Category Archives: Tesla Motors

News about Tesla Motors automobile manufacturer. News about Tesla Motors recalls, technical service bulletins (TSB), and problems regarding Tesla Motors vehicles.

Potential Shock Hazard From Tesla Charger Adapter

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If you are a Tesla owner and you have a Lectron Vortex Tesla Supercharger (NACS) to Combined Charging System (CCS) adapters in your vehicle, you may be contacted by Dropcases Ltd., regarding a potential problem affecting the safety of your charging system.

Some NACS to CCS adapters may not securely latch to the charger. An unsecured adapter may be disconnected without shutting off the charger power, increasing the risk of an electrical shock.

Dropcases LTD, the manufacturer of the adapters, became aware of the the problem in April 2024 when they saw a YouTube video showing a customer who was unable to latch their charging unit to a Tesla Supercharger. Dropcases LTD contacted the user, requesting the return of the adapter for evaluation and an internal investigation was initiated. It was determined that an error in the supplier’s processes resulted in a limited number of non-conforming units being shipped to customers, specifically within the first 1,121 units. Out of an abundance of caution, Dropcases LTD chose to recall the part.

According to the defect report, the adapters affected include certain Vortex Plug Tesla Supercharger to CCS Adapter 500A / 1,000V. The adapter enables charging at Tesla Supercharger stations for non-Tesla CCS1 electric vehicles. The issue affects the NACS latching mechanism on certain adapters.

Some units feature a latch pin that deviates from the intended design, impacting secure locking of the charger coupler. If the adapter does not latch securely, the charger coupler can potentially be forcibly removed by the user without depressing the NACS latch. If the adapter does not securely latch and a user attempts to disconnect it from the charger without releasing the NACS latch and cutting power from the charging station, there is a heightened risk of an electrical event, which could increase the risk of injury.

Dropcases Limited will be sending owners notification letters with instructions on how to get the adapter replaced. These letters are expected to be mailed May 3, 2024. NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E-033.

Tesla “Warning Lights” Safety Problem

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Tesla, the renowned electric vehicle manufacturer, has initiated a comprehensive recall affecting a wide range of its vehicles, spanning from 2012 to 2024 models, due to a problem that compromises the visibility of critical safety information on the instrument panel. This recall specifically targets owners of the 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and the 2024 Cybertruck. The core issue revolves around the display of crucial safety information, which could be obscured due to an incorrect font size, potentially hampering the driver’s ability to stay informed about the vehicle’s safety status.

The problem came to Tesla’s attention in January 2024 during a routine compliance audit that involved a 2023 Tesla Model Y. It was then that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) alerted Tesla to the non-compliance of the vehicle with specific regulatory standards regarding the letter font size height, as stipulated in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No. 135, specifically section S5.5.5(a). This prompted Tesla to conduct an exhaustive review of its manufacturing and software records, leading to the decision to issue a recall.

Since identifying the issue on January 24, 2024, Tesla has uncovered three warranty claims potentially linked to this problem, underscoring its prevalence and significance. Despite these findings, Tesla has reported no known crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this condition, highlighting the company’s proactive approach in addressing potential safety concerns.

The defect pertains to the display of the brake, park, and antilock brake system (ABS) warning lights on the instrument panel. The font size used for these crucial warning indicators was found to be below the minimum requirements set forth by federal motor vehicle safety standards concerning hydraulic and electric brake systems, as well as light vehicle brake systems. This non-compliance could potentially obscure critical safety warnings, posing a risk to drivers and passengers alike.

In response to this issue, Tesla has initiated an over-the-air (OTA) software update, specifically designed to correct the font size of the Brake, Park, and ABS visual warning indicators. The update ensures that the letter font size is increased to not less than 3.2 mm (1/8 inch), aligning with the requirements of FMