Is There a CyberTruck Lemon Law in California?

No, there is not a lemon law specific to CyberTrucks in California. While California doesn’t have a lemon law specifically for the CyberTruck, you can still file a lemon law claim for your vehicle under the state or federal lemon law.

These laws offer protection to consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles, including electric models that fail to meet quality and/or performance standards.

If your CyberTruck has a defect that impacts its use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer or an authorized manufacturer dealer cannot fix it after a reasonable number of attempts, your vehicle may be a lemon and you may be eligible for a replacement vehicle or a refund.

How to Know if Your CyberTruck Qualifies for a Lemon Law Claim

Tesla’s CyberTruck has faced several recalls and reported issues, including:

• Windshield Wiper Failure: Excessive electrical current can cause the windshield wiper motor controller to fail, reducing visibility. This recall affects 11,688 CyberTrucks and is identified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number 24V-456.
• Trim Pieces Detaching: Trim pieces along the truck bed can come loose and pose hazards to other motorists. This recall affects 11,383 CyberTrucks and is identified by the campaign number 24V-554.
• Accelerator Pedal Issues: The accelerator pedal pad may dislodge under high force, potentially causing the pedal to become trapped. This defect can result in unintended acceleration. The NHTSA’s recall campaign number for the accelerator pad recall for CyberTrucks is 24V-276.

If you suspect that your CyberTruck may be a lemon, keep detailed records of all issues, repair attempts, and communications with Tesla.

If the problems persist, consult with a lemon law attorney who can help you determine if you have a valid claim.

If advised by your attorney, you can file a lemon law claim against Tesla Inc. to seek a replacement vehicle or a refund.

Consumer Rights and the Tesla CyberTruck

To qualify for a lemon law claim in California, your CyberTruck must generally meet the following criteria:

• Substantial Defect: The defect must significantly impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. Issues like those mentioned above could qualify if they persist despite repair attempts.
• Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts: The manufacturer or its authorized dealer must have made a reasonable number of attempts to fix the defect. In California, this is generally considered to be at least two repair attempts for a serious safety defect or four attempts for other issues.
• Timeframe and Mileage: The defect must occur within a certain timeframe or mileage limit, typically within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles of ownership.
• Manufacturer Notification: You must notify Tesla of the defect and give them an opportunity to repair it.

Applying the Lemon Law to the Tesla CyberTruck

If you’re experiencing persistent issues with your CyberTruck, you may be able to apply California’s lemon law to seek a resolution. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand the state’s lemon law process:

1. Identify the Defect

First, determine if the issue with your CyberTruck qualifies as a substantial defect. This means the defect must significantly impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. Common issues that might qualify include windshield wiper failure, infotainment system problems, trim pieces detaching, battery problems, and accelerator pedal issues.

2. Document Everything

Keep detailed records of all the problems you encounter, including dates and descriptions of the issues; repair attempts and outcomes; and any communications with Tesla’s customer support or service centers.

3. Notify Tesla

Inform Tesla about the recurring problems. This can be done through their customer service or at an authorized service center. Make sure to keep records of all your communications.

4. Allow for Repair Attempts

Under lemon law, you must give Tesla a reasonable number of attempts to fix the defect. Generally, this means:

• At least two repair attempts for a serious safety defect; OR

      (B) Four or more attempts for other issues.

5. Consult an Attorney

If the problems persist and Tesla cannot fix them, consider consulting with a lemon law attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and determine if you have a valid claim.

Tesla’s History with Lemon Law Claims

Tesla has faced multiple lemon law claims over the years, primarily driven by recurring defects and quality control challenges. Noteworthy cases include:

• 2022 Tesla Model S: One customer encountered several persistent issues, including structural flaws, suspension malfunctions, and sudden deceleration while using autopilot. Despite repeated repair attempts, the problems remained unresolved, leading the owner to seek compensation under California’s lemon law.
• Tesla Model X: In 2020, a California resident filed a lawsuit citing numerous unresolved problems with their Model X, such as malfunctioning doors, substandard paint quality, and battery malfunctions. The plaintiff pursued a buyback under the state’s lemon laws.

These examples underscore the difficulties some Tesla owners have experienced, prompting many drivers to pursue legal action through lemon law claims.

How a CyberTruck Lemon Law Attorney Can Help

We highly recommend reviewing your legal options if you own a Tesla Cybertruck that has faced numerous issues and recalls.

Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to compensation, which could include a refund, a replacement vehicle, or cash compensation.

Importantly, as the prevailing party, your attorney fees and costs are covered by the manufacturer, so you can pursue your claim without any out-of-pocket expenses. 

This makes pursuing a lemon law claim an easy and right financial decision.

For those who purchased or leased their Tesla CyberTruck in California, our Lemon Law Experts are here to assist you.

With extensive experience in handling lemon law cases across the state since 2009, our dedicated team has the knowledge and resources necessary to effectively pursue your claim.

No matter the specific issues with your CyberTruck, you can trust our Lemon Law Experts to provide the comprehensive support you need to secure the compensation and resolution you deserve.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you resolve your Tesla lemon law case today.