Category: Tesla

By: Nicole Halavi

Self-Driving cars have become one of the most desirable automobiles for the new generation of automobile enthusiasts. With advanced technologies, drivers essentially become passengers in their own vehicles. Though automakers claim that these innovations are completely safe, self-driving cars have been the subject of many recent accidents and lawsuits.

For example, Tesla is facing lawsuits regarding defects in its vehicles’ autopilot program. Plaintiffs claim that they were sold Tesla models lacking standard safety features, which inevitably led to the accidents. However, Tesla is not the only automaker promoting the self-drive feature without standard safety measures; Google, Uber, and General Motor’s vehicles have also been involved in accidents resulting from a defect in the autopilot feature. Multiple cases involving multiple auto brands led us, and many others, to question the authenticity of the auto manufacturers’ claims supporting the safety of autonomous vehicles.

The attorneys at CCA have assisted clients with defects in their vehicle’s self-driving features.  If your vehicle has suffered repeat repairs and still does not operate properly, we invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What are the Safety and Legal Issues Surrounding Self-Driving Cars?

While self-driving cars are relatively new, and performance data of safety features slim, there has been a steady increase in cases filed against manufacturers of self-driving vehicles.

Tesla, one of the most popular autonomous vehicle brands, has always promoted the safety of its autopilot software. On the Tesla website, the autopilot software is said to “help avoid collisions from the front and sides, and prevent the car from wandering off the road.” However, in 2016, the Tesla Model S was involved in an accident after it failed to prevent a collision with an 18-wheeler.

In July 2016, the first lawsuit filed against Tesla was made by a man who lost his son in a car crash caused by a defect in the Model S. He argued that the brand should be cautious while marketing their autopilot feature and inform the consumers of the potential risks.

Notably, the first pedestrian death caused by the autopilot feature was in Arizona on March 20, 2018.

The autopilot feature is a new concept, and while many are drawn to its distinctive abilities, only few are aware of the dangerous problems of this new technology. Injured consumers of such vehicles have come forward and filed formal complaints to draw the public’s attention towards the potential safety risks caused by this feature.

In 2017, several Tesla Model S and Model X users filed a class-action lawsuit regarding the autopilot feature. The lawsuit alleges that the company has sold numerous models equipped with the autopilot feature, but has done so without following appropriate safety regulations. The lawsuit includes all Model S and X vehicles manufactured between October 2016 and March 2017. The plaintiffs allege that the defective autopilot feature makes the vehicle more susceptible to lurching and sudden braking, which could lead to potentially dangerous accidents.

What Can I do If I am an Owner of a Self-driving Vehicle?

If you have noticed any of the above-mentioned issues regarding your self-driving vehicle, CCA’s lawyers are here to help! Our attorneys are knowledgeable about the problems consumers experience when operating a self-driving vehicle and they will work to get you the compensation you deserve.  Call our experts today for a free consultation at (833) LEMON-FIRM.

By: Sepehr Daghighian, Esq.

Tesla is a famous American electric vehicle brand primarily based in California. While the brand is now widely recognized as a top producer of electric vehicles, Tesla has also managed to attract many lawsuits and complaints about its vehicles. According to a legal advocacy website, PlainSite.com, Tesla had about 620 lawsuits filed against it in 2019. Also, a recently proposed class-action suit filed in May 2020 alleges that Tesla’s 2014-2016 Model S and 2015-2016 Model X are fitted with defective touch screen media units that tend to fail after a few years of regular usage.

If your Tesla Model has suffered any issues or presents signs of any media unit defects, CCA is here to help. We invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What is the Media Unit Defect in the Tesla Model S and Model X?

Over the years, Tesla has received multiple complaints regarding the touchscreen defect in the Media Control Unit (MCU) of some of their models. Most of these complaints address problems such as screen blackouts, crashing, and freezing, and all of these issues tend to arise after only a few years of normal usage. This can be a severe safety hazard as it affects numerous essential functions.

The MCU is an instrumental part of all Tesla cars, as it controls several functions such as safety, navigation, communication and entertainment. “Failure of the touchscreen results in loss of rear camera image display when reverse gear is selected, resulting in reduced rear visibility when backing.” – Stated in the NHTSA problem description.

A Tesla user tweeted about the troubles, “In the past month I’ve done repairs/replacements on over a dozen @Tesla MCUv1 units for customers suffering from eMMC flash failure.” To which Elon Musk replied, “Should be much better at this point.” However, the issues are still very much present.

What are the Legal Actions taken against Tesla regarding the MCU Defects?

