Here's Everything You Need To Know About Tesla's Return Policy In 2021

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Here's Everything You Need To Know About Tesla's Return Policy In 2021
Tesla used to tell its customers that their vehicles could be returned after seven days if unsatisfied; that is no longer the case.

BY KENNY NORMANPUBLISHED 11 HOURS AGO


In October 2020, Tesla, known for their Roadster and Cybertruck, discreetly made a bold move by canceling their seven-day return policy and not updating their website with a replacement. As of 2021, it is unclear what the updated return policy will be, or if there even will be one at all. Further, Tesla also removed their entire public relations department a few days earlier, so any future news will not have the option of requesting clarification or commentary.

No explanation was given for either the removal of the return policy or the dismantling of the public relations department. While other options are available for drivers who require assistance or would consider a return, none of these options is an official substitute for a return policy.

No Longer A One-Week Return Policy
via Tesla Motors Club

Tesla used to tell its customers that their vehicles could be returned after seven days if unsatisfied; that is no longer the case. The previous return policy existed for quite some time. However, it simply vanished without warning in October 2020.

The automobile manufacturer also made headlines a week earlier by decreasing the price of the Model S. Using that tactic as a distraction to divert consumer attention, Tesla then quietly removed their long-standing return policy while everyone was focused elsewhere. The seven-day return policy was introduced in 2019 with the arrival of Tesla's Model 3.


The policy informed owners they could return their Tesla vehicle within seven days of purchase if unsatisfied, as long as the odometer was under 1,000 miles, no damage was visible, and nothing had been done to void the warranty. The former return policy page on Tesla's website is now redirecting visitors to its main support page.

The Public Relations Department Has Been Destroyed
via Inside EVs

Days before the announcement regarding return policy was made, Tesla decided to eliminate its public relations department, thereby making it increasingly difficult to verify both the cancellation of the previous return policy and the existence of a new one.

The public relations department was formerly in charge of fielding requests for comment regarding Tesla's news, such as its return policy change. As of April 2021, no reason has been given for why the policy was removed, nor was there ever a publicly stated formal explanation as to why Tesla removed its public relations team. While Tesla was never overt with its media relations, with the removal of the public relations department, Tesla will now be even quieter than it was before.
The policy informed owners they could return their Tesla vehicle within seven days of purchase if unsatisfied, as long as the odometer was under 1,000 miles, no damage was visible, and nothing had been done to void the warranty. The former return policy page on Tesla's website is now redirecting visitors to its main support page.


Of course, with no public relations team, it is ironically difficult to even have a professional contact to verify the news of the department's elimination to the media. In other words, there's no PR person to tell the media that there are no PR people at Tesla anymore.

However, there is one twist: Tesla has chosen to keep its European and Asian PR departments intact for the time being. Any further news from Tesla will no longer have the option to field requests for comment.

Is There Any Return Policy?


At this point, it is unclear if there even is a return policy anymore, much less what it is. No replacement return policy has been installed once the old one was removed; as mentioned before, the former page on the website has been redirected to the main support page. It's of note that Tesla has done a few things to assist drivers that may have considered a return, so those affected at least have other options available.


Tesla is at least designed for minimal maintenance and service appointments can be scheduled in the Tesla app, both of which are strategies designed to smooth over the lack of overt return policy. Used Model S or Model X cars that drivers bought directly from Tesla will still have coverage through their extended warranty.

Unfortunately, this does not change the fact that, with the removal of the seven-day return policy, all Tesla sales are now final.

Talk To Customer Service

Should Tesla customers decide they are unsatisfied, they have been told to contact customer service. New owners seeking returns will now be automatically redirected to Tesla's service department, which is hardly forthcoming, spelled out, or overt about driver's options or resolutions.


With a company like Tesla, which operates their business in a fairly nontraditional way, such as foregoing dealerships and selling directly to consumers, having a streamlined and simple return process was one aspect that gave drivers a sense of safety and security.

Tesla has a tendency to avoid using any traditional channels of communication for marketing and brand promotion, relying mainly on its CEO Elon Musk's Twitter account.

Sources: cnet.com, tesla.com, auto.hindustantimes.com, carsdirect.com,

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