I know I'm replying to an old post but since you are in California you should talk to someone at the California Bureau of Automotive Repair before you take Tesla to small claims court.
The BAR has offices across California and you can go there and talk to someone in person.
After reviewing your complaint, if the BAR sides with you and tells Tesla they should repair your car under warranty but they don't, that will be more ammo for you.
File a Complaint
The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) mediates and investigates complaints related to automotive repair transactions between auto shops and consumers. If you have concerns about a shop’s work or service and cannot resolve those issues with the shop's management, we encourage you to file a complaint.
BAR has jurisdiction to mediate and investigate complaints involving:
- Auto repairs and services
- Smog Check inspections
- Tire repairs or installation
- Repairs performed by a tow company or storage lot
- Extended warranty or service contract disputes involving automotive repairs performed by a new or used car dealership
- Unlicensed and fraudulent activity
The Bureau of Automotive Repair’s Online Complaint Form...
www.bar.ca.gov