Warranty Dispute. Do I have a case?

[lenbtc]

Hi guys, looking on some advice as how to handle this situation.

Bought my Model S new in May 2018.
In September 2018, I reported a rattle that was coming from the front of my car when accelerating.
Mobile tech came out and was unable to replicate the rattle and there was no Michigan shop to take car into for a deeper inspection.

About 2 months ago, the rattle got unbearable. I took it into the shop and they located a faulty "Air Spring" in the suspension.

My vehicle is now out of warranty and Tesla is asking $1,200 to replace the Air Spring.

Do you I have a case to dispute the charge for the replacement? I have all the documentation of the issue being reported in 2018, and Tesla being unable to fix it then, when my car was under warranty.

Also, here is a Tesla Service Bulletin they issued for the known issue: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10148826-9999.pdf

 

[Yelobird]

Seems like you drove the car safely for 4 plus years for however many miles. Hard to believe they would cover a suspension item this long in my opinion.

 

[TSLA Pilot]

Yes, there needs to be some sort of cut off and four YEARS post-previous warranty complaint is a bit much.

Had you complained again just prior to warranty expiration, you'd have been fine . . . lesson learned there?

 

[Operator64]

you had a rattle…..waited 3-5 years to follow up on original complaint, now you THINK you are ENTITLED to free repair? get you an attorney, they will probably ask for a mental evaluation.

 

[afadeev]

Bought my Model S new in May 2018.
In September 2018, I reported a rattle that was coming from the front of my car when accelerating.
Mobile tech came out and was unable to replicate the rattle and there was no Michigan shop to take car into for a deeper inspection.
About 2 months ago, the rattle got unbearable. I took it into the shop and they located a faulty "Air Spring" in the suspension.
My vehicle is now out of warranty and Tesla is asking $1,200 to replace the Air Spring.
Do you I have a case to dispute the charge for the replacement?

Not really.
But you have a strong case to ask for a "goodwill" repair. At least you would with any other reputable automaker.
With a Tesla - it's a coin toss as to how you will be treated between different Service Centers.

If I were you, I would plead my case at more than one SC, and see if I got lucky.
Otherwise, pay up.

You did not buy your Tesla for it's outstanding service reputation, did you?

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