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Lion Lemon

2020-2024 · Luxury Electric Sedan

Tesla Model S Lemon Law Attorney

Repeated problems with your Tesla Model S? See whether California lemon law may provide a buyback or refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement.

Tell us about your Model S's repair history. We'll review whether a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement may be available.

Get Your Free Tesla Model S Case Review

Free 60-second check · no cost, no obligation.

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How many times has it been in the shop for the same problem?
When you win, the manufacturer pays our fees — not you. That's California law, and your case review costs you nothing either way.

Trusted by California drivers · 5.0

Free consultation. No obligation. We don't charge unless you win.

A quick eligibility check

Your Model S may qualify if…

These are common indicators under California's Song-Beverly Act. An attorney reviews the full repair and warranty history before determining whether the firm can take a case.

You bought or leased the vehicle in California.

The problem arose while a manufacturer warranty covered the vehicle.

The dealer has had repeated repair opportunities, or the vehicle has spent significant time in the shop.

The defect continues and substantially affects the vehicle's use, value, or safety.

What clients say

“I had an excellent experience working with this lawyer. They were incredibly prompt with every response, which made the entire process feel smooth and stress-free. I always felt heard, and they were genuinely helpful in making sure my needs were met every step of the way. What stood out most was how kind and approachable they were—never intimidating, always willing to explain things clearly and patiently.”
Yael S. · Google review

Individual results vary and depend on the facts of each case. Past results do not guarantee a future outcome.

What happens next

Three straightforward steps

  1. 1

    Share your repair history

    Tell us about the defect, dealer visits, warranty, and time your Model S spent in the shop.

  2. 2

    An attorney reviews it

    A licensed California attorney reviews the submitted information within 24 hours. The review is free and carries no obligation.

  3. 3

    We explain your options

    If the firm accepts the case, our attorneys handle manufacturer communications and pursue the remedy supported by the facts.

Why Tesla Model S Owners Choose Lion Lemon

Attorney-Led Review

Every case is reviewed by a licensed California attorney within 24 hours — not a call center.

$0 Cost to You

Under California Civil Code §1794(d), the manufacturer pays our attorney fees when we win — not you.

California Focus

We only practice California lemon law. Every attorney on our team works on Song-Beverly Act cases daily.

We Handle the Paperwork

We draft your demand letter, negotiate with Tesla, and handle the filing — you focus on driving.

Why a warranty isn't enough

Your warranty vs. the lemon law

A warranty is a promise to attempt repairs. The lemon law is what protects you when those repairs never stick.

The manufacturer's warranty

  • The manufacturer decides which repairs to attempt.
  • It only obligates them to keep trying — not to actually fix the problem.
  • When the warranty ends, the manufacturer's repair obligation ends.

California's lemon law

  • Kicks in when repeated repairs don't fix a substantial defect.
  • Can require a refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement.
  • Your legal claim can survive after the warranty ends — if the defect was reported while it was in force.
  • When you win, the manufacturer pays your attorney fees — not you.
Explore Model S defects, rights & FAQs

Common Tesla Model S Problems

Model S front upper control arm ball joint failure (part number 1041570-00-B) causing steering looseness and uneven tire wear, often occurring before 40,000 miles on 2020-2022 vehicles.
MCU2 (Media Control Unit) eMMC flash storage degradation in 2020-2021 Model S vehicles, leading to touchscreen blackouts, loss of backup camera, and failure of critical vehicle controls.
Model S dual-motor drivetrain whine and vibration caused by differential fluid breakdown in the front small drive unit, requiring full drive unit replacement under warranty.
Failure of the Model S falcon-wing-style retractable door handles (part number 1005623-00-G) due to internal gear mechanism wear, leaving owners locked out of the vehicle.
Model S air suspension compressor burnout (part number 1066632-00-D) leading to the vehicle dropping to the lowest ride height and displaying suspension fault warnings on the instrument cluster.

Your California Lemon Law Rights

Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, if your Tesla Model S has a substantial defect that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to:

  • Full refund of the purchase price
  • Replacement vehicle of comparable value
  • Cash compensation (cash-and-keep settlement)
  • Attorney's fees paid by the manufacturer

Tesla Model S Lemon Law FAQ

My 2020 Model S has had its air suspension compressor replaced three times. Does this qualify under California Lemon Law?

Yes, three unsuccessful repair attempts for the same defect strongly supports a Lemon Law claim under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Air suspension failure substantially impairs both the safety and use of your Model S. You should send Tesla a written demand for repurchase or replacement, as this exceeds the threshold most courts consider a reasonable number of repair attempts.

Does my leased Model S qualify for California Lemon Law protection?

Yes, the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act covers leased vehicles in California. As the lessee of a Model S, you have the same lemon law protections as an outright purchaser. If your leased Model S qualifies as a lemon, you are entitled to a refund of all lease payments made, plus any down payment and fees, minus a mileage offset.

Tesla replaced my Model S's MCU but the touchscreen problems returned. What should I do under California Lemon Law?

A recurring MCU failure after replacement counts as additional failed repair attempts under the Song-Beverly Act. You should immediately bring the vehicle back to Tesla and request a new repair order documenting the same defect. Keep copies of all repair invoices and communications, as repeated failures of the same component are strong evidence that the vehicle cannot be conformed to warranty.

How is the mileage offset calculated for my Model S Lemon Law refund in California?

The mileage offset is calculated by dividing the miles driven before the first repair attempt by 120,000, then multiplying by the purchase price. For example, if you drove 10,000 miles before the first repair on a $90,000 Model S, the offset would be approximately $7,500. Only miles driven before the first warranty complaint count toward the offset, not total mileage at the time of the claim.

Other Tesla Models We Cover

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