If you bought an early Tesla in California with free lifetime Supercharging, this settlement is open right now with a deadline just days away. Here is what it pays and how to file.
Tesla Settlement Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Case | Shenkman v. Tesla, Inc. |
| What it’s about | Idle fees charged to owners with free lifetime Supercharging, and Supercharger access disabled over unpaid fees |
| Eligible vehicles | Purchase agreement described as “Supercharger Enabled,” “Supercharger Hardware,” or “Supercharger Hardware & Access,” received before December 16, 2016 |
| Geographic scope | California residents only |
| Idle fee refund | 100% of idle fees actually paid, through the settlement date |
| Access disabled under 30 days | $50 cash payment |
| Access disabled 30+ consecutive days | $350 cash payment |
| No longer own the vehicle | $10 flat payment |
| Claim / opt out / objection deadline | September 25, 2026 |
| Final approval hearing | December 2, 2026 |
| Administrator | Tesla Idle Fee Class Action Settlement, P.O. Box 25226, Santa Ana, CA 92799-9958 |
What Was This Settlement About?
Some early Tesla buyers received free lifetime Supercharging as part of their purchase. The lawsuit alleged Tesla later charged these owners idle fees, per-minute penalties for leaving a vehicle plugged in after charging finishes, despite their free lifetime Supercharging agreements, and that Tesla disabled or threatened to disable Supercharger access for owners who did not pay. Plaintiffs argued this violated the original purchase agreements. Tesla denies any wrongdoing and agreed to settle to avoid continued litigation.
Who Qualifies?
You are generally a class member if you meet all of the following:
- You received an eligible Tesla vehicle in California before December 16, 2016
- You continued to own the vehicle after that date
- You were a California resident as of June 21, 2021
- Your Motor Vehicle Purchase Agreement described the vehicle as “Supercharger Enabled,” “Supercharger Hardware,” or “Supercharger Hardware & Access”
This settlement is limited to California residents. It does not cover Tesla owners in other states, even if they received similar free lifetime Supercharging offers.
What Can You Actually Claim?
If You Still Own the Vehicle
- A full refund of all Supercharger idle fees you actually paid, through the settlement date, based on Tesla’s own records
- $50 if your Supercharger access was disabled for less than 30 days due to unpaid idle or other fees
- $350 if your Supercharger access was disabled for 30 or more consecutive days
- Tesla will not disable your access going forward for pre-settlement fees, will restore access if it was previously disabled, and will waive any unpaid idle fees through the settlement date
If You No Longer Own the Vehicle
You can still receive a $10 cash payment by submitting a valid claim form and attesting that you were a class member.
If you owned more than one eligible Tesla, you must submit a separate claim for each vehicle.
How to File a Claim
- Online: through the official settlement website’s claim form
- By mail: download and complete a paper form, then mail it to the settlement administrator at the address above
Online claims must be submitted by September 25, 2026. Mailed claims must be postmarked by the same date. The deadline to exclude yourself or object to the settlement is also September 25, 2026.
When Will Payments Be Sent?
The Final Approval Hearing is scheduled for December 2, 2026 in Oakland. The settlement administrator is expected to distribute payments approximately 60 days after the court grants final approval and resolves any appeals. Our guide on how long it takes to get paid after a class action settlement covers what can extend that timeline.
Note: This Settlement Does Not Stop Future Idle Fees
The settlement resolves claims about fees charged before the settlement date. It does not prevent Tesla from assessing or collecting idle fees going forward. If you currently have free lifetime Supercharging, this settlement addresses past disputes, not your ongoing obligations under Tesla’s current idle fee policy.
Is This Settlement Legitimate?
Yes. It is a real class action settlement with a court-authorized website. File only through the official settlement portal, and be wary of any third party asking for a fee to “process” your claim. See our guide on class action settlement scams for how these impersonation attempts typically work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tesla idle fee settlement still open?
Yes, as of this writing. The deadline to file is September 25, 2026.
Does this settlement cover Tesla owners outside California?
No. Eligibility is limited to California residents who met the settlement’s specific criteria.
What if I have more than one eligible Tesla?
Submit a separate claim for each vehicle you owned that meets the eligibility criteria.
What if I sold my Tesla before the settlement?
You can still file a claim for a $10 flat payment by attesting that you were a class member at the relevant time.
Will Tesla stop charging idle fees because of this settlement?
No. The settlement resolves past claims and waives certain unpaid fees for current class members, but it does not change Tesla’s ability to charge idle fees going forward.
Bottom Line
The Tesla idle fee settlement is open now, with a deadline of September 25, 2026. Eligible California owners can recover idle fees they paid, plus $50 or $350 if their Supercharger access was disabled, or $10 if they no longer own the vehicle. File before the deadline through the official settlement website. For other settlements currently accepting claims, see our open class action settlements list.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Settlement terms and deadlines are set by the court and the claims administrator and can change. Always verify current details on the official settlement website before filing.
