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brianman

Burrito Founder
Nov 10, 2011
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Another Rod and Barbara post, this time a warranty PDF ...
Punch list, Page 3 (Warranty link) | Tesla Motors

Attaching it here in case it disappears at the original location.

NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY (United States and Canada)
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR MODEL S IS AVAILABLE AT:
Code:
http://www.teslamotors.com/mytesla
To contact Tesla call 1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752)
For Roadside Assistance call 1-866-99TESLA (1-866-998-3752)

CONTENTS
GENERAL WARRANTY PROVISIONS ....................................... 1
Who is the warrantor? ........................................................................... 1
What vehicles are covered? .................................................................. 1
Multiple warranty conditions ................................................................. 1
Limitations and disclaimers .................................................................. 1
Your rights under state law ................................................................... 1
Ownership transfer ............................................................................... 1
Who can enforce this New Vehicle Limited Warranty? .......................... 2
When does the warranty period begin and end? .................................. 2
WARRANTY COVERAGE ........................................................... 2
Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty............................................................. 2
Supplemental Restraint System Limited Warranty ................................ 2
Battery Limited Warranty ...................................................................... 2
EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS .............................................. 3
Warranty limitations .............................................................................. 3
Additional limitations and exclusions .................................................... 3
Voided warranty .................................................................................... 4
Damages .............................................................................................. 5
OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE ........................................... 5
Payment of tax for repairs ..................................................................... 5
Reasonable time for repairs .................................................................. 5
Roadside assistance (North America) .................................................. 5
Modifications and waivers ..................................................................... 6
WARRANTY ENFORCEMENT LAWS AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION ............................................................................ 6
P/N: 1016930-00-A REV: AA

GENERAL WARRANTY PROVISIONS
Tesla Motors, Inc. (“Tesla”) will provide repairs to a Model S vehicle during the applicable warranty period in
accordance with the terms, conditions and limitations defined in this New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Who is the warrantor?
What vehicles are covered?
This New Vehicle Limited Warranty applies to a Model S vehicle sold by Tesla in the Tesla North America Warranty
Region and transported or driven only in the Tesla North America Warranty Region. For purposes of this New Vehicle
Limited Warranty, the Tesla North America Warranty Region is defined as all 50 states of the United States of
America, the District of Columbia, and all 13 provinces and territories of Canada. If your vehicle was sold, transported
or driven outside the Tesla North America Warranty Region, no warranties, including this New Vehicle Limited
Warranty, will apply.
Multiple warranty conditions
This New Vehicle Limited Warranty contains warranty terms and conditions that may vary depending on the part
or system covered. A warranty for specific parts or systems is governed by the coverage set forth in that warranty
section as well as other provisions in this New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Limitations and disclaimers
THIS NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE ONLY EXPRESS WARRANTY MADE IN CONNECTION
WITH YOUR TESLA VEHICLE. IMPLIED AND EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS ARISING UNDER
APPLICABLE STATE OR PROVINCIAL LAWS OR FEDERAL STATUTE OR OTHERWISE IN LAW OR IN
EQUITY, IF ANY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR MERCHANTABLE QUALITY,
Vehicles registered in the U.S.:
Vehicles registered in Canada: Tesla Motors, Inc.
Tesla Motors Canada Inc 3500 Deer Creek Road Palo Alto, California 94304
Attention: Vehicle Service
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, DURABILITY, OR THOSE . 50 Queen Street North,
Suite 1020 Kitchener, Ontario N2H 6M2 Attention: Vehicle Service 1-877-79-TESLA (1-877-798-3752) 1-877-79-
TESLA (1-877-779-3752)
ARISING BY A COURSE OF DEALING OR USAGE OF TRADE, ARE DISCLAIMED TO THE FULLEST
EXTENT ALLOWABLE BY LAW, OR LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE TERM OF THIS NEW VEHICLE LIMITED
WARRANTY. SOME STATES OR PROVINCES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OR CONDITIONS AND/OR HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION LASTS, SO THE ABOVE
LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
THE PERFORMANCE OF NECESSARY REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENT BY TESLA IS THE EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY UNDER THIS NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES. Tesla does not
authorize any person or entity to create for it any other obligations or liability in connection with this New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. The decision of whether to repair or replace a part or to use a new or remanufactured part will be
made by Tesla, in its sole discretion.
Your rights under state law
This New Vehicle Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights that vary from state
to state.
Ownership transfer
This New Vehicle Limited Warranty is transferable at no cost to any person(s) who subsequently and lawfully
assume(s) ownership of the vehicle after the first retail purchaser within the described limitations of this New Vehicle
Limited Warranty (“subsequent purchaser”).
1​

