Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 4 hrs ago
South Korean group plans complaint over Tesla FSD marketing
A South Korean consumer group plans to complain to the Korea Fair Trade Commission about Tesla’s marketing of Full Self-Driving, or FSD.
The group says Tesla promoted the driver-assistance software to buyers whose cars cannot legally use FSD in South Korea.
About 20% of Teslas registered in the country can use it, according to Tesla’s South Korean manager; most others were made in China and lack local approval.
Tesla sold FSD for a one-time fee of 9.043 million won before switching to a monthly subscription in August.
The group alleges Tesla did not clearly explain the limits, even as 99% of new Teslas sold last year were ineligible.
South Korea’s trade commission opened an investigation into Tesla’s advertising earlier in 2026 and has received written responses from the company.
Tesla has applied for certification for China-made cars, but the transport ministry says FSD does not meet some local safety rules, including keeping drivers’ hands on the wheel.
A South Korean consumer group plans to file a complaint accusing Tesla of marketing Full Self-Driving to buyers whose cars cannot legally use it.
The complaint is due to be filed with the Korea Fair Trade Commission on Nov. 5.
Tesla testimony indicates FSD can be used on about 20% of vehicles registered in South Korea, while 99% of new Teslas sold there in 2025 could not legally use it.
The group says Tesla promoted FSD without clearly explaining that most of its Korean-market vehicles were ineligible.
The KFTC said it opened an investigation into Tesla’s FSD advertising earlier in 2026.
- Who
- Citizens United for Consumer Sovereignty plans to complain about Tesla’s marketing.
- What
- The group alleges Tesla marketed FSD to customers whose vehicles cannot legally use it in South Korea.
- When
- The complaint is planned for Nov. 5. The group says the marketing continued for years.
- Where
- South Korea; the complaint is to be filed with the Korea Fair Trade Commission.
- Why
- Most Teslas sold in South Korea are made in China and lack the required local approval for FSD.
Citizens United for Consumer Sovereignty
Tesla
Marketing disclosure
Citizens United for Consumer Sovereignty
The group alleges Tesla did not clearly disclose that FSD could be used on only a small fraction of the Teslas it sold in South Korea.
Tesla
Tesla did not respond to requests for comment.
Eligibility
Citizens United for Consumer Sovereignty
The group says Tesla knew most China-made vehicles could not legally use FSD but continued marketing it to buyers.
Tesla
Tesla’s country manager said FSD could be used on about 20% of vehicles registered in South Korea.
Sales of China-made Teslas in South Korea grew more than fivefold.
Tesla Korea country manager Seo Young-deuk told a parliamentary hearing that Tesla had not formally requested FSD testing.
Tesla applied for FSD certification.
Tesla shifted FSD from a one-time payment to a monthly subscription of 150,000 won.
Citizens United for Consumer Sovereignty plans to file its complaint with the KFTC.
- Eligible vehicles
- About 20% of Teslas registered in South Korea, according to Tesla Korea country manager Seo Young-deuk
- Ineligible new sales
- 99% of new Teslas sold in South Korea in 2025, according to data Tesla submitted to the National Assembly
- China-made vehicles
- More than 170,000 Shanghai-produced Teslas sold in South Korea since 2023
- Former FSD price
- 9.043 million won for a one-time payment
- Monthly subscription
- 150,000 won, introduced in August
- Regulator
- Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC)
3 sources
What people are saying
Tesla generated substantial revenue by selling an expensive driver-assistance system to mass-market buyers who cannot use it for even a single day
Tesla generated substantial revenue by selling an expensive driver-assistance system to mass-market buyers who cannot use it for even a single day