Tesla’s Image Crisis: Lawsuit Looms Over Owner’s Concerns
“Some customers no longer dare or want to use their vehicle.” This statement by Patrick Klugman, a lawyer preparing for a potential lawsuit against Tesla in France, encapsulates the sentiments of his clients. A group of Tesla owners claims that the company’s public image has directly affected both their vehicles and themselves.
This is what they argue.
Enjoyment. That is precisely what the ten Tesla owners planning to sue the company feel they can no longer achieve with their vehicles. They assert that Elon Musk’s political leanings towards the far-right have compromised their ability to drive freely, as they explained to Le Parisien.
The stories from the prospective plaintiffs vary widely. One individual reported arriving at their car to find it vandalized with a swastika. Other cases involve claims of moral damages, as these owners feel “betrayed,” according to lawyer Patrick Klugman, who represents the victims.
A Responsible Eco-Friendly Approach. This is how these owners once viewed the company when they purchased their vehicles. “It was a 100% electric brand… Buyers were willing to pay more for their car as a means to participate in the ecological transition… This vehicle (Tesla) became a symbol of commitment,” Klugman explains.
They argue that Elon Musk’s recent political affiliations and the consequent degradation of the brand have robbed them of their ability to have “peaceful possession” of their vehicle. This aspect is critical to the lawsuit they intend to file, which currently cannot be categorized as “collective.” However, the lawyer encourages any owners wishing to join the cause to step forward.
What Are the Legal Grounds? As mentioned earlier, that “peaceful possession” is key to their argument. This is specified in Article 1625 of the Civil Code in France.
“The guarantee that the seller must provide to the buyer has two objectives: the first is the peaceful possession of the sold item; the second, hidden defects of that item or prohibitive vices.”
The Tesla owners are focusing on this “peaceful possession,” claiming that following the attacks against their vehicles and the resultant reputational damage of the company, they are reluctant to take their cars out or, if they do, cannot enjoy them under the same conditions as when they were sold.
What Do They Want? The ultimate goal of these owners is straightforward: they either want a refund for their purchase or for the loan they have with the company to be canceled if they are still making payments.
Bad Reputation. It is evident that Elon Musk’s tenure in the U.S. government has severely damaged the public perception of the company. From protests outside Tesla dealerships to direct attacks on their vehicles, the fallout has been substantial.
Notably, the company has seen its sales plummet this year. The situation is particularly dire in Europe, where sales in their key markets—Germany and France—have dramatically dropped. This is especially troubling in regions where issues associated with far-right politics and Nazism are very sensitive among public opinion.
Additionally, the second-hand market for Tesla cars is also on the rise. Beyond some influencers publicly parting ways with their vehicles, the volume of ads for second-hand Teslas in France surged in the early months of 2025, showing a staggering 30% increase compared to the ads published in the first half of 2024.
Images sourced from The White House and Felipe Tofani.
Tesla is at a critical crossroads, facing a significant public relations crisis fueled by its owner’s political connections and controversial policies. As lawsuits and public outcry grow, the company will need to carefully navigate its next steps to reclaim its brand image and restore owner confidence.