Who can enforce this New Vehicle Limited Warranty?
The first retail purchaser, or subsequent purchaser, of a new Model S vehicle sold in the Tesla North America
Warranty Region, titled or registered in the name of the first retail purchaser, or subsequent purchaser, according to
the laws of the 50 states of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, or Canada, and that has only been
transported or driven in the Tesla North America Warranty Region, can enforce this New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
When does the warranty period begin and end?
This New Vehicle Limited Warranty begins on the first day a new vehicle is put into use by delivery to the first retail
purchaser(s), or by leasing or registering as a company car or demonstrator, whichever is earlier, and provides
coverage for the period based on the specified warranty as described in the section “WARRANTY COVERAGE.”
Parts repaired or replaced under this New Vehicle Limited Warranty are covered only until the applicable warranty
period of this New Vehicle Limited Warranty ends, or as otherwise provided by applicable law.
WARRANTY COVERAGE
This New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes the Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty, the Supplemental Restraint System
(“SRS”) Limited Warranty, and the Battery Limited Warranty, each as described below.
The exclusive remedy available to you under this New Vehicle Limited Warranty is the repair or replacement of new
or remanufactured parts by Tesla for the covered defects. Subject to the exclusions and limitations described in this
New Vehicle Limited Warranty, such repair or parts replacement will be performed without cost to you by Tesla when
Tesla is notified of the covered defect within the applicable warranty period. Repairs will be performed using new
or remanufactured parts at the sole discretion of Tesla. All replaced parts or other components are the exclusive
property of Tesla unless otherwise provided under applicable law.
Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty
Subject to separate coverage for certain parts and the exclusions and limitations described in this New Vehicle
Limited Warranty, the Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty covers the repair or replacement necessary to correct defects
in the materials or workmanship of any parts manufactured or supplied by Tesla that occur under normal use for a
period of 4 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km), whichever comes first.
Supplemental Restraint System Limited Warranty
Subject to the exclusions and limitations described in this New Vehicle Limited Warranty, the SRS Limited Warranty
covers the repair or replacement necessary to correct defects in the materials or workmanship of the vehicle’s seat
belts or air bag system manufactured or supplied by Tesla that occur under normal use for a period of 5 years or
60,000 miles (100,000 km), whichever comes first.
Battery Limited Warranty
Subject to the exclusions and limitations described in this New Vehicle Limited Warranty, the Battery Limited
Warranty covers the repair or replacement necessary to correct defects in the materials or workmanship of the
vehicle’s lithium-ion battery (“Battery”) manufactured or supplied by Tesla that occur under normal use for a period of
8 years or for the miles specified below for your vehicle’s Battery type, whichever comes first:
• 40 kWh - 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
• 60 kWh - 125,000 miles (200,000 km)
• 85 kWh - unlimited miles/km
The Battery, like all lithium-ion batteries, will experience gradual energy or power loss with time and use. Loss of
Battery energy or power over time or due to or resulting from Battery usage, is NOT covered under this New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. See your owner documentation for important information on how to maximize the life and capacity
of the Battery.
2​

EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS
Warranty limitations
This New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not cover any vehicle damage or malfunction directly or indirectly caused
by, due to or resulting from normal wear or deterioration, abuse, misuse, negligence, accident, lack of or improper
maintenance, operation, storage or transport, including, but not limited to, any of the following:
• Failure to take the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center or Tesla authorized repair facility upon discovery of a defect
covered by this New Vehicle Limited Warranty;
• Accidents, collisions, or objects striking the vehicle;
• Any repair, alteration or modification of the vehicle, or the installation or use of fluids, parts or accessories, made by
a person or facility not authorized or certified to do so;
• Lack of or improper repair or maintenance, including use of fluids, parts or accessories other than those specified in
your owner documentation;
• Towing the vehicle;
• Improper winch procedures;
• Theft, vandalism, or riot;
• Fire, explosion, earthquake, windstorm, lightning, hail, flood, or deep water;
• Driving the vehicle off-road, over rough, damaged or hazardous surfaces, including but not limited to, curbs,
potholes, unfinished roads, debris, or other obstacles, or in competition, racing or autocross or for any other purposes
for which the vehicle is not designed;
• Overloading the vehicle;
• Using the vehicle as a stationary power source; and
• The environment or an act of God, including, but not limited to, exposure to sunlight, airborne chemicals, tree
sap, animal or insect droppings, road debris (including stone chips), industry fallout, rail dust, salt, hail, floods, wind
storms, acid rain, fire, water, contamination, lightning and other environmental conditions.
Additional limitations and exclusions
In addition to the above exclusions and limitations, this New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not cover any of the
following:
• Any corrosion or paint defects including, but not limited to, the following:
· Corrosion from defects in non-Tesla manufactured or supplied materials or workmanship causing perforation (holes)
in body panels or the chassis from the inside out;
· Surface or cosmetic corrosion causing perforation in body panels or the chassis from the outside in, such as stone
chips or scratches; and
· Corrosion and paint defects caused by, due to or resulting from accidents, paint matching, abuse, neglect, improper
maintenance or operation of the vehicle, installation of an accessory, exposure to chemical substances, or damages
resulting from an act of God or nature, fire, or improper storage;
• Non-genuine Tesla parts or accessories or their installation, or any damage directly or indirectly caused by, due to
or resulting from the installation or use of non-genuine Tesla parts or accessories:
• Any damage to the vehicle’s Battery, including damage directly or indirectly caused by, due to or resulting from
abuse, misuse, accident, lack of or improper maintenance, including, but not limited to, the following:
· Allowing the Battery to reach a zero state of charge or neglecting to follow proper charging procedures as specified
in your owner documentation;
3​

