Tesla Facing Lawsuit in Canada Over Paint Issues

The Quebec Superior Court sided with a complainant and authorized a class-action lawsuit against Tesla.

This decision gives thousands of Model 3 and Model Y owners the opportunity to seek compensation for paint issues. Needless to say, this case could inspire similar actions elsewhere in the world.

In a very detailed investigation, Drive Tesla Canada reveals that it all began in May 2020 when Jean-François Bellerose, owner of a Tesla Model 3, noticed that the black paint on the lower sides of his vehicle was chipping within less than six months. Tesla refused to cover the repairs under warranty, forcing Bellerose to pay nearly 5,000 Canadian dollars (3,200 euros) out of pocket, according to court documents.

On September 13, 2023, Judge Lukasz Granosik gave the green light for a class action. This lawsuit involves individuals and businesses who purchased or leased a new Model 3 or Y in Quebec between January 1, 2018, and the date of the judicial notice publication, and who experienced paint deterioration within the first 48 months.

A ruling issued on April 15, 2025, allows the case to proceed to trial. Tesla could be ordered to reimburse repair costs or preventive measures (protective films, splash guards) and pay $500 per complainant for moral damages, as well as $500 for failure to disclose.

The lawsuit alleges that Tesla was aware of these defects before marketing the vehicles but failed to inform buyers. If the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs, Tesla’s costs could reach several million dollars, given that more than 13,000 Model 3 and 2,300 Model Y vehicles had been sold in Quebec by mid-2021.

In 2020, after the complaint was filed, Tesla started distributing free splash guards and protective films in Canada. A commendable gesture, but a significant mistake as it tacitly acknowledged the problem. This trial, scheduled in Montreal, could set a legal precedent and prompt similar lawsuits abroad, especially in regions where harsh climates exacerbate paint problems.

Detailed judgment in French (provided to us by Drive Tesla Canada)

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