Tesla Just Settled a Lawsuit Over Several Reported Model X Flaws
Carmaker brought to court by a loyal Tesla customer—who is now keeping quiet.
Tesla has caved in and settled a lawsuit brought by the owner of a Model X, allowing him to return his SUV after claiming he experienced multiple quality issues with the vehicle, Fortune reports.
Barrett Lyon, 38, reportedly owns two other Tesla models, so one would assume he knows a good Tesla when he drives it—and he claims his Model X was anything but. Lyon, who said he felt Tesla "rushed" the Model X into production, a claim somewhat borne out by the carmaker's lengthy delay in achieving full-scale production—claims his SUV's doors would open and close by themselves, striking people and cars within door-opening range. Lyon also felt the SUV's self-driving Autopilot function wasn't safe for use in rain, and found its Summon self-parking function unusable.
The owner sued Tesla after visiting a service center and receiving what he described as a"runaround," according to Fortune. Lyon would not go further into detail regarding the legal proceedings or Tesla's buyback offer. It's unclear whether the owner signed a "Goodwill Agreement" or a non-disclosure agreement provided by Tesla, like the one that caused such a stir when a Model S owner brought it to light earlier this month.
Tesla and Lyon both confirmed to Fortune that the company agreed to take the SUV back. For now, the owner is sticking with his two other Teslas—a Model S and a Roadster.
The Model X is no stranger to issues or owner complaints. In April, The Drive reported that owners were experiencing similar issues as Lyon described with the SUV's Falcon Wing doors, as well as window problems and windshield glare issues. In April, Tesla actually went as far as to issue a recall for 2,700 Model Xs for potential latching problems with the rear seats.
Tesla, for what it's worth, claims Lyon is in the minority when it comes to his bad experience. "We are committed to providing an outstanding customer experience throughout ownership," the carmaker said in a statement. "As a principle, we are always willing to buy back a car in the rare event that a customer isn’t completely happy."
