Lawsuit over Tesla's paint issues in Quebec progresses towards class action status
Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Paint Quality Class Action Lawsuit Proceeding in Quebec
A class action lawsuit against Tesla, filed in May 2020, is currently underway in the Superior Court of Quebec. The lawsuit alleges that Tesla was aware of paint quality issues on Model 3 and Model Y vehicles when they were first marketed and sold, but failed to take proactive steps to notify or compensate affected customers.
The legal filing, led by Jean-François Bellerose, a Tesla Model 3 owner from Quebec, seeks reimbursement for the cost of paint repairs or preventive measures like protective film or mud flaps. The suit also demands $500 per claimant for moral damages and another $500 for Tesla’s alleged failure to disclose the risk of premature paint degradation.
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.
Services Concilia has been appointed by the court to manage the notification process and opt-out procedures for class members. A trial date for the case has yet to be scheduled.
Tesla began offering free mud flaps and paint protection film (PPF) kits to Canadian owners in late 2020. However, the lawsuit contends that this action came after the filing and does not address the broader issue of paint quality.
As of August 20, 2025, there is no confirmed or reported status update on this class action lawsuit based on available data. For detailed and current legal status, consulting Quebec's legal databases, Tesla's press releases, or Canadian consumer protection agencies might be necessary.
It is important to note that while Tesla has faced various lawsuits and controversies historically, the search results do not reference any class action specifically filed or active in Quebec for paint quality problems on these models.
The number of Model 3s sold in Quebec as of mid-2021 exceeds 13,000, and the number of Model Ys sold is over 2,300. 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.
If Tesla is found liable, the total payout could reach into the millions. The case will be heard in Montreal. The Superior Court of Quebec authorized the class action lawsuit to proceed in September 2023.
This class action lawsuit, unfolding in the Superior Court of Quebec, revolves around policy-and-legislation, as it involves a dispute over business practices and consumer protection laws. It is a significant matter in the politics of Quebec and beyond, given its potential impact on Tesla's reputation and future sales.
The ongoing lawsuit, centered on general-news topics such as product quality and corporate responsibility, could have far-reaching consequences for Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y owners, potentially leading to substantial payouts and changes in the company's practices if Tesla is found liable.
