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Tesla’s Model 3 vehicle is among Quebec’s most popular electric cars. As of December 2019, 6,293 Tesla Model 3 vehicles were registered in the province. However, widespread paint issues inflicting Tesla vehicles sprung up across Quebec. Among the Tesla Model 3 owners experiencing such paint trouble is plaintiff Jean-François Bellerose, who recently filed a class action lawsuit against Tesla in the Superior Court of Québec.
According to Jean-François, who paid a hefty Tesla Model 3 price of $63,420.87 for his 2019 Tesla, the black paint started peeling off the bottom of the doors and rocker panels of his new vehicle. This exposed his Tesla to corrosion and depreciated its value. Although Jean-François contacted Tesla to fix the problem, the California-based automaker told him that the damage is not covered under warranty.
The Tesla Model 3 peeling paint class action lawsuit alleges that Tesla breached its guarantee obligations toward owners and misrepresented the quality of Model 3 vehicles.
Tesla Trouble
According to the Tesla Model 3 peeling paint class action lawsuit, Jean-François remarked paint flaking and peeling within the first six months of buying the vehicle. The “premature deterioration of the paintwork on Tesla Model 3 vehicles,” are exacerbated by the harsh Quebec winters, which cause greater auto damage due to the lack of protective paint.
Tesla somewhat recognized the paint problem as early as last year, and provided Canadian Tesla Model 3 owners and lessees with free mud flaps and splash guards. According to an internal service bulletin from Tesla, the weather protection kit is meant to help Canadian owners protect their vehicles from paint chips that can occur from heavy salt, sand, or gravel, omnipresent on Canada’s winter roads. However, Tesla did not comment or admit to fault as to the paint issues.
The Tesla Model 3 class action lawsuit claims it would cost roughly $4,738 to repair Jean-François’ vehicle.
The paint and anti-chipping primer that are designed to protect auto parts, namely the rocker panels, from corrosion and flaking should last longer than the vehicle’s factory warranty. Moreover the Tesla Model 3 peeling paint class action lawsuit highlights that the paint and primer should not start to degrade within the first few months of ownership.
The lawsuit also alleges Tesla knew about the paint issues when the Model 3 vehicle was first marketed and sold. Nevertheless, Tesla did not order a recall over the 
issue.
More Tesla Model 3 Trouble in Finland and Sweden
According to Quebec’s TVA Nouvelles, dozens of Quebeckers are experiencing the Tesla paint issues, yet Quebec is only the tip of the Tesla Model 3 iceberg.
“It’s a design flaw that has serious consequences, and not just for us,” according to a Tesla Model 3 owner. “I’ve been contacted by Finns who have the same problem. They are talking to Swedes, whose paint is also flaking. We’re trying to get together to show that it’s a real problem all over the world,” he said.
The APA has already commissioned an independent expert to assess the Tesla paint problem.
According to the APA, Tesla owners need to properly prepare themselves for claims against the automaker. The first step is to notify Tesla about the issue in writing; next would be to take photos. The most important step, however, is to have an expert look at the vehicle.
Quebec auto vendor, Véhicules électriques Simon André, confirmed that dozens of Tesla Model 3 customers came forward this May, realizing that they were not alone in the paint defect phenomenon.
Tesla Model 3 owners experiencing similar paint problems are invited to come forward.
Class Members include all individuals in Canada who bought or leased a Tesla Model 3 vehicle and:
- Experienced accelerated degradation in the paint while the vehicle was under three years old; and/or
- Were not warned about such risks by Tesla prior to buying or leasing the vehicle.
The plaintiff is seeking the following payments to Class Members:
- The sum required to repair the paint damage to Tesla 3 vehicles or the difference between the sales price of the vehicle and its depreciated value
- $500 worth of non-pecuniary damages
- $500 worth of damages for breach of duty to warn consumers
- Any other reparation the Court deems fit
- Legal fees
Do you own or lease a Tesla Model 3 and have experienced paint chipping or peeling? Were the paint issues denied under your warranty? Tell us your story in the comments below!
Class Members and the plaintiff are represented by Cabinet BG Avocat Inc. and CBL & Associés Avocats.
