Tesla Model Y Owner Demands Refund Over Brake Failure, Denied

Ms. Zhang from Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province recently reported that her Tesla Model Y—purchased just 21 days ago and driven only about 300 kilometers—suddenly experienced a stiff brake pedal that could not be depressed while reversing in an underground parking garage. The vehicle also shook violently, and the central touchscreen simultaneously displayed warnings indicating "Brake Assist Failure" and "Stability Control System Disabled," after which the car lost all mobility. The issue persisted despite multiple attempts to turn the vehicle off and restart it. The car was subsequently taken to a Tesla service center for inspection. However, technicians were unable to replicate the fault during a test drive. Tesla explained that the anomaly was caused by a temporary protective measure triggered by the vehicle’s electronic control safety system—a false alarm—and confirmed that the braking hardware was undamaged and required no repairs. Ms. Zhang remains skeptical of this explanation, expressing concerns about potential safety risks if such a malfunction were to occur at high speeds. She insists on a full refund. Tesla’s after-sales team responded that the vehicle does not meet the criteria for a return or replacement and therefore cannot be refunded, offering instead either a replacement vehicle or an extension of the warranty by two years. Ms. Zhang has rejected both options. The vehicle remains parked at the Tesla service center, and the two parties have yet to reach an agreement.