Costel Bodnar has taken legal action against a major electric vehicle manufacturer, alleging that the company failed to uphold its warranty obligations on a recently purchased vehicle. The complaint was filed by Bodnar in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, on October 29, 2024, naming Tesla, Inc. as the defendant.
According to the complaint, Costel Bodnar, a resident of San Francisco, purchased a new Tesla Model Y Long Range on December 25, 2022. The vehicle came with an express warranty from Tesla promising that it would be free from defects and that any issues would be repaired during the warranty period. However, Bodnar claims that the car was delivered with significant defects and developed further problems over time. These included structural, electrical, and safety issues which allegedly impaired the use and value of the vehicle.
Bodnar's lawsuit is based on alleged violations of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. This California law provides protections for consumers who purchase defective goods. The plaintiff asserts that Tesla breached both express and implied warranties under this act by failing to repair or replace the defective vehicle after multiple attempts. "Defendant was unable to conform Plaintiff's vehicle to the applicable express warranty after a reasonable number of repair attempts," states the complaint.
The lawsuit seeks several forms of relief from Tesla. Bodnar is asking for rescission of the purchase contract and restitution for all expenses incurred due to the faulty vehicle. Additionally, he demands compensation for incidental and consequential damages as well as a civil penalty amounting to twice his actual damages due to what he claims is Tesla’s willful non-compliance with its legal obligations. The suit also requests coverage for attorney fees and other costs associated with pursuing this legal action.
Representing Costel Bodnar in this case is Leon Tao from LR Law Firm. As per court records, Judge Sahar Enayati has been assigned to oversee proceedings under Case No: CGC-24-619343.