✦ Case Study: Resolved
$82,507 Vehicle Buyback
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not guarantee a similar result. Each case is unique and depends on its specific facts and applicable law.
2023 Tesla Model S Lemon Law Case Study: Buyback in Florida
Purchased New in Florida
$82,507
Recovered
12 Visits
Repair Attempts
61 Days
Out of Service
Case Overview
Florida Tesla Model S Case: 12 Repair Visits and 61 Days Out of Service
2023 Tesla Model S lemon law buyback in Florida: Easy Lemon recovered $82,507 for this client after 12 repair visits and 61 days out of service. The claim was brought under Florida Lemon Law (Fla. Stat. §681.10 to §681.118). When the same defect keeps coming back and the manufacturer cannot fix it, the owner may be entitled to a buyback, a replacement or a cash settlement, at no cost†.
Our client purchased a new 2023 Tesla Model S in Florida. Its repair orders run from August 1, 2023 to May 22, 2025: 12 visits in all, and 61 days when it could not be driven.
Tesla settled the claim with a vehicle buyback of $82,507. That figure includes our client's payment and the lender payoff.
Systems Involved
- Electrical
- Body/Trim
- Steering
- HVAC
🔧
12
Repair Attempts
📅
61
Days Out of Service
✓
$82,507
Recovered
Repair History
2023 Tesla Model S Repair History: What the Repair Orders Show
Visit 1: August 1–16, 2023 (16 Days)
- Front right headlight and turn signal were not working.
- Technician replaced the passenger-side headlight.
- The rear trim where Tesla is spelled out was bowing out, likely due to adhesive expanding from heat.
- Technician replaced the liftgate applique and Tesla lettering.
- After the right-side headlamp replacement, it was noticed that the new headlight had internal damage and would not align properly.
- Technician replaced the headlight due to defect.
Visit 2: November 30 – December 4, 2023 (5 Days)
- Main screen went black and displayed nothing.
- Technician replaced the touchscreen.
- Headlights had a visible hole in the light pattern; technician scheduled to replace the headlight during the next appointment.
- Rear Tesla applique was still not installed properly from a previous visit.
- Technician replaced the rear bumper applique.
Visit 3: December 18, 2023 (1 Day)
- Follow-up appointment for the headlight issue.
- Technician replaced the defective headlight.
Visit 4: April 1–17, 2024 (17 Days)
- Vehicle would stop downloading software updates halfway through.
- Technician updated the firmware.
- There was rubbing between the front driver's door and fender; a Tesla-certified body shop corrected the alignment.
- Trunk applique was coming off again; technician replaced the applique on the liftgate.
- Creaking noise coming from the rear driver's side; technician adjusted the left rear seat striker.
Visit 5: April 24, 2024 (1 Day)
- Body shop performed delivery rectification repairs.
Visit 6: May 13–17, 2024 (5 Days)
- Passenger-side lower B-pillar trim carpet was separating from the plastic backing.
- Technician replaced the trim and adjusted the weather-strip seal and C-pillar trim for proper fitment.
- A certified body shop also corrected a paint concern on the front door.
Visit 7: May 28, 2024 (1 Day)
- Body shop performed paint repair.
Visit 8: September 16, 2024 (1 Day)
- Yoke steering wheel was peeling in multiple spots.
- Technician replaced the steering wheel.
Visit 9: December 17–19, 2024 (3 Days)
- FSD, Autopilot, navigation, and garage/HomeLink were non-functional.
- Client had experienced intermittent GPS issues in the past; this now appeared to be permanent.
- Technician replaced the interior camera and headliner wiring.
- Front driver's seat would not recline to the most upright position.
- Technician completed a recalibration.
- Technician also noted HVAC drain performance issues; carpeting was damp.
- Shims were added to correct a poor seal on the HVAC drain.
Visit 10: February 3–4, 2025 (2 Days)
- While backing into the garage, FSD sent a command to close the garage door, which caused the door to slam down on the rear glass.
- Technician removed and replaced the back glass.
- Client noted occasional alerts when using FSD, though functionality seemed unaffected.
- Technician discovered an aftermarket electronic device located under the forward-facing camera, which may be causing interference.
- Advised client to remove the device and monitor GPS performance; if issues persist, further diagnostics will be performed.
- No further labor at this time.
Visit 11: April 28, 2025 (1 Day)
- GPS accuracy issues persisted.
- Technician cleaned ground points for the car computer, adjusted the pitch of the forward-facing camera, and reset DAS and camera calibration.
