Adapted by:
Alberto de la Torre
WriterI've been a journalist and audiovisual communicator since 2016. My specialty is the automotive sector, where I’ve been analyzing the industry and its developments for more than five years. I'm particularly interested in new forms of mobility and the changes that cities are experiencing, especially in urban planning and the promotion of cycling and personal mobility vehicles.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
A group of Tesla owners accuses Tesla of the damages their vehicles have suffered due to the negative public image of the company. “Some customers no longer dare, or no longer wish, to use their vehicles,” lawyer Patrick Klugman told Le Parisien, encapsulating the sentiment of his clients, who are preparing for a future lawsuit against Tesla in France.
An unenjoyable experience. Owners plan to sue Tesla for potential damages arising from the harm to the company’s reputation, which directly affects their ability to enjoy their vehicles in peace. They told Le Parisien that CEO Elon Musk’s political alignment with the far-right has made them uneasy about driving their cars.
Affected Tesla clients have shared personal experiences to the French outlet. Some report arriving at their cars only to find them vandalized, with swastikas painted on them. Others express feelings of betrayal, describing their emotional distress.
Eco-friendly no more. Klugman explains how their clients perceived the brand when they first bought their Tesla vehicles. “Initially, it was a 100% electric brand, part of a responsible eco-citizen approach. Buyers were willing to pay more for their cars in order to participate in the ecological transition... This vehicle became a symbol of commitment,” the lawyer said.
Clients also point out that the image of Tesla has shifted under Musk’s influence toward the far right, leaving owners feeling they can’t enjoy “peaceful possession” of their vehicles. This aspect is crucial to their impending lawsuit, which can’t be classified as a “class action” yet, according to Le Parisien. However, Klugman invites any Tesla owner interested in joining the cause to reach out and participate.
What is the basis for their claims? Central to the issue is the concept of “peaceful possession,” as outlined in Article 1625 of the French Civil Code. This article specifies:
“The warranty which the seller owes to the purchaser has two objects: the first is the peaceful possession of the thing sold; the second, the latent defects of that thing, or redhibitory vices.”
Tesla owners are invoking this idea of “peaceful possession.” They argue that due to recent attacks on their vehicles and the damage to the company’s reputation, they feel unsafe taking their cars on the road or can’t enjoy them as they did when they purchased them.
What are they seeking? In the end, French owners want either a full refund of their purchase or the cancellation of their loan with the company if they’re financing the car.
Negative image. The company’s image has suffered significantly, particularly following Musk’s controversial stint in the U.S. government. This has resulted in protests outside Tesla dealerships and direct attacks on the vehicles.
Sales have seen a drastic decline this year, especially in Europe, where the situation is particularly dire. In Germany and France, Tesla’s main markets, sales have dropped to an all-time low. This is especially concerning given how sensitive the public is in these countries toward issues related to the far-right and Nazism.
Compounding the problem is the surge in the second-hand market for Tesla cars. Influencers have shared their experiences of selling their vehicles. In France, the volume of ads for used Tesla cars surged by 30% in the first months of 2025 compared to the first half of 2024.
Image | David von Diemar
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