Tesla Faces Major Lawsuit in China Over Full Self-Driving Claims
Shanghai, China – Tesla is facing a significant legal challenge in China as a group of car owners have filed a lawsuit alleging the company misled them regarding its Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities. The plaintiffs claim thay purchased vehicles between 2019 and 2021 believing they were investing in a fully autonomous driving system, only to discover the hardware installed - the HW3 board - was ultimately incompatible with the promised technology.
The lawsuit centers on claims that Tesla and its representatives, including CEO Elon Musk, repeatedly promised a fully self-driving experience that the company has yet to deliver.Customers reportedly paid approximately $7,800 for the FSD package and associated hardware, based on these assurances.
According to the claimants, Tesla knowingly sold vehicles with hardware limitations, creating a discrepancy between advertised functionality and actual performance. They argue they effectively purchased a product Tesla could not provide.
The group is seeking a full refund of their investment, and, citing China’s Consumer Rights Protection Laws, is demanding Tesla compensate them three times the original amount.
This legal action represents one of the most substantial challenges Tesla faces in the crucial chinese market. Dissatisfaction with the rollout and capabilities of FSD is also reportedly growing among Tesla owners globally, suggesting the issue extends beyond China. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Tesla’s marketing practices and future liability regarding its autonomous driving features.