After multiple user complaints and a NHTSA investigation, Tesla is now facing a class-action lawsuit. The 36-page complaint addresses the issues with the MCU in Tesla’s 2014-2016 Model S and 2015-2016 Model X and states that despite such positive marketing, the MCU is not up to mark. It’s been reported to go completely blank and block access to critical vehicular functions. The lawsuit states some of the basic functionalities affected by the defected MCU: GPS, sound system, regenerative braking, rear-view camera, self-driving mode, exterior lights, steering modes, and acceleration settings, climate controls, and charging. The lawsuit also states that when access to these functionalities is inhibited, it becomes a dangerous distraction to the driver.

What can I Do if My Vehicle is Exhibiting any of the Signs Listed Above?

If your vehicle has been experiencing any of the issues discussed in this article and you have not been offered any service or replacement assurance from Tesla, CCA lawyers are here to help. CCA’s experienced attorneys obtain exceptional results for Tesla owners throughout the state of California at no charge to our clients. If your vehicle has been exhibiting any malfunctions with the Media Control Unit in your Tesla Model, feel free to contact our experts for a free consultation at: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

By Michael H. Rosenstein, Esq.

The Tesla Model X is a new-age, electric luxury SUV made and manufactured by Tesla. According to recent updates, newer models of Tesla X might be one of the greenest and fastest SUVs ever produced in the automobile sector. However, in spite of the numerous accolades received by Tesla, the Model X has been subject to several complaints and issues over the last 5 years. The complaints range from something as simple as tricky door seals, to more complicated ones such as dangerous third-row seats and frequent screen freezes.  Even Elon Musk himself admitted in 2016 the myriad of issues afflicting the Model X, “This [Model X] program has been challenging. I particularly need to fault myself for a fair bit of hubris for putting too much technology all at once into a product… In retrospect the right thing to do with the Model X would have been to take a lot of the really awesome cool things and table them for a future version.”

If you have been facing any complications with your Tesla X, CCA is here to guide you and provide you with suitable solutions. We invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What Are the Common Problems in Tesla Model X?

Tesla is a customer-oriented automaker with high-quality standards, yet their products have been facing some serious complaints over the years. Majority of the complaints revolve around the following:

• Problems with Falcon Doors: Numerous Tesla customers have faced serious issues with their innovative, yet over-the-top falcon doors. According to Model X customers, the doors feel flimsy and over time, they run into serious functionality issues. Again, even Elon Musk admitted to the problems with the falcon doors on the Model X: “In particular, the software that controls the Model X and the operation of the doors has been incredibly difficult to refine and getting the complex set of sensors to work well [has been difficult to refine]. I think we’re almost there in making the doors useful.” 
• Powertrain Issues: While the Model X uses a modern electric powertrain, the powertrain has been subject to a wide range of problems, such as stalling, low range, charging issues, and other defects.
• Random Squeaks and Rattles: Like other Tesla models, the Model X has been plagued with annoying rattles, squeaks, and other fit/finish issues.
• Steering Problems: The Tesla X comes with the all-wheel drive functionality and other impressive steering features. However, there seems to be a serious issue when it comes to turns. The feature does not seem to be of much use on twisty roads, in fact, it could be potentially dangerous in some situations.  Other steering issues mentioned by users are regarding unexpected steering locks. A user of Model X described the issue as, “Suddenly cannot turn steering wheel while driving, Would you risk the lives of your family to drive a car whose steering wheel could suddenly get locked? I wouldn’t. On 4th, June, 2017, I was driving this 2-month-old Tesla Model X. While I was making a turn at one of the downward passage, the steering wheel could not move all of a sudden, and a warning popped up saying Car Need Service/Steering Assist Reduced. Then a while later the steering wheel could move again allow me to finish the turn, but then stopped working again leaving me stuck in the car park”.
• Body Finish Issues: Despite being a luxury vehicle, Tesla Model X has received a myriad of complaints regarding it’s imperfect finishing. Problems have been spotted regarding alignment, gaps in windows, discoloration, torn carpeting, and more. A user posted some photos of his shabby brand new Tesla Model X and expanded on this issue, “My brand new Tesla finally got delivered to my home full of surprises. When I complained I was told “This is the American workmanship at its best and I should overlook the flaws and defects and stick with the innovation benefits of it”. No one deserves to buy a new car with such steeped price and accept the cracked frame and repainted body”

While Tesla Model X models from 2015 to 2020 have all received these complaints, the 2017 Model X seems to be the most affected.

What Can I Do if My Tesla Has Been Problematic?

If your Tesla Model X has been the subject of any of the issues discussed above (or others), our team of lawyers are here to protect you.  CCA’s expert attorneys are well aware of the issues plaguing Tesla vehicles, understand the lemon laws, and are ready to guide you.  Best of all, you will not pay any legal bills – 100% of your bills are paid by Tesla.

For help with the California lemon law, please do not hesitate to contact our experts for a free consultation at: (833) LEMON-FIRM.