records of your vehicle’s maintenance, including the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (“VIN”), servicing center
name and address, mileage, date of service or maintenance and description of service or maintenance items, which
should be transferred to each subsequent purchaser. You may void this New Vehicle Limited Warranty if you do not
follow the specific instructions and recommendations regarding the use, operation, and maintenance of the vehicle
provided in your Model S owner documentation, including, but not limited to:
• Complying with any recall advisories;
• Carrying passengers and cargo within specified load limits;
• Observing scheduled inspections and making all services and repairs;
• Performing all vehicle maintenance and service requirements, including those indicated by the vehicle’s systems;
and
• Charging, and caring for, the vehicle’s Battery.
Although Tesla does not require you to perform all maintenance, service or repairs at a Tesla Service Center or
Tesla authorized repair facility, this New Vehicle Limited Warranty may be voided or coverage may be excluded due
to lack of or improper maintenance, service or repairs. Tesla Service Centers and Tesla authorized repair facilities
have special training, expertise, tools and supplies with respect to your vehicle and, in certain cases, may employ
the only persons or be the only facilities authorized or certified to work on certain parts of your vehicle. Tesla strongly
recommends that you have all maintenance, service and repairs done at a Tesla Service Center or Tesla authorized
repair facility in order to avoid voiding, or having coverage excluded under, this New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
The following will also void this New Vehicle Limited Warranty:
• Vehicles that have been transported or driven outside the Tesla North America Warranty Region;
• Vehicles that have had the VIN defaced or altered or the odometer or other related system disconnected, altered or
rendered inoperative so that it is difficult to determine the VIN number or actual mileage;
4​
· Exposing the vehicle to ambient temperatures above 140°F (60°C) or below -22°F (-30°C) for more than 24 hours at
a time;
· Physically damaging the Battery or intentionally attempting, either by physical means, programming, or other
methods, to extend (other than as specified in your owner documentation) or reduce the life of the Battery;
· Exposing the Battery to direct flame;
· Immersing any portion of the Battery in water or fluids;
· Opening the Battery enclosure; and
· Having the Battery serviced by a person or facility not authorized or certified to do so;
• Certain individual items associated with the vehicle, including, but not limited to the tires, Universal Mobile
Connector, High Power Wall Connector, and related charging adapters, which have separate warranties subject to
their own terms and conditions;
• Windshield or window glass that is broken, chipped, scratched, or cracked, other than as a result of a defect in
material or workmanship of a Tesla manufactured or supplied windshield or window glass;
• General appearance or normal noise and vibration, including, but not limited to, brake squeal, general knocks,
creaks, rattles, and wind and road vibration; and
• Maintenance services, including, but not limited to, the following:
· Standard 12 month or 12,000 mile service and diagnostics checks;
· Wheel alignment or balancing;
· Appearance care (such as cleaning and polishing); and
· Expendable maintenance items (such as wiper blades/inserts, brake pads/linings, filters, etc.).

Voided warranty
You are responsible for the proper operation and regular maintenance of the vehicle and for receiving and
maintaining detailed and accurate

