Tesla warranty terms
| Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
|---|---|
| Supplemental Restraint System | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Battery and Drive Unit | 8 years with at least 70% battery capacity: Model 3 and Model Y Standard 100,000 miles; Long Range or Performance 120,000 miles; Model S, Model X and Cybertruck 150,000 miles |
| Body Rust | 12 years, unlimited miles (vehicles bought on or after February 1, 2019) |
| Transfer to a new owner | Yes, when the ownership transfer is done through Tesla |
From Tesla’s warranty page and New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Battery mileage depends on model and trim; your own warranty is the final word.
How long state lemon laws protect a Tesla
With 4 years / 50,000 miles of basic coverage, your Tesla’s warranty usually outlasts its lemon law window. A two-year state closes the window with 2 years of warranty to go; a one-year state, with 3 years. Repairs in that gap are free, but they rarely count toward a buyback.
| State window | Jurisdictions | Tesla basic warranty at that point |
|---|---|---|
| The warranty term | New Hampshire, Vermont | Window lasts the full 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Three years | 1 | 1 year of basic coverage still left |
| Two years | 21 | 2 years of basic coverage still left |
| 18 months | 3 | 30 months of basic coverage still left |
| One year | 23 | 3 years of basic coverage still left |
Many windows also stop at 12,000 to 24,000 miles, long before the 50,000-mile limit on a Tesla warranty. Find your state’s exact rule in our state guides, or check your Tesla repair history against your state’s window.
Tesla’s dispute program
Tesla asks you to first give it written notification of the defect during the warranty period and a chance to repair before you use a lemon law remedy. The U.S. address is Tesla, Inc., Attention: New Vehicle Limited Warranty, P.O. Box 15430, Fremont, CA 94539. Include your name, VIN, delivery date, mileage, a description of the defect and your repair history.
Tesla then offers an optional, free dispute program run by NCDS (1-866-629-3204). The warranty says you must file with NCDS within 60 days (or 6 months in some states) after the warranty period ends, provided you sent written notice during it. California residents use the California Dispute Settlement Program instead.
California: to request a repurchase or replacement, Tesla says written notice must go by email to CAwarranty@tesla.com or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to Tesla, Inc. c/o CT Corporation, 330 N Brand Boulevard, Suite 700, Glendale, CA 91203.
Tesla’s arbitration clause
Tesla’s warranty says disputes about it are subject to binding individual arbitration under the Agreement to Arbitrate in your Vehicle Order Agreement, or small claims court, if you do not use NCDS or are unhappy with its result.
You may opt out within 30 days after signing the agreement by sending a letter with your name, VIN and intent to opt out to Tesla, Inc., P.O. Box 15430, Fremont, CA 94539-7970.
Who to contact at Tesla
| Written notice (U.S.) | Tesla, Inc., Attention: New Vehicle Limited Warranty, P.O. Box 15430, Fremont, CA 94539 · 1-877-798-3752 |
|---|---|
| Dispute program (NCDS) | 1-866-629-3204 |
| Arbitration opt-out (30 days) | Tesla, Inc., P.O. Box 15430, Fremont, CA 94539-7970 |
If your state’s lemon law names a specific address or method for notice, follow your state’s rule.
Things Tesla owners should know
- Ask for every visit, mobile repair and remote fix to be documented, and save the invoices and estimates from the Tesla app (Service, then View estimate).
- An over-the-air update meant to fix your complaint may count as a repair attempt, depending on your state. Write down the date and what it was supposed to fix.
- Warranty repairs must be done at a Tesla Service Center, so outside shop records will not help much.
What to do if your Tesla is a lemon
- Within 30 days of signing your Vehicle Order Agreement, decide whether to opt out of arbitration by letter to Tesla’s Fremont P.O. box.
- Save every service estimate, invoice and mobile-service record from the Tesla app, plus the dates of any over-the-air update aimed at your problem.
- Mail written notice to Tesla, Attention: New Vehicle Limited Warranty, during the warranty, with your VIN, delivery date, mileage and repair history. In California, use Tesla’s California address or email.
- If you want the free NCDS program, file within 60 days (6 months in some states) after the warranty period ends.
- Otherwise, follow your state’s lemon law process and deadline; your arbitration choice decides whether that ends in court or arbitration.
Frequently asked questions
Does the lemon law apply to Tesla?
Yes. State lemon laws cover new Teslas like any new vehicle. Tesla’s warranty adds a written-notice request and an optional NCDS program.
Does Tesla have an arbitration clause?
Yes. Disputes are subject to binding individual arbitration under the Vehicle Order Agreement unless you opt out within 30 days of signing it.
Where do I send lemon law notice to Tesla?
Tesla, Inc., Attention: New Vehicle Limited Warranty, P.O. Box 15430, Fremont, CA 94539. California has its own email and mailing address.
How long is the Tesla battery warranty?
8 years, with mileage that depends on the model: 100,000 to 150,000 miles, and at least 70% capacity retention.
Do over-the-air updates count as repair attempts?
They may, if the update was meant to fix your reported defect; it depends on your state. Keep a dated record of each one and what it was for.
Sources
Checked on October 13, 2026. Read how we verify every rule in our editorial policy.