Catenaa, Wednesday, April 23, 2025- Tesla is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging it manipulates odometer readings to prematurely end vehicle warranties, potentially saving the automaker millions in repair costs.
Plaintiff Nyree Hinton, a Los Angeles resident, claims his 2020 Model Y recorded mileage at an accelerated rate, allegedly reaching the 50,000-mile warranty cap far sooner than actual driving would warrant.
He asserts the discrepancy left him responsible for a $10,000 suspension repair bill that should have been covered.
Hinton alleges Tesla’s odometers incorporate “predictive algorithms” that factor in energy use and driver behavior, inflating mileage figures beyond physical distance driven.
In court documents, he stated the vehicle sometimes showed daily driving of up to 72 miles, though he rarely exceeded 20.
The complaint contends that Tesla’s inflated readings coerce drivers into buying extended warranties early, increase repair revenues and minimize warranty costs.
Hinton is seeking punitive and compensatory damages on behalf of potentially more than 1 million Tesla drivers in California.
Tesla has not commented on the lawsuit. The company, which moved the case from California state court to federal court in Los Angeles this month, has denied all material allegations.
The suit adds to growing scrutiny over Tesla’s business practices, including earlier litigation claiming it exaggerated driving range estimates. That case was redirected to individual arbitration last year.
The lawsuit is filed under *Hinton v. Tesla Inc et al*, U.S. District Court, Central District of California, No. 25-02877.
