A new class action lawsuit filed in California against Tesla alleges that the automaker is using “predictive algorithms” to inflate mileage at the odometers, allowing Tesla to claim higher mileage past warranty limits. The lawsuit claims that this tactic accelerates depreciation and warranty expiration, reducing Tesla’s responsibility for repairs.
Lead plaintiff Nyree Hinton purchased a used 2020 Tesla Model Y with 36,772 miles on the odometer. After driving approximately 20 miles per day, his vehicle’s mileage increased at an unexpected rate, resulting in a $10,000 suspension repair bill that he believes should have been covered under warranty.
Tesla has denied any wrongdoing and points to patents filed by the company regarding its mileage counter. However, experts are skeptical, with some believing it could be as simple as accounting for tire wear.
The lawsuit lacks concrete evidence, but if proven true, it would be a significant scandal. Hinton’s credibility as a data analyst makes his experience more credible. The case may gain more insight and encourage others to join in if allowed to proceed.
For now, the claim remains unproven, and the skepticism surrounding Tesla’s practices remains.
Source: https://electrek.co/2025/04/18/tesla-odometergate-dieselgate-or-nothing-burger