• Vehicles that have been labeled or branded as dismantled, fire- damaged, flood-damaged, junk, rebuilt, salvage,
reconstructed, irreparable or a total loss; and
• Vehicles that have been determined to be a total loss by an insurance company.
Damages
TESLA HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO YOUR VEHICLE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM A TESLA SERVICE CENTER, LOSS OF VEHICLE VALUE, LOSS OF TIME,
LOSS OF INCOME, LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF PERSONAL OR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, INCONVENIENCE
OR AGGRAVATION, EMOTIONAL DISTRESS OR HARM, COMMERCIAL LOSS (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO LOST PROFITS OR EARNINGS), TOWING CHARGES, BUS FARES, VEHICLE RENTAL, SERVICE CALL
CHARGES, GASOLINE EXPENSES, LODGING EXPENSES, DAMAGE TO TOW VEHICLE, AND INCIDENTAL
CHARGES SUCH AS TELEPHONE CALLS, FACSIMILE TRANSMISSIONS, AND MAILING EXPENSES.
TESLA SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT DAMAGES IN AN AMOUNT THAT EXCEEDS THE FAIR
MARKET VALUE OF THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE CLAIM.
THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS SHALL APPLY WHETHER YOUR CLAIM IS IN CONTRACT,
TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE AND GROSS NEGLIGENCE), BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONDITION,
MISREPRESENTATION (WHETHER NEGLIGENT OR OTHERWISE) OR OTHERWISE AT LAW OR IN
EQUITY, EVEN IF TESLA IS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR SUCH DAMAGES
ARE REASONABLY FORESEEABLE. SOME STATES OR PROVINCES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION
OR LIMITATION OF INDIRECT, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE
ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE
To obtain warranty service, you must notify Tesla within the applicable warranty period, and deliver the vehicle, at
your expense, during regular business hours to a Tesla Service Center, or such other repair facility designated by
Tesla. The location of the nearest Tesla Service Center may be obtained by visiting Tesla Motors | Premium Electric Vehicles. The
location of Tesla Service Centers is subject to change at any time and without prior notice.
Please be prepared to provide the VIN, which is located on the upper dashboard on the driver’s side of the vehicle
and visible through the windshield and is also available on the vehicle registration and title documentation, vehicle
delivery date, current mileage and a description of the defect when you contact Tesla.
In the event of a change of your address, please contact Tesla at the address or phone number specified in the
section of this New Vehicle Limited Warranty titled “Who is the Warrantor?”.
Payment of tax for repairs
Some jurisdictions and/or local governments may require that tax be collected on warranty repairs. Where applicable
law allows, you are responsible for payment of these taxes.
Reasonable time for repairs
You must allow Tesla a reasonable time for completion of repairs and/or service. Upon notification by Tesla of the
completion of the vehicle repairs and/or service, you are responsible for immediately picking up the vehicle, at your
own expense.
Roadside assistance (North America)
Tesla provides complimentary roadside assistance emergency services, including towing services to the nearest
Tesla Service Center or your home provided they are within 50 miles (80 km) of your vehicle, for 4 years or 50,000
miles (80,000 km), whichever comes first, for vehicles covered by this New Vehicle Limited Warranty at the time of
the occurrence, subject
5​

called to the exclusions and limitations described in your Roadside Assistance
“Lemon Laws,” that provide you with
certain rights if you have documentation. You are responsible for any roadside assistance
problems with your new vehicle. These laws
vary depending on the state, emergency services for vehicles or repairs not covered by this New
province or territory. Your new vehicle and its
safety items comply with Vehicle Limited Warranty, which will have a minimum charge of US$300
applicable provincial and territorial motor
vehicle laws. or CAD$300, as applicable depending upon the location of the vehicle, and for any charges for
transportation beyond the first 50 miles (80 km). Roadside assistance is not provided under this New Vehicle Limited
Warranty but is a service intended to minimize inconvenience when your Tesla vehicle is inoperable. Please refer to
your Roadside Assistance documentation for details.
To the fullest extent allowed by the law of your jurisdiction, Tesla requires that you first provide Tesla, during the
applicable warranty period specified in this New Vehicle Limited Warranty, with written notification of any defects you
have experienced within a reasonable time to allow Tesla an opportunity to make any needed repairs, and to submit
to our dispute settlement program, before you pursue any remedy under these laws
Modifications and waivers
Please send your written notification to:
No person or entity, including, but not limited to, a Tesla employee or authorized representative, can modify or waive
any part of this New
Vehicles registered in the U.S.: Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Tesla may occasionally offer to pay a portion or
Tesla Motors, Inc. all of the cost of certain
repairs that are no longer covered by this New
3500 Deer Creek Road Vehicle Limited
Warranty for specific vehicle models, which some states
Palo Alto, California 94304 may refer to
as “adjustment programs.” In such circumstances, Tesla will notify all known registered owners of affected vehicles.
You may also
Attention: Vehicle Service
inquire to Tesla directly regarding the applicability of such programs, if any, to your vehicle. Tesla may also
occasionally offer to pay a portion or all of the cost of certain vehicle repairs that are no longer covered by this New
Vehicle Limited Warranty on a case by case or ad hoc basis. Tesla reserves the right to do the above and to make
changes to vehicles manufactured or sold by Tesla and the applicable warranties, at any time, without incurring any
obligation to make the same or similar payment or changes for vehicles Tesla previously manufactured or sold, or
applicable warranties including this New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Nothing herein shall imply that any Tesla vehicle
is free of defects.
WARRANTY ENFORCEMENT LAWS AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is the federal law which governs this New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Many
jurisdictions have laws, commonly
Vehicles registered in Canada: Tesla Motors Canada Inc . 50 Queen Street North, Suite 1020 Kitchener, Ontario N2H
6M2 Attention: Vehicle Service 1-877-79-TESLA (1-877-798-3752) 1-877-79-TESLA (1-877-779-3752)
Please include the following information:
• Your name and contact information;
• VIN;

