Hyderabad consumer commission orders Tata Select Motors to refund Harrier EV cost
Hyderabad: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-I, Hyderabad, has directed Tata Select Motors to refund the cost of a Tata Harrier EV Empowered + 75 APC after finding persistent problems with the vehicle’s starting, locking and drive systems. The commission also awarded Rs 50,000 as compensation for deficiency in service and mental agony and Rs 15,000 towards litigation costs.
The order in C.C. No. 197/2025 was pronounced on September 7, 2026, by a bench comprising president B Uma Venkata Subba Lakshmi, who authored the order, and members C Lakshmi Prasanna and B Raji Reddy. The complaint was filed by Refrigeration Equipment and Solutions, represented by its partner Pawan Bagrecha, against Tata Select Motors.
Vehicle developed problems soon after purchase
The complainant said it purchased the electric SUV on August 1, 2025, for a total consideration of Rs 27,98,000, inclusive of CGST and SGST at 2.5% each, with part of the purchase financed through a loan hypothecated with Kotak Mahindra Prime Ltd. The vehicle was used by the firm’s partners for commuting to work.
According to the complaint, the vehicle began developing problems within days of delivery. The smart key and central locking system allegedly malfunctioned on four occasions within a month, including instances when the vehicle failed to recognise the key and left the users stranded in traffic. The complainant said the dealer initially described the problem as a software glitch and that a supervisor sent during a subsequent breakdown could not resolve it. Though the dealer acknowledged the smart-key out-of-range issue by email on August 21, 2025, the complainant alleged that the problem continued. It sought replacement of the vehicle, besides refund of Rs 29,29,395, Rs 10 lakh compensation, Rs 10 lakh punitive damages and litigation costs.
Dealer denied manufacturing defect
Tata Select Motors denied the allegations and said the complaint was misconceived and lacked a cause of action. It contended that it was only an authorised dealer and servicing facility, not the manufacturer, and that the manufacturer had not been impleaded. The dealer also argued that there was no expert, automobile engineer or laboratory report establishing a manufacturing defect.
It maintained that service requests were attended to promptly, the software issue was resolved through an update and the lock was replaced under warranty.
The commission, however, relied on job cards and service history records covering August 2025 to February 2026. Entries including “unable to lock/unlock”, “starting problems”, “EV not starting” and “drive mode malfunction” were recorded as old issues. It held that the recurring problems, documented even after repairs and after filing of the complaint, established the defect and deficiency in service. The commission also held that expert evidence was unnecessary in the circumstances.
Dealer directed to refund vehicle cost
The commission rejected the dealer’s attempt to avoid liability on the ground that it was not the manufacturer. It noted that the sale was executed by the dealer and that Tata Select Motors had not produced documents showing its relationship or agreement with the manufacturer or the vehicle’s delivery date from the manufacturer.
The complaint was accordingly allowed in part. Tata Select Motors was directed to refund the vehicle cost after deducting 10% depreciation from the base vehicle price of Rs 26,64,761.90, excluding taxes and extra expenses. The complainant must return the vehicle and assist with transfer or cancellation of its registration.
The dealer was also directed to pay Rs 50,000 as compensation and Rs 15,000 towards litigation costs. The directions are to be complied with within 45 days of receipt of the order. In case of default, the refund amount will carry interest at 9% per annum from September 7, 2026, until payment.
