Chinese Woman Ordered to Pay Tesla $23K After Faulty Brake Lawsuit Backfires

In a notable legal confrontation, Chinese citizen Zhang Yazhou was ordered to pay Tesla over $23,000 in damages after a court ruled against her defamation claims concerning an alleged brake failure in her Model 3 vehicle. The incident, which occurred in 2021, involved a collision that led to the hospitalization of Zhang’s parents. Zhang publicly accused Tesla of brake malfunctions, but the company refuted these allegations and pursued legal action for defamation. The court’s decision favored Tesla, mandating Zhang to compensate the company and issue a public apology.

This case underscores Tesla’s assertive legal approach in China, where it has frequently engaged in litigation against customers and journalists who voice criticisms. The company has achieved a high success rate in these defamation lawsuits, effectively deterring public dissent. Critics argue that such tactics may suppress legitimate consumer grievances and stifle free expression.

Zhang’s experience highlights the challenges consumers may face when disputing with influential corporations in China. Despite her efforts to seek redress through public protests and legal channels, the court’s ruling favored Tesla, reflecting the company’s significant influence within the Chinese legal system.

This incident raises broader questions about the balance of power between consumers and large corporations, as well as the potential implications for consumer rights and freedom of expression in China.