Tesla Full Self-Driving in South Korea Draws Misleading-Sales Complaint
Summary
A South Korean advocacy group plans to file a complaint on Thursday accusing Tesla of misleading customers over Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software that most Teslas in the country cannot legally use. The group asks the Korea Fair Trade Commission to order Tesla to stop marketing the software for ineligible vehicles.
Key Highlights
- The complaint alleges Tesla misled tens of thousands of South Korean customers.
- FSD can be used on about 20% of Teslas registered in South Korea, those made in the US
- 99% of new Teslas sold in South Korea last year could not legally use FSD, per Tesla data
- The Korea Fair Trade Commission opened a probe earlier this year.
- Tesla did not respond to requests for comment.
What Happened?
Citizens United for Consumer Sovereignty plans to file the complaint on Thursday, November 5, according to a copy Reuters reviewed. It alleges Tesla marketed FSD to buyers for years, often collecting lump-sum payments of 9.043 million won ($6,726), while knowing the software could not legally run in most of its vehicles there. Tesla did not respond to requests for comment.
Why is it Important?
Tesla Korea manager Seo Young-deuk told parliament last month that FSD works on about 20% of Teslas registered in the country. Those cars were built in the US and meet safety standards recognised under a free trade agreement. China-made Teslas, which make up most of the market, have no such coverage. Tesla has sold more than 170,000 Shanghai-built cars in South Korea since 2023. Choi Young-suk, who leads automotive issues at the group, said Tesla sold an expensive driver-assistance system “to mass-market buyers who cannot use it for even a single day.”
Impact and Implications
The group wants a temporary cease-and-desist order, administrative fines and a referral to state investigators. A Korea Fair Trade Commission official confirmed an advertising probe and said Tesla has submitted written responses, but gave no further detail. The transport ministry told a lawmaker FSD does not meet local rules, including keeping hands on the wheel. A Seoul court last month dismissed a refund lawsuit from Tesla owners.
What Happens Next?
Tesla applied for certification two weeks after the October 8 hearing, where Seo said it had not formally requested testing. The outcome and the commission’s next step have not been reported.