Visit 12: May 15–22, 2025 (8 Days)
- Climate control (Cabin Overheat Protection / Climate Keep) was not working and only blew cold air.
- Technician replaced the HVAC sensor and performed a thermal system test.
- Client continued receiving poor GPS quality notifications.
- To resolve, technicians replaced the headliner wiring, interior camera, and GPS antenna, and reworked the EMI shielding.
Legal Analysis
Can a 2023 Tesla Model S Be a Lemon in Florida?
Florida Lemon Law - Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (Fla. Stat. §681.10 to §681.118) covers new or demonstrator motor vehicles purchased or leased in Florida, primarily for personal, family, or household use.
- Repair attempts: 3 repair attempts for the same defect, plus a final repair attempt after written notice
- Days out of service: 30 cumulative calendar days (60 days for recreational vehicles)
- Remedies: Replacement vehicle or a refund of the purchase price (minus a reasonable offset for use)
- Attorney fees: Yes - manufacturer pays consumer's attorney fees if consumer prevails
This case: Across 12 repair visits, the Model S spent 61 days out of service. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act also applies to written warranties nationwide. Our client paid $0 out of pocket†.
Our Approach
How Was This Tesla Model S Lemon Law Claim Resolved?
1
Free Case Review
We reviewed the repair orders from August 1, 2023 until May 22, 2025 and tallied both the number of visits and how many days the Model S stayed with the dealer.
2
Building the File
Each visit was logged chronologically: the complaint reported, what the technician found during the visit, and what repairs were made. Everything was organized by system: electrical, body/trim, steering and HVAC.
3
Demand to Tesla
Tesla received our written demand, with the repair history attached, asking for a buyback.
4
Vehicle Buyback
The claim settled as a vehicle buyback of $82,507. Legal representation cost our client nothing out of pocket†.
Case Status
$82,507 Vehicle Buyback Secured
$82,507
Vehicle Buyback: Manufacturer Repurchase
Key Case Facts
- Vehicle: 2023 Tesla Model S
- Purchased in: Florida
- Status at purchase: New
- Systems involved: Electrical, Body/Trim, Steering, HVAC
- Repair attempts: 12 visits
- Days out of service: 61 days
- Manufacturer: Tesla
- Settlement type: Vehicle Buyback
- Settlement amount: $82,507 (Buyback)
Client Reviews
What Our Clients Are Saying
Legal Team
Attorney on Record
Ron Kaniuk, Esq.
Florida Managing Partner, Easy Lemon by RockPoint Law P.C.
Ron runs the firm's Florida lemon law practice from the Miami office. He earned his J.D. at St. John's University School of Law in 1996 and has handled buyback, replacement and cash-and-keep claims against every major manufacturer.
Having Problems With Your Tesla Model S?
A Tesla Model S that keeps returning to the dealer with the same defect may be a lemon under Florida law. Getting a free case evaluation takes about 30 seconds.
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2023 Tesla Model S Lemon Law Questions in Florida
How does Florida lemon law apply to a Tesla Model S?
The Florida Lemon Law - Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (Fla. Stat. §681.10 to §681.118) uses a standard of 3 repair attempts for the same defect, plus a final repair attempt after written notice, or 30 cumulative calendar days (60 days for recreational vehicles) out of service. Remedies: Replacement vehicle or a refund of the purchase price (minus a reasonable offset for use). Written warranties are also covered nationwide by the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
What was the settlement amount for this 2023 Tesla Model S?
A vehicle buyback totaling $82,507. Part went to our client and the rest paid off the lender. Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not guarantee a similar result.
How is a buyback different from cash and keep?
With a buyback, the manufacturer takes the vehicle back, pays off the loan or lease and refunds the owner, minus any use allowance the state allows. With cash and keep, the owner keeps the vehicle and gets a cash payment.
What does it cost to bring a Tesla lemon law claim with Easy Lemon?
There is no upfront fee. Lemon law fee-shifting statutes generally make the manufacturer pay the attorney fees. Our client in this case paid nothing out of pocket†.
Tesla Owner?
Driving a Tesla With Repeat Repairs?
A Tesla that needs the same repair again and again may qualify under your state's lemon law. The manufacturer pays our fees, not you, and we take on Tesla cases like this one regularly.
See Our Tesla Lemon Law Page →Related Resources
Learn More
- Florida Lemon Law Attorneys
- All Settlements & Case Studies
- Lemon Law By Manufacturer
- Tesla Lemon Law
- Car Lemon Law Guide
- Free Case Evaluation
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