• Name and location of the Tesla Store and/or Tesla Service Center nearest you;
• Vehicle delivery date;
• Current mileage;
• Description of the defect; and
• History of the attempts you have made with a Tesla Store or a Tesla representative to resolve the concern, or of any
repairs or services that were not performed by a Tesla Service Center or Tesla authorized repair facility.
6​

In the event any disputes, differences or controversies arise between you and Tesla related to this New Vehicle
Limited Warranty, Tesla will explore all possibilities for an amicable settlement. In case an amicable settlement is not
reached, Tesla offers a dispute settlement program through:
NATIONAL CENTER FOR DISPUTE SETTLEMENT (“NCDS”) P.O. Box 526 Mt. Clemens, MI 48046 1-866-629-3204
Tesla requires that you submit your dispute to our dispute settlement program and wait for a decision to be issued
prior to pursuing any remedy under federal or state laws (including 15 U.S.C. Section 2310 or California Civil Code
Section 1793.22(b)), although you may be entitled to pursue a remedy without submitting under certain state laws
or if you pursue any rights or remedies not created by these laws. This dispute settlement program administered by
NCDS is free of charge to you and is conducted by local NCDS professionals who are trained and experienced in
mediation and arbitration.
NCDS resolves disputes involving this New Vehicle Limited Warranty which arise during the applicable warranty
period specified in this New Vehicle Limited Warranty. However, NCDS will not arbitrate claims involving a
vehicle used primarily for commercial purposes unless the “Lemon Law” of your state covers (1) vehicles used for
commercial purposes or (2) claims that an air bag failed to deploy or deployed when it should not have. You must
file a request for arbitration with NCDS within 60 days (or 6 months in certain jurisdictions) of the expiration of the
applicable warranty period, provided you notified Tesla of the alleged defect was brought to the attention of Tesla or
one of its dealers during the applicable warranty period.
To initiate arbitration, you must contact NCDS at 1-866-629-3204 or P.O. Box 526, Mt. Clemens, MI 48046, and
complete an NCDS customer claim form and mail it to NCDS. Please also provide a copy of your written notification
sent to Tesla and/or all information required in such notification specified above, your desired resolution, and all
receipts if requesting reimbursement. Upon receipt of your request, NCDS will contact you
regarding the status of your case and provide you with additional details about the program.
When NCDS receives your request, it will be forwarded to Tesla for response. After analyzing all information
pertaining to your case, NCDS will schedule a technical evaluation if applicable. If you request it, an oral hearing
will be held prior to a decision being rendered. At this hearing, all evidence is admissible. After considering all
testimony and documents, the arbitrator will review the applicable legal standards and render a decision. A settlement
satisfactory to all parties may be negotiated at any time, including prior to or after the arbitrator’s decision.
NCDS’s decision is binding on Tesla but not on you. If you accept NCDS’s decision, Tesla will comply with the
decision in a reasonable time not to exceed 30 days after Tesla receives notice of your acceptance. Remedies
include but are not limited to repairs; reimbursement for repairs and incidental expenses, such as transporting costs;
and repurchase or replacement of your vehicle. NCDS decisions do not include attorney fees or punitive, multiple, or
consequential damages, except incidental damages as required by applicable law.
If you are not satisfied with the arbitrator’s decision or Tesla’s compliance, you may pursue any other legal remedies
available to you. NCDS findings and decisions are admissible as evidence in any legal proceedings concerning your
vehicle.
The description provided above is only a brief summary of the dispute settlement program administered by NCDS.
Customers with vehicles registered in Canada will be referred by NCDS to the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration
Program (“CAMVAP”) and subject to CAMVAP procedures and remedies, which will differ from those described
above. The dispute settlement program may be changed at any time without prior notice. Contact NCDS at the above
listed address or phone number for the most current information concerning the dispute settlement program.
7​

Edit: The original PDF link looks better than when I tried to save it locally (and attached here). Hrm. Looks like basically same content though, just formatting snafus.
 

