Tesla ordered to pay C$161,700 for Model X fire after failed 'vandalism' defense

A Quebec court rejected Tesla's bid to overturn a default judgment and ordered Tesla Canada to reimburse insurer Intact C$161,700 for a 2020 Model X that burned in Montreal. An expert report traced the fire to an electrical failure in the dashboard while the SUV was still under warranty.

• The fire occurred on March 5, 2023, about five minutes after the cabin heat was turned on
• Intact paid the owner C$161,700 and then sued Tesla Canada to recover the money
• The judge said Tesla blamed vandalism or misuse without relying on any data
• An expert report pointed to a premature electrical failure in the dashboard