A Tesla Model S owner in California has launched a proposed class action lawsuit against the automaker, claiming that it has been charging customers exorbitant prices for parts and making them wait too long for repairs due to its alleged monopolization of service options.
The suit was filed on Tuesday in a San Francisco court on behalf of Virginia M. Lambrix, reports Bloomberg. In the filing, she claims that the owners of traditional vehicles have numerous options when something goes wrong on their vehicle that Tesla owners do not.
Whereas the owners of vehicles from other automakers can turn to a dealership, a private garage, or make repairs themselves with parts supplied by both the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or a third party, Tesla owners do not have the same options.
Instead, she claims, Tesla owners can only look to a network of Tesla-approved service centers, and can only use OEM parts. The suit alleges that Tesla is using its market power to restrain repairs and maintenance, and cites antitrust laws.
The automaker’s practices have led to “lengthy delays in repairing or maintaining their electric vehicles, only to pay supracompetitive prices for those parts and repairs once they are finally provided,” the complaints said.
Tesla reported revenue of $6.009 billion for its services and other automotive revenue last year, but its customer service has long been the subject of dissatisfaction among owners. Extreme examples of owners being forced to wait weeks for appointments for vehicles that were delivered with missing parts have been reported.
Although CEO Elon Musk vowed to improve service in North America last year, reports later came out that the automaker was using untrained technicians, which is likely only more frustrating to owners who join this class action suit. Taking some of the pressure off Tesla’s service network may be a good thing for everyone.
