Tesla Roadster Refund Fight: $50,000 Deposit Stuck for 8 Years
▼ Summary
– Tesla delayed the next-generation Roadster’s production by five years after unveiling it in 2017 and starting reservations with a planned 2020 release.
– Customers paid deposits ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, with some funds held by Tesla for up to eight years without vehicle delivery.
– Marques Brownlee described a difficult cancellation process involving no online option, unresponsive phone lines, and uninformed staff before finally securing a refund.
– Initially, Tesla only reimbursed $45,000 of Brownlee’s $50,000 deposit, but later sent the remaining $5,000 after an update.
– Elon Musk has repeatedly announced updated Roadster unveilings annually for the past five years, but none have occurred as promised.
For years, Tesla Roadster reservation holders have faced significant challenges attempting to reclaim hefty deposits placed on a vehicle that remains undelivered long past its original production timeline. The situation highlights ongoing frustrations with Tesla’s handling of high-value pre-orders for its next-generation electric sports car.
Initially presented to the public in 2017, the new Roadster immediately captured attention with its promised performance and design. Tesla began accepting reservations at that time, projecting a 2020 launch for the groundbreaking model. Prospective buyers committed substantial funds, with deposits ranging from $50,000 for standard reservations to $250,000 for the exclusive Founders Series. Eight years have now passed since reservations opened, and production has been delayed by five years beyond the original target, leaving customers in limbo.
Technology reviewer Marques Brownlee recently shared his personal experience with this prolonged waiting game. On his podcast, Brownlee revealed he ultimately decided to cancel his reservation after an eight-year period. He explained the reservation structure required an immediate $5,000 payment followed by a wire transfer of $50,000 within ten days, with the remaining balance due upon delivery for a total vehicle cost of $250,000. During those eight years, Tesla held his $50,000 deposit without delivering the product.
Complicating matters, Brownlee actually had two Roadsters in his Tesla account, one purchased through standard channels and another obtained through Tesla’s referral program. The company had previously offered incentives where customers could earn discounts or even free vehicles by referring new buyers. Brownlee’s referral achievements netted him one complimentary Roadster plus a second at half price, prompting him to place a reservation for the discounted vehicle.
The cancellation process proved remarkably difficult according to Brownlee’s account. The Tesla account interface showed no direct cancellation option for the Roadster reservation. Instead, selecting “manage” provided only contact information. Brownlee described calling repeatedly over several days, reaching only voicemail systems. When he finally connected with a representative, the sales staff member seemed unfamiliar with Roadster cancellation procedures but promised to handle the request.
After waiting without resolution, Brownlee placed another call. This second attempt eventually resulted in confirmation that his cancellation would be processed with reimbursement sent via mail. Surprisingly, Tesla initially indicated it would refund only $45,000 of the $50,000 deposit, withholding the initial $5,000 payment. Brownlee has since clarified that Tesla ultimately returned the full $50,000 deposit amount.
Current information about the Roadster’s status comes from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has promised an updated version unveiling by year’s end. This pattern of annual announcements without subsequent product releases has persisted for approximately five years, leaving many observers skeptical about the latest timeline. The extended delays and complicated refund processes have created substantial customer relations challenges for the electric vehicle manufacturer.
(Source: Electrek)