Tesla Model S Fire in California Garage Under Investigation
» Posted October 8, 2021 • Resources | Share This Post
Add Tesla to the growing list of electric car makers who may have a fire issue on their hands.
A local fire inspector says a Tesla Model S thermal charging system may be to blame for a blaze in a home garage in San Ramon. It’s one of at least five fires tied to older versions of the popular Tesla that the Washington Post recently detailed in a report on vehicles unexpectedly bursting into flames.
“The fire, which has not previously been reported, is one in a string of recent examples showing what can happen when electric cars are left parked in garages to charge overnight,” Faiz Siddiqui writes for The Post. “The issue is causing mounting concern as a number of electric-vehicle makers have warned owners not to leave the cars charging unattended in certain circumstances, or sitting fully charged in garages.”
Hyundai recently announced that it is recalling some 82,000 electric vehicles to replace defective batteries that could cause fires. The recall could ultimately cost the company $900 million, according to estimates.
Meanwhile, General Motors continues to struggle to find a permanent fix for Chevy Bolt battery fires that forced the recall of more than 69,000 cars.
Siddiqui points out that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is still investigating Tesla over its battery management systems.
How the California Lemon Law Works
While more recalls may be on the way, electric vehicles and other car owners in California have the right to get defective vehicles fixed now.
The state’s lemon law generally requires car manufacturers to perform a full range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces those companies to buy back vehicles that they are unwilling or unable to properly repair. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price, financing fees, and other related expenses. Although the manufacturer can offer to instead replace the vehicle, it is the owner’s choice to accept or reject this alternative arrangement.
There is no specific number of repair requests that must be made under the law in order for the buyback or replace requirement to kick in. A California lemon law attorney at our firm will evaluate your case and help you understand your rights and options.
How Our California Lemon Law Attorney Can Assist
If you have been stuck with a detective or malfunctioning vehicle, an experienced California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you take action to enforce your rights.
Our lawyers have represented hundreds of clients across the state in a wide variety of defective vehicle cases. We are dedicated to helping people ensure that car manufacturer are held responsible when they do not live up to their responsibilities.
Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney today.
