Bought a used Tesla from dealership months ago — still cannot transfer ownership in Tesla app
Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice because this situation has been dragging on for months with almost no real help from the dealership or Tesla support.
I bought a used 2024 Tesla Model Y from DTLA Audi in late January 2026. Since the purchase, I have NOT been able to properly transfer ownership in the Tesla app.
Because of this, I still cannot fully access Tesla ownership features/services tied to the vehicle.
Tesla support says there still appears to be an ownership/lien-related issue attached to the car. The dealership told me payoff processing was handled around March 2026, but the ownership transfer is STILL not resolved months later, which honestly makes no sense to me.
The most frustrating part is:
- the dealership has basically stopped cooperating,
- they keep redirecting me back to the salesperson,
- and I feel like I’m being pushed into solving backend/title issues that should not be my responsibility as the buyer.
Honestly, this feels like buying an iPhone but not having access to the App Store.
I legally purchased the vehicle, I possess the vehicle, and I have the purchase paperwork. I should not be expected to somehow track down or contact the previous owner myself just to resolve internal title/lien system problems.
I already emailed Tesla Finance directly and am currently waiting for a response.
My questions:
- Has anyone dealt with this kind of Tesla ownership transfer nightmare before?
- What actually fixes this situation?
- Is this usually a Tesla backend issue or dealership/title processing issue?
- Should I start speaking with a California consumer protection lawyer at this point?
I’m trying to stay patient and reasonable, but after months of this, it’s becoming extremely frustrating.
Any advice would really help. Thanks.
