**Brisbane Law Firm Initiates Class Action Against Tesla Over Safety Concerns**
JGA Saddler, a law firm based in Brisbane, has launched a class action lawsuit against Tesla, claiming that the company’s semi-autonomous driving modes have endangered Australian drivers. The lawsuit highlights incidents of “phantom braking,” where vehicles unexpectedly decelerate as if responding to an emergency, despite the absence of any actual danger.
Rebecca Jancauskas, a director at JGA Saddler, stated, “Imagine driving on the motorway in your advanced electric vehicle with cruise control or Autopilot activated, and suddenly the brakes engage for no reason. This alarming situation could frighten you and your passengers and potentially lead to serious injuries or fatalities if an accident occurs.”
The firm also contends that Tesla vehicles often fail to achieve even 75% of their advertised range, and that customers have invested over $5,000 in premium automated features that have not been realized. “Tesla made commitments regarding the safety, performance, and features of their vehicles, including ‘full self-driving,’ but it seems many of these assurances are not being met,” Jancauskas added. “We hope this lawsuit emphasizes the necessity for all electric vehicle manufacturers to be honest in their marketing, fulfill their promises, and ensure their products are safe and dependable.”
Any Australian who purchased or leased a Model Y or Model 3 manufactured from 2021 onwards is eligible to participate in the class action. According to data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries and the Electric Vehicle Council, Tesla sold over 100,000 vehicles directly to Australian consumers between 2021 and 2024.
This legal action arises amid growing scrutiny of Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, who has faced criticism for his political actions and statements. Some Tesla owners have expressed regret over their support for Musk, with reports of high-profile customers switching to other brands.
While Tesla remains the leading manufacturer of plug-in battery-powered vehicles in Australia, it has encountered ongoing controversies surrounding its Autopilot system, which led to the recall of more than 2 million vehicles in 2023 after a U.S. safety agency deemed the system unsafe. Tesla vehicles are equipped with “Basic Autopilot,” which manages steering within a lane, maintains speed, and applies brakes as necessary. This feature is reportedly linked to the “phantom braking” incidents that Tesla users have documented online since 2016.