Attachments

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Last edited:
Sometimes drivers need to ford water that is 1-2 feet deep. I was driving my Volt on a three lane interstate highway (not some backwoods path) during heavy rain. At a construction zone their was no shoulder or place to pull off, and traffic was backed up for about a mile due to a 1.5' stream of water, about 50' wide, crossing all three lanes. I had no choice but to slow to 2-5 mph and ford my brand new Volt. However I was confident both the car and I would survive, since GM required the Volt to pass their standard fording test. GM posted a video of this test, and the water almost came up to the bottom of the windows!

Now, I see that fording 1.5' of water will void the warranty on the Model S battery. This makes the financial risk of owning a Model S higher than it should be, in my opinion. I definately want Tesla certified fording capability in ver 2.0, similar to GM and other cars.

From the above PDF:

The following will also void this New Vehicle Limited Warranty:
• Vehicles that have been transported or driven outside the Tesla North America Warranty Region;
• Vehicles that have had the VIN defaced or altered or the odometer or other related system disconnected, altered or rendered inoperative so that it is difficult to determine the VIN number or actual mileage;
· Exposing the vehicle to ambient temperatures above 140°F (60°C) or below -22°F (-30°C) for more than 24 hours at a time;
· Physically damaging the Battery or intentionally attempting, either by physical means, programming, or other
methods, to extend (other than as specified in your owner documentation) or reduce the life of the Battery;
· Exposing the Battery to direct flame;
· Immersing any portion of the Battery in water or fluids;
· Opening the Battery enclosure; and
· Having the Battery serviced by a person or facility not authorized or certified to do so;


I am also concerned about exposure to temperatures below -30 C. Surely this will be OK as long as the car is plugged in. I think that the waranty should say so.

GSP
 
Something to keep in mind - when they say, "X will void the warranty", it does NOT mean that if you do X that Tesla will never fix anything on your car ever again. Any decision by Tesla to not warranty a specific repair must be tied to a specific act that is spelled out in the warranty. For instance, if you did ford the car and then the pano roof broke, they'd still have to fix it under warranty unless they could prove that it was the fording that broke the roof
 
Something to keep in mind - when they say, "X will void the warranty", it does NOT mean that if you do X that Tesla will never fix anything on your car ever again. Any decision by Tesla to not warranty a specific repair must be tied to a specific act that is spelled out in the warranty. For instance, if you did ford the car and then the pano roof broke, they'd still have to fix it under warranty unless they could prove that it was the fording that broke the roof

Sorry, how do you mean "ford the car". Do you mean immersing it in/under water?
 
Sorry, how do you mean "ford the car". Do you mean immersing it in/under water?

Best answer is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_(crossing)

I am sure that strider is correct and Tesla can not, and would not, void the warranty for the pano roof or anything else not harmed by crossing a stream. However, I would really like some reassurance that fording reasonable depths (1-2') will not damage the battery, motor, inverter, or anything else. And that if there was damage for some reason, then it would be covered under Tesla's warranty.

GSP
 
Best answer is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_(crossing)

I am sure that strider is correct and Tesla can not, and would not, void the warranty for the pano roof or anything else not harmed by crossing a stream. However, I would really like some reassurance that fording reasonable depths (1-2') will not damage the battery, motor, inverter, or anything else. And that if there was damage for some reason, then it would be covered under Tesla's warranty.

I haven't seen the GM test where the water came up to the windows (do you have a link?).

The standard water fording / water trough test the Volt went through seems to have about 1 foot of water at the deepest (the deepest test had water up to less than the center of the wheel hubs, which are about 13 inches tall, given it has P215/55R/17 tires).
http://www.greencarreports.com/news...ars-make-you-worry-about-toasters-in-bathtubs

The water chamber test done on the Volt is just a standard leak test to simulate rain (not the same as standing water):
http://www.gm-trucks.com/news/newmo...-takes-a-bath-in-gms-universal-water-chamber/
Tesla does a similar leak test on the Model S with ultrasonic waves (to save water):
Typical quality tests consist of a "rolling road" (a device that mimics driving on real streets), a water test to check for leaks, and an inspection station that ensures all components are installed to standard. Instead of wasting gallons of water to perform the leak test, we will instead employ ultrasonic waves inside the car as a device on the exterior detects escaping waves. With this scientific fluid ingress test system, we will save precious natural resources
http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/tesla-factory-birthplace-model-s

The Volt's warranty will not cover damage to the vehicle from water or fluids either (page 11):
What Is Not Covered
...
Damage Due to Accident, Misuse, or Alteration
...
Water or fluid contamination
...
Damage or Corrosion Due to Environment, Chemical Treatments, or Aftermarket Products
Damage caused by...water or flood...
http://www.chevrolet.com/content/dam/Chevrolet/northamerica/usa/nscwebsite/en/Home/Ownership/Manuals and Videos/02_pdf/2011_chevrolet_volt_warranty.pdf

