Tata Harrier EV Owner Wins Refund Relief After Repeated Vehicle Problems

Hyderabad: A district consumer commission has directed Tata Select Motors to take back a Tata Harrier EV and refund its price after deducting 10% depreciation, following repeated complaints involving the vehicle’s smart-key and central-locking systems. The commission also ordered compensation and costs totalling Rs 65,000 for the buyer.

The Tata Harrier EV Empowered + 75 APC was purchased on August 1, 2025, by M/s Refrigeration Equipment and Solutions, a partnership firm represented by partner Pawan Bagrecha, for Rs 27.98 lakh. The purchase was partly financed through a loan.

The consumer complaint stated that problems began within days of delivery. The vehicle allegedly failed to start and developed smart-key connectivity and central-locking issues. The complaint recorded four such incidents within a month and stated that the vehicle had also stopped midway on multiple occasions.

The dealer initially attributed the problem to a software glitch. Despite complaints and repairs, the buyer alleged that the issues continued and subsequently sought replacement of the vehicle.

The dealer disputed the allegations, maintaining that there was no established manufacturing defect supported by an expert or automobile engineer’s report. It also said it was an authorised dealer and service centre and that the manufacturer had not been made a party to the case.

The commission examined communications, job cards and the vehicle’s service history. It found that complaints regarding the smart key and central locking had been raised within days of purchase and had been acknowledged by the dealer. The records also showed starting difficulties and instances in which the vehicle stopped midway.

The commission held that the reported problems continued even after repairs and found deficiency in service. It rejected the argument that expert evidence was necessary in the circumstances, citing the service history and job cards submitted during the proceedings.

The consumer commission directed the dealer to refund the applicable amount after deducting 10% depreciation from Rs 26,64,761.90, against the return of the vehicle.

The buyer had sought Rs 10 lakh as compensation for mental agony and harassment and another Rs 10 lakh as punitive damages. The commission declined to grant punitive damages and instead awarded Rs 50,000 as compensation along with Rs 15,000 towards costs.

The commission noted that the vehicle had been purchased through a loan and said the buyer was entitled to reasonable compensation for the mental agony and financial hardship involved.

The order, passed on September 7, 2026, has to be complied with within 45 days. If the amount is not paid within that period, the refund will carry interest at 9% per annum from the date of the order until payment.