Tata Harrier EV owner faces multiple breakdowns, gets Rs 27.98 lakh refund

New Delhi: A consumer commission in Hyderabad has directed Tata Select Motors to take back a Tata Harrier EV and refund its purchase price after deducting 10 per cent depreciation, following complaints that the electric SUV repeatedly developed smart-key connectivity and central-locking problems.

The Hyderabad district consumer commission also awarded Rs 50,000 as compensation and Rs 15,000 towards litigation costs to the buyer. However, it rejected the complainant's demand for punitive damages.

The order was passed on September 7, 2026.

According to the commission order, M/s Refrigeration Equipment and Solutions, a partnership firm represented by partner Pawan Bagrecha, purchased a Tata Harrier EV Empowered + 75 APC from Tata Select Motors on August 1, 2025, for Rs 27.98 lakh. The purchase was partly financed through a loan.

The complainant alleged that problems began within days of taking delivery. The vehicle reportedly failed to start and developed issues involving the smart key and central locking system.

According to the complaint, the problem occurred four times within a month, with the vehicle also stopping midway on multiple occasions. The dealer allegedly attributed the initial failure to a software glitch.

The buyer later sought replacement of the vehicle, claiming that the problems persisted despite repeated complaints and repairs.

The dealer denied any deficiency in service and argued that the complainant had failed to establish a manufacturing defect through an expert or automobile engineer's report.

It also contended that it was only an authorised dealer and service centre and that the vehicle manufacturer had not been made a party to the case.

The dealer maintained that it had responded promptly to the complaints, resolved the software-related issue through an update and replaced the lock under warranty.

The complainant had sought a refund of Rs 29,29,395, along with Rs 10 lakh as compensation for mental agony and harassment. Another Rs 10 lakh was sought as punitive damages over alleged gross negligence and unfair trade practices.

The commission, however, directed the dealer to take back the vehicle and refund its price after deducting 10 percent towards depreciation. It additionally awarded Rs 50,000 in compensation and Rs 15,000 towards costs.

The commission did not grant the punitive damages sought by the complainant.

Tata Harrier.ev: Price, range and features

The Tata Harrier.ev is Tata Motors' flagship electric SUV and is priced from Rs 21.49 lakh ex-showroom. Built on the company's acti.ev architecture, it is available with 65kWh and 75kWh battery options.

The 65kWh rear-wheel-drive version has a claimed MIDC range of 538km, while the 75kWh RWD variant offers up to 627km. The 75kWh QWD version has a claimed range of 622km.

The top-end QWD variant uses two electric motors, producing 158PS at the front and 238PS at the rear, with 504Nm of cumulative torque. Tata claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.3 seconds. The variant also gets six terrain modes and an Off-Road Assist mode.

Inside, the Harrier.ev features a 14.5-inch touchscreen, Level 2 ADAS, a 10-speaker JBL audio system, UPI payment functionality and a rear-seat Boss Mode. It also supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) power-sharing functions.

Tata says its fast-charging system can add up to 250km of range in 15 minutes.

The electric SUV has also secured a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, scoring 32 out of 32 for adult occupant protection and 45 out of 49 for child occupant protection.