The Tesla Model 3 Paint Peeling Class Action Lawsuit is Jean-François Bellerose v. Les Véhicules Tesla Canada, Case No. 500-06-000, in the Superior Court of Québec, District of Montreal, Canada.
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27 thoughts onTesla Model 3 Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Its Premature Peeling Paint
The rear rocker pitting issue seems to be worse for the Y’s. My paint was peppered on the initial ~4 hr trip home. ALL 3+Ys sold in Canada should be equipped with front flaps and PPF on the rocker as std equipment to survive our winters. I would have gladly paid the premium if I was made aware of this issue at the time of purchase. It is not a paint issue – its a design flaw
In Quebec, like the owner in the article. I’ve never thought this 2018 model 3 would rust out in 3 years. My wife’s 2008 Hyundai Elantra lasted 10 years with no rust at all, and frankly this is embarrassing in such a modern tech car. Tesla told us that this is not a problem in California, must be us who is the problem here. The front wheel wells and rocker panels are rusted out like an old beater. The paint on my 30 year old bicycle is in better shape. Tesla dismissed us like we were idiots over the paint the first time we brought it up, and it is getting progressively worse. Now the soft paint is peeling off around the rear wheel wells in large flakes. Tesla is indeed NOT a car company as they state, but I wasn’t buying a phone to upgrade in 3 years. We won’t be buying another Tesla, despite the high tech, but instead will wait and see what the market from the actual auto makers offers for EV. Any class action I would get in on to recoup the upcoming required repainting.
I hope this class action will extend to model Ys because I have a white 2021 MY purchased last november and the paint is already chipping away. Tesla paint is simply not fitted for quebec winters.
Tesla says it’s normal wear.
I have a 2017 CX9 as well and the paint is still A1. This chipping and pealing is NOT normal wear….6000km on the car…unbelievable
Help!
I brought Tesla model 3 MY2021 in Dec 2020. I paid extra cost for blue color and I am having same issue on the rocker panel within 1st month of winter drive.
I had the exact same problem with model y bought in december. how do I join the class action. tesla told me to pound salt and get it fixed at a body shop for 5k
Bought a model 3 in Ottawa 1 month ago……drove it home and the paint was already chipped and peeling due to omnipresent road debris.That’s 4 days after purchasing! Made an appointment with Tesla with all the pictures etc. Only to be told it was an act of God. I told him it was an act of winter in Ontario and was not informed of this flaw. Took it to an auto body professional and they were stunned when I told them Tesla refused to warranty. Add my name please?
I live in Oregon. I bought model Y 3 months ago. I was traveling in Bend, Oregon and just after ONE drive during winter storm (approximately 20 miles) the car has significant paint damage. This is not normal tear and wear. I have Lexus for 16 years and have driven it during many winter storm and up to this day it does not have any paint damage.
I would like to joint a lawsuit as well!
I live in Hawaii, and have a multi-coat red Model 3 that has paint peeling issues as well as debris working it’s way through the paint. I currently have not gotten any professional/quality interaction from Tesla dealership. They are stating it is normal wear …. my vehicle turns 1 year October 2020.
*The awful thing is that I don’t believe TESLA is behaving responsively.
WHERE DO WE GO FOR SATISFACTION?
Ann W.
I live in the uk and I to have had the same issue of the paint flaking off in front of the Rear wheels, Tesla are going to look at it on the 2nd of November. The call handler was also very patronising.
Same Issue, 2018 model. The paint is worn off behind the 4 wheels and in front of the back wheels.
Having same issue with tesla in NY state.
I live in the US and after one drive in January during a winter storm for 20 miles I had significant damage to this same area. I made an appointment with Tesla and they said they couldn’t do anything about it sold me a paint touch up kit and said I should look into getting my car wrapped to protect it. Is anyone in the US filing a lawsuit? I’ve had the car for 6 months and the paint is awful on it. Chips very easily. I wish I could join the Quebec lawsuit!
Same issue here
I live in Oregon. I bought model Y 3 months ago. I was traveling in Bend, Oregon and just after ONE drive during winter storm (approximately 20 miles) the car has significant paint damage. This is not normal tear and wear. I have Lexus for 16 years and have driven it during many winter storm and up to this day it does not have any paint damage.
I would like to joint a lawsuit as well!