Tesla Ordered to Pay Model S Owner in China for Hiding Damage

 

While Tesla is certainly known for its contributions to the future world of zero-emission vehicles, it’s also known for a few, slightly more infamous reasons – one of which is the company’s terrible track record with quality control.

A ruling made by a Beijing court mandates that Tesla must pay a Model S owner, after discovering that the electric vehicle (EV) maker attempted hiding structural damage on the vehicle, as reported by Bloomberg. The vehicle was sold through the company’s official website, which told the buyer there would be no significant damage to the car.

After purchasing the Model S for 379,700 yuan ($58,179.42 USD), the owner discovered that pieces of the vehicle had been cut and welded back together. In addition, the owner experienced several breakdowns in the EV, further showing the vehicle’s issues, and alluding to a prior accident which had not been previously shared with the customer. The owner then sued the company, in which Tesla was found guilty and was ordered to pay compensation to the owner.

Tesla now plans to take the case to a higher court for appeal it told Bloomberg, though it’s unclear whether the company will still be asked to pay the owner for the car’s issues.

Quality control issues have been reported a few other times this year, with many critics sharing their experiences with Tesla’s deliveries throughout the year.