Tesla Canada ordered to pay $161,700 after Model X fire in Montreal

Tesla Canada has been ordered to reimburse insurer Intact $161,700 over a 2020 Model X that caught fire in Montreal, according to the Quebec Superior Court decision released October 9, 2026.

Sacha De Santis was driving the Model X in Ahuntsic-Cartierville around 1 a.m. on March 5, 2023 when he noticed a smell of smoke from inside the vehicle shortly after switching on the heat. He stopped, left the car, and within about five minutes it was engulfed in flames and declared a total loss. A 2023 police investigation found no sign of a crime.

Court ruling

Intact paid $161,700 for the write-off and sued Tesla Canada, arguing the Model X was still covered by Tesla’s basic vehicle warranty, which provides coverage for four years or 80,000 kilometres. An expert report presented to Quebec Superior Court indicated the fire originated near the passenger-side dashboard, with a premature electrical failure considered the probable cause.

During proceedings, a Tesla employee suggested vehicle fires were generally associated with misuse or deliberate damage. Justice Ian Demers rejected Tesla’s application to overturn the default judgment Intact had secured in June, finding the company failed to provide supporting evidence or raise a sufficiently credible defence.

The ruling turned down Tesla’s bid to overturn a default judgment; it was not a full trial on the cause of the fire. Tesla Canada has not publicly commented on the ruling, and the period for filing an appeal had not expired at the time of publication.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.