Although in real life, it seems they are willing to make exceptions to the warranty:
My Volt was parked in an area that flooded yesterday with all of the rain. My Volt was parked on an angle with the front end submerged in approximately 12" of water at the front and 10.5" at the front wheels. The occasional car also drove through the water (which was at least 24" deep!) and sent waves up over the hood. My Volt was in water for 15-20 hours. GM has requested that I tow the Volt to a dealer so they can check all electrical connections that would have been submerged.
http://gm-volt.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-7892.html
From the same thread there's a claim that a Prius under water had to get its battery replaced.

In any case I would not recommend going through deep water with any car, if it can be avoided. There have been warranty claim issues even in less than a foot deep water, an example is this Jeep which went through 10 inches of water, got hydrolocked and Jeep refused to cover it under warranty despite advertising up to 30 inches of water fording at slow speed, since changed to 19 inches:
http://jalopnik.com/5697449/why-did-a-new-jeep-wrangler-die-in-ten-inches-of-water
I doubt most car companies will see 1-2 feet of water as a reasonable depth for a sedan, given even a trail rated SUV like the Jeep only covers about 1.5 ft of water fording.
 
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Battery Limited Warranty
Subject to the exclusions and limitations described in this New Vehicle Limited Warranty, the Battery Limited
Warranty covers the repair or replacement necessary to correct defects in the materials or workmanship of the
vehicle’s lithium-ion battery (“Battery”) manufactured or supplied by Tesla that occur under normal use for a period of
8 years or for the miles specified below for your vehicle’s Battery type, whichever comes first:
• 40 kWh - 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
• 60 kWh - 125,000 miles (200,000 km)
• 85 kWh - unlimited miles/km
The Battery, like all lithium-ion batteries, will experience gradual energy or power loss with time and use. Loss of
Battery energy or power over time or due to or resulting from Battery usage, is NOT covered under this New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. See your owner documentation for important information on how to maximize the life and capacity
of the Battery.

So according to the last sentence, how much of a loss of battery energy or power over time would not be considered "gradual energy or power loss" and therefore allow the user to make a claim against the Battery Limited Warranty? For example, would a 10% loss be enough and over how much elapsed time since taking possession - since there is also confounding gradual loss too?

In other words, besides a battery just dying on you which would be an obvious trigger of the warranty, how does one know if a "gradual" power loss in the battery is "normal" or is "significant enough" to fall under warranty? I.e. what is significant enough?
 
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If you spend some time reading the threads at Battery Discussion, you'll see that failure of cells/sheets in the battery have historically been covered by Tesla under warranty and is information that owners can pull from their car logs. This is different than gradual loss of power or energy.

It's a pretty black and white discussion.
 
In other words, besides a battery just dying on you which would be an obvious trigger of the warranty, how does one know if a "gradual" power loss in the battery is "normal" or is "significant enough" to fall under warranty? I.e. what is significant enough?
Like bonnie says, a sheet or cell dying will obviously trigger the warranty (even though it may not bring down the total pack capacity a huge percentage). If a sheet or cell dies, the battery monitor will see an immediate step loss in capacity (it should be able to also tell which sheet is the culprit), not a smooth (almost unnoticable) decline.

I don't think any manufacturer will put a set percentage for replacement because an unbalanced battery may also result in a significant but temporary decline in capacity (until you balance it again), looking at the Roadster Battery Study.

More details on the Roadster battery is here:
http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/show...ased-Study-of-Battery-Pack-Capacity-Over-Time

Battery degradation summary here:
http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/show...er-Time/page12?p=147929&viewfull=1#post147929
 
One to two feet of water is not a reasonable fording depth for any sedan. One to two inches (if that's what you meant) should be OK...

One to two feet is perfectly reasonable. In the Midwest, water doesn't drain into the soil very easily so when it rains the water often gets up to or a bit over curb height. Any car should be able to go through water like that because if not, you won't be able to make it to and from work on any rainy day--not a good situation.
 
I haven't seen the GM test where the water came up to the windows (do you have a link?).....

Thanks for all the great info! Interesting about the "trail-rated" Jeep.

Interesting thing about my experience was that I had no choice but to continue through the water, and I was driving on an interstate highway, the last place one would expect to have to ford a creek! The construction company was at fault, in my opinion.

Here is a link to GM's test:

Video Details

My Volt is doing fine over a year later, and I did not hear about any other cars being damaged either. There must have been several thousand cars forced to ford as I was.

