A Cybertruck owner in California secured a full repurchase from Tesla after multiple repairs, including a motor and suspension replacement. The owner then repurchased the same model at a discount with added perks. The case highlights the ease of invoking the state's consumer protection laws without legal battles.
In a straightforward application of California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, known as the lemon law, Tesla repurchased a 2024 Cyberbeast Foundation Series Cybertruck from an owner who had encountered repeated issues. The vehicle, purchased in 2024, had accumulated over 23,000 miles and required significant repairs, including a full drive motor replacement and a suspension system overhaul due to overheating that led to complete failure. Other unspecified repairs added to the service history, prompting frequent visits to Tesla service centers.
The turning point came during a routine service appointment when the owner casually inquired if such problems were common among other Cybertruck owners. The service advisor promptly suggested applying for a buyback, an option the owner was unaware of. 'I didn’t even know I qualified,' the owner shared in a detailed account. Despite the high mileage, Tesla approved the repurchase about a month later, refunding the original purchase price, registration fees—including those from the following year—and handling the process without involving attorneys or external lemon law firms.
Under the Song-Beverly Act, manufacturers must provide full repurchase or replacement if a vehicle substantially impairs use, including refunds for taxes, registration, finance interest, and all payments made, with only a mileage offset deduction. The law prohibits reductions for depreciation, market value, wear and tear, or denial based on 'normal use.'
Using the refund, the owner immediately bought another Cyberbeast, this time a non-Foundation Series model, for approximately $20,000 less. The new truck includes lifetime free Supercharging, a rare benefit. The owner praised Full Self-Driving (FSD) for improving long commutes, likening it to being 'Ubered around.' He emphasized that owners facing similar issues can simply ask a service advisor to initiate the buyback process, avoiding costly legal involvement. Post-buyback, the owner noted an influx of lemon law ads, but commended Tesla for 'doing the right thing' efficiently.
This case demonstrates Tesla's pragmatic handling of warranty claims, retaining the customer while complying with state law. For Cybertruck owners in California experiencing persistent problems, the story underscores that mileage does not automatically bar relief, and the process can begin with a simple conversation.
