Wirtz Law Blog

When you buy a new or used vehicle in California, you expect the odometer reading to reflect the actual miles driven. Most drivers assume an odometer is a simple measure of a car’s mileage, but the number matters more than many realize because warranties and lease agreements often depend on it. A new lawsuit claims Tesla has been inflating odometer readings to shorten warranty periods and reduce repair costs. No matter what type of vehicle you drive, it’s important to know how warranties work and be aware of your rights as a vehicle owner under California’s lemon law. 

A Closer Look at the Odometer Lawsuit

Los Angeles resident Nyree Hinton purchased a 2020 Tesla Model Y in December 2022 with just under 37,000 miles on the odometer. Soon after, he noticed the mileage reading didn’t match his daily driving habits. Although his commute was only about 20 miles each day, the car logged more than 70 miles daily.

Hinton claims the odometer ran about 15 percent faster than it should have. That increase pushed the car past the basic vehicle warranty limit of 50,000 miles far earlier than he expected. As a result, Tesla refused to cover the cost when he faced a repair bill of about $10,000 for suspension issues.

According to the lawsuit, Tesla odometers don’t simply measure distance traveled. Instead, the company allegedly uses energy consumption, driving behavior, and “predictive algorithms” to generate mileage readings. If true, this practice could shorten warranty coverage periods and lead drivers to purchase extended warranties prematurely.

The lawsuit, now in Los Angeles federal court, is seeking class action status. It claims that the issue could affect more than a million Tesla vehicles in California.

California Lemon Law and Warranty Rights

For California drivers, odometer accuracy isn’t just a technical issue. It can directly affect your warranty rights. A manufacturer’s warranty is a legally binding promise to repair or replace defects within a certain timeframe or mileage limit. If mileage is overstated, you may lose warranty protection before you should.

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, more commonly known as the California lemon law, gives consumers strong protections when manufacturers fail to honor warranties. For example, when a company manipulates mileage calculations in a way that reduces warranty coverage.

Under California’s lemon law, manufacturers must repair defects covered by warranty within a reasonable number of attempts, which can be as few as two. If they fail to do so, the consumer may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund. 

What Should I Do If My Mileage Seems Off?

The Tesla lawsuit’s outcome is still uncertain, but it raises questions about how warranty limits are applied and whether mileage readings can be trusted. If you notice unusual mileage patterns on your Tesla or any other vehicle, there are several things you can do. Tracking your drives, fuel or charging history, and maintenance logs can help verify your odometer’s accuracy.

Your rights under California’s lemon law don’t end simply because a manufacturer says you are out of warranty. If your odometer reading is inaccurate, you may still have legal options to fight against unfair or misleading practices. A lemon law attorney can advise you on the next steps. 

How Wirtz Law APC Can Help

If you believe your vehicle warranty was cut short or are facing costly repairs because of a defective vehicle, Wirtz Law APC can help. Our trusted California lemon law attorneys focus on protecting consumers under the state’s lemon law. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.