Tesla Ordered to Buy Back Model S Plaid After Brake Failure at Track Event
Norwegian Court Rules in Consumer’s Favor
A court in Oslo, Norway, has ordered Tesla to repurchase a Model S Plaid following a critical brake failure during its first lap at a track day event.
The decision stems from a legal challenge under Norway’s Consumer Protection Act, where the owner alleged Tesla’s marketing misrepresented the vehicle’s track-readiness.
What Went Wrong at Rudskogen Circuit
At Rudskogen Motorcenter, known for its demanding layout and elevation changes, the Tesla encountered a brake overheating error message entering turn one, immediately following the warm-up lap. According to the driver, the stock brakes “are horrible, inadequate, and downright dangerous for any type of track driving”. Independent testing by a Norwegian car club confirmed repeated failures even with an experienced track driver behind the wheel.
Misleading Marketing vs Safety Reality
Tesla’s promotional materials feature the Model S Plaid navigating racetracks confidently, implying it can sustain high-performance driving repeatedly. However, internal warnings in the Model S Plaid system indicate brake temperatures rising, and Tesla has often advised users to upgrade to the carbon-ceramic brake kit for serious track use.
Legal Implications for Tesla
The Oslo District Court concluded that Tesla's advertising breached Norway's consumer protection laws by overstating the car’s track performance, given the failure of its standard braking system under real-world conditions. Despite Tesla arguing that buyers could select a high-performance brake upgrade, the court found the standard package did not live up to advertised claims.
Brake Safety Concerns: A Broader Look
Stock Brakes Are Designed for Road Use Only
Independent brake stress tests revealed that, under repeated 100 mph deceleration, the stock Model S Plaid brakes began to fade after five laps. By the eighth slippery test, temperatures soared and flames were spotted near the rotor, reaching nearly 950°F (510 °C). Tesla has released an optional $20,000 carbon-ceramic brake package intended to fix these shortcomings.
Enthusiast Feedback Supports Safer Upgrades
Forums like Tesla Motors Club feature numerous accounts from Model S Plaid owners and experts emphasizing brake limitations. One user called the OEM brakes “terrible” for even mild track use and urged the carbon-ceramic upgrade for sustained performance.
Why This Case Matters
This legal outcome represents a landmark consumer protection victory, spotlighting the gap between Tesla’s high-performance marketing and the limitations of stock hardware. Although Tesla now provides a braking upgrade for track enthusiasts, the court ruled that a vehicle marketed for racetrack use must meet advertised standards without requiring optional hardware at steep cost.
Recommendations for Model S Plaid Owners
Use only as street vehicle unless upgraded
Install Tesla’s OEM carbon‑ceramic track package for safe, repeated track activity
Monitor brake warnings closely during performance use
Regularly upgrade brake fluid and cooling systems if using the vehicle on track
In The Last..............
Tesla's ordered buyback of the Model S Plaid highlights a critical caution: even the fastest EV in the world has limitations when hardware doesn’t match promotional claims. Owners considering track use must invest in proper braking upgrades. This verdict not only restores consumer rights but may signal stronger oversight of automakers’ marketing practices in the EV era.
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