Lawsuit concerning Tesla paint defects in Quebec progresses toward class action status
Tesla Paint Quality Class Action Lawsuit in Quebec Moves Forward
A class action lawsuit filed against Tesla in Quebec over paint quality issues has been given the green light to proceed to trial. The lawsuit, first filed by Jean-François Bellerose in May 2020, alleges that Tesla was aware of the paint quality issue when the vehicles were first marketed and sold, but failed to take proactive steps to notify or compensate affected customers.
The approved class includes all individuals and businesses in Quebec who purchased or leased a new Tesla Model 3 or Model Y between January 1, 2018, and the date the court notice is published, and who experienced paint deterioration within the first 48 months of ownership. The lawsuit seeks reimbursement for the cost of paint repairs or preventive measures like protective film or mud flaps, as well as moral damages to cover the stress and inconvenience caused.
The Superior Court of Quebec authorized the class action lawsuit against Tesla to proceed on September 13, 2023. Services Concilia has been appointed by the court to manage the notification process and opt-out procedures for class members. A trial date has yet to be scheduled for the case.
Tesla began offering free mud flaps and paint protection film (PPF) kits to Canadian owners in late 2020, but no information has been provided about the company admitting or not admitting liability. The lawsuit demands $500 per claimant for moral damages and another $500 for Tesla's alleged failure to disclose the risk of premature paint degradation.
As of mid-2021, over 13,000 Model 3s and over 2,300 Model Ys have been sold in Quebec. The paint deterioration occurred within six months of ownership and required out-of-pocket repairs costing nearly $5,000. Class members who do not wish to participate in the lawsuit will be required to submit a formal opt-out request by a deadline to be set by the court.
It appears no well-publicized or documented class action lawsuit on paint quality issues against Tesla in Quebec has emerged up to August 2025. The full judgement, mostly in French, can be read below.
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