A lawsuit filed in California accuses Tesla of inflating mileage numbers on its electric vehicles. The suit claims this shortens warranty periods and increases repair costs for owners. The case may affect more than one million Tesla vehicles registered in California.
Nyree Hinton bought a used 2020 Tesla Model Y in December 2022 in Marietta, Georgia. The odometer showed 36,772 miles at the time. The vehicle was still covered under multiple warranties: a basic one up to 50,000 miles or until September 5, 2024, an extended one for 60,000 miles or five years, and a battery and drive unit warranty valid through 120,000 miles or September 2028.
Soon after the purchase, Hinton noticed problems with the suspension and had to bring the car in for repairs multiple times. He also noticed that the mileage was rising faster than expected. Between December 12, 2022, and February 6, 2023, the car averaged 55.5 miles per day. Later, from March 26 to June 28, 2023, that average jumped to 72.35 miles daily, even though Hinton says he drove about 20 miles a day.
By July 7, 2023, the odometer reached 50,000 miles, ending the basic warranty. When he went in for his sixth service visit in January 2024 for more suspension issues, Tesla declined to cover the repairs, pointing to the expired warranty.
The lawsuit, filed by the law firm Singleton Schreiber, claims Tesla software uses algorithms and energy data to alter mileage readings. It argues that this boosts odometer numbers beyond what drivers actually travel, causing warranties to end early and lowering resale value.
Hinton’s legal team says the mileage increases slowed back down after the warranty expired, which they claim suggests the system had been adjusted to reach 50,000 miles faster than it should have.
Broader Effect on Tesla Owners
Many Tesla owners have raised similar concerns online. If the court agrees to treat the case as a class action, it could include every California resident who purchased a Tesla for personal use. This could affect over one million vehicles. Hinton is asking for compensation and legal penalties for all affected drivers.
Tesla Responds
Tesla says the claims are not true and that its odometer systems follow federal guidelines. The company, which no longer has a press office, has not responded to media outlets like Reuters or Drive Tesla. In April 2025, Tesla moved the case to federal court in California’s Central District. The company is expected to contest the claims.
What This Could Mean for Tesla
This case adds to the challenges Tesla is facing in 2025. Sales in the first quarter fell, partly because its vehicle lineup is aging. More competition and criticism of CEO Elon Musk’s political actions have added pressure.
The court has not yet approved the case as a class action. If it is approved and Tesla loses, the company might have to pay damages, change its software, or both.
This lawsuit could also set a precedent for how automakers handle mileage tracking in cars that depend heavily on software.
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