GSP
 
Best answer is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_(crossing)

I am sure that strider is correct and Tesla can not, and would not, void the warranty for the pano roof or anything else not harmed by crossing a stream. However, I would really like some reassurance that fording reasonable depths (1-2') will not damage the battery, motor, inverter, or anything else. And that if there was damage for some reason, then it would be covered under Tesla's warranty.

GSP

The battery warranty is voided if the battery is "immersed" in water. At least some definitions of "immersed" mean "covered completely" and it's very unlikely that a court would void the warranty for fording a reasonable stream (12" seems reasonable to me for a sedan, but I am sure there are industry standards).

As a practical matter, I believe Tesla is referring to a flood event where the car gets flooded with water. When you are properly fording a stream a car will naturally make a wake, and turbulence will keep the water from really filling all the available space under the car. As long as you keep moving (and don't float), you should be fine. If you float, or stop the vehicle the water will work it's way into all available nooks and crannies, and you give it the opportunity to defeat the weather seals and get into the cabin. If that happens, you deserve to get your warranty voided.

I'd welcome hearing from a Tesla rep on this, but I seriously doubt that having your battery destroyed by water damage will be a serious issue going forward.
 
The battery warranty is voided if the battery is "immersed" in water. At least some definitions of "immersed" mean "covered completely" and it's very unlikely that a court would void the warranty for fording a reasonable stream (12" seems reasonable to me for a sedan, but I am sure there are industry standards).

As a practical matter, I believe Tesla is referring to a flood event where the car gets flooded with water. When you are properly fording a stream a car will naturally make a wake, and turbulence will keep the water from really filling all the available space under the car. As long as you keep moving (and don't float), you should be fine. If you float, or stop the vehicle the water will work it's way into all available nooks and crannies, and you give it the opportunity to defeat the weather seals and get into the cabin. If that happens, you deserve to get your warranty voided.

I'd welcome hearing from a Tesla rep on this, but I seriously doubt that having your battery destroyed by water damage will be a serious issue going forward.

I would bet that you are correct about submersion in a flood being much more damaging than fording an equal depth of water. Sounds like a reasonable interpretation of Tesla's warranty language as well.

GSP
 
One to two feet is perfectly reasonable. In the Midwest, water doesn't drain into the soil very easily so when it rains the water often gets up to or a bit over curb height. Any car should be able to go through water like that because if not, you won't be able to make it to and from work on any rainy day--not a good situation.

I don't think that "two feet" means what you think it means. 24" is higher than the tires are tall. Most cars will float in water that high.

In off roading applications you are generally considered safe in water that as is deep as your axles. But sedans aren't off road vehicles, and once you move up past 6"-8" you are in a danger zone (most bigger 4wd vehicles can go up to 18"-20" but can get swept away if the water is moving). I've personally seen a Chevy Malibu float by in water that was 20" deep. Anyone who drives a Model S into 24" of water deserves to get their warranty voided.

EDIT: FYI curb height is about 6" or so. I agree the Model S should be able to handle that. If you raise it up on the air suspension you are prolly ok in water that is 8"-10" deep and might be able to ford a standing puddle that is 12" deep, but the water would certainly ride up over the hood and possibly up your windshield as well. You'd look vaguely porpoise-like if you choose the Dolphin Grey.
 
One to two feet is perfectly reasonable. In the Midwest, water doesn't drain into the soil very easily so when it rains the water often gets up to or a bit over curb height. Any car should be able to go through water like that because if not, you won't be able to make it to and from work on any rainy day--not a good situation.

A typical curb is only about 6 inches high. 1-2 feet is 12 -24 inches high. 1 foot would reach about the wheel hub of a typical car and if you are wearing standard ~1 ft tall rain boots your feet would be wet. 2 feet would reach the top of the wheels (they would be completely immersed). I doubt you regularly have to ford water that high!

Here is a link to GM's test:
Video Details
That's the same water trough video I linked. The water at the highest point only went up to about 1 foot (can still see the wheel hubs in the side shot). The water spray in the front is misleading because that is just water displaced by the front belly pan and not the same as going through water that is actually at that height.

I think CapitalistOppressor makes a good point about fording water and a car sitting in a flooded area. Having the car sit gives the water the chance to seep in. When you ford water you create a wake of displaced water, so it has less chance of seeping in (depending on how long the flooded path is).

Looking specifically at the Model S, the ground clearance is 6 inches (7.3 inch maximum adjusted to the tallest height), battery pack height is about 4-5 inches. So you have about 10-11 inches before the battery is fully immersed (11.3-12.3 inches if you adjust the height).
 
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Good point about the water looking deeper at the front of the car. This is what stuck in my mind as I remembered the video and gingerly approached my forced march through the water.

GSP