A Hyderabad consumer commission has directed a Tata Motors dealership to take back a Tata Harrier EV and refund the customer after the electric SUV reportedly developed repeated technical problems soon after purchase. The case involved a Harrier EV purchased for nearly Rs 28 lakh, with the consumer alleging that the vehicle continued to malfunction despite several visits to the service centre.
Harrier EV Developed Problems Soon After Purchase
M/s Refrigeration Equipment and Solutions, a Hyderabad-based partnership firm, purchased a Tata Harrier EV Empowered variant with a 75 kWh battery on August 1, 2025.
According to the complaint, problems began shortly after the vehicle was delivered. The SUV reportedly experienced starting failures, smart-key problems and repeated issues with the central locking system.
The owner also alleged that the vehicle stopped unexpectedly while being driven, leaving the occupants stranded on multiple occasions.
Repeated Repairs Failed To Resolve The Issues
The vehicle was taken to the authorised service centre several times after the problems emerged. The dealer reportedly attributed the starting issue to a software glitch and attempted repairs.
The smart-key and central-locking problems were also addressed, including replacement of the central locking system under warranty. However, according to the consumer’s complaint and service records examined by the commission, similar problems continued to appear.
The repeated failures eventually led the customer to approach the consumer commission seeking a refund.
Consumer Sought Nearly Rs 30 Lakh
The consumer had sought a refund of Rs 29,29,395 along with Rs 10 lakh in compensation for the alleged mental harassment and inconvenience caused by the vehicle’s repeated failures.
The dealership opposed the complaint and argued that there was no deficiency in its service. It also pointed out that it was an authorised dealer rather than the vehicle manufacturer and argued that the manufacturer had not been made a party to the case.
Consumer Commission Orders Refund
After examining the service records and other evidence, the Hyderabad District Consumer Commission concluded that the repeated problems could not be treated as an isolated issue.
The commission directed the dealership to take back the vehicle and refund its purchase price after applying a 10% depreciation deduction. It also awarded Rs 50,000 as compensation and Rs 15,000 towards litigation expenses.
The commission rejected the customer’s demand for Rs 10 lakh in compensation, considering it excessive.
Dealer Given 45 Days To Pay
The dealership has been given 45 days to comply with the order. If the payment is not made within that period, the amount will attract interest at 9% annually from the date of the order until payment.
The case is significant because the consumer commission held the dealership responsible for the service-related deficiency despite arguments that the manufacturer was responsible for the vehicle itself.
The order, however, concerns this specific consumer dispute and does not amount to a recall or finding that all Tata Harrier EVs have the same problems.
Summary
A Hyderabad consumer commission has ordered a Tata dealership to take back a Harrier EV and refund the buyer after repeated starting, smart-key and central-locking problems continued despite repairs. The customer purchased the electric SUV for nearly Rs 28 lakh. The commission also awarded Rs 50,000 compensation and Rs 15,000 in litigation costs.
