehicle Service
1-877-77-TESLA (1-877-778-3752)
States Covered by These Notices
This document includes information relevant to consumers in the following U.S. states and districts:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Customer Claim Form
A "Customer Claim Form" is also provided within this document for consumers to formally submit their vehicle issues for resolution.
Please note: This document provides a summary of consumer rights. For complete details and specific legal advice, consult your state's official consumer protection laws or contact your state's Attorney General's office. Information may be based on laws effective as of July 2012.
