Tesla FSD Class Action Cites Electrek Reporting

A proposed class action lawsuit, Waller v. Tesla, filed on June 4 in the Northern District of California, accuses Tesla of selling its "Full Self-Driving" (FSD) software on millions of vehicles that are allegedly incapable of delivering the promised functionality. The 51-page complaint specifically cites Electrek's reporting multiple times to support its claims. The lawsuit covers Tesla vehicles equipped with Hardware 1, 2, 2.5, and 3 computers, which encompasses virtually every Tesla sold with the FSD option between 2017 and early 2023.

The plaintiffs allege that Tesla has engaged in deceptive practices by marketing FSD capabilities that the underlying hardware cannot support. The complaint references Electrek's articles to highlight instances where the publication has reported on the limitations and perceived shortcomings of Tesla's FSD system. This reliance on third-party automotive journalism underscores the plaintiffs' strategy in building their case against the electric vehicle manufacturer.

The legal action seeks to represent a class of consumers who purchased Tesla vehicles with the FSD option, arguing they were misled about the system's true capabilities. The suit contends that the hardware installed in these vehicles, particularly older iterations like Hardware 1 through 3, is insufficient to enable the advanced autonomous driving features that Tesla has advertised. The case number is 4:26-cv-05350-KAW.

Tesla has consistently promoted its FSD software as a pathway to full autonomy, despite ongoing regulatory scrutiny and public debate surrounding its safety and efficacy. The company has faced previous legal challenges and criticism regarding its FSD marketing. This latest lawsuit adds another layer of legal pressure, with the plaintiffs aiming to demonstrate that Tesla knowingly sold a product that did not meet its advertised performance standards.