Tesla is facing new legal challenges on two continents, with lawsuits filed in both France and Australia that highlight the vastly different concerns of customers in each country.
While French Tesla owners are taking issue with CEO Elon Musk’s controversial political behavior, Australian drivers are demanding compensation over safety concerns linked to Autopilot.
France: Lease Termination Lawsuit Over Musk’s Political Views
In Paris, nearly a dozen Tesla customers have launched a lawsuit in an attempt to cancel their vehicle leases. The plaintiffs argue that Elon Musk’s increasingly controversial political statements and behavior have “tarnished” the Tesla brand, turning the cars into “far-right totems.”
This reputational damage, they claim, has led to social hostility, including acts of vandalism and even public defecation on the vehicles.
The suit, which is being brought before Paris’s commercial court, alleges that Tesla has failed to uphold its obligation to allow customers to “peacefully enjoy” the product—an important standard under French civil law for lease agreements. (via Financial Times)
According to their lawyers, some Tesla owners now feel “prisoners of their contracts,” unable to use their cars without fear of judgment or harassment.
Specific complaints cited in the lawsuit include vandalism—such as swastikas being scratched into car exteriors—and increased insurance costs.
The legal team references Musk’s recent inflammatory remarks, including his use of a gesture likened to a Nazi salute and politically charged accusations involving UK political figures.
While the lawsuit is still in its early stages, it could set a precedent regarding the accountability of CEOs for reputational damage to their companies.
Tesla has not yet issued a public response to the French case.
Australia: Class Action Over “Phantom Braking” Scares Thousands
Meanwhile, in Australia, Tesla is facing a class-action lawsuit over a more technical issue: phantom braking. Thousands of Australian Tesla owners have joined the case, which alleges that vehicles operating in Autopilot mode are prone to sudden, unexplained braking events, even at highway speeds.
Dominic Yin, one of the lead participants in the class action, described multiple incidents when his Tesla abruptly braked on major roads, nearly causing accidents. “Suddenly you feel someone else is controlling you and taking you for a scary ride,” Yin told Australian broadcaster ABC.
The lawsuit, filed in Federal Court, claims Tesla misled consumers about the safety and functionality of its Autopilot system. In addition to phantom braking, the case also touches on overstated battery range and exaggerated self-driving capabilities.
Class action lawyer Rebecca Jancauskas noted that many affected drivers were fully attentive behind the wheel when the braking events occurred.
Despite the growing number of participants in the lawsuit—estimated at over 10,000—Tesla Australia has yet to comment. The Australian Department of Infrastructure has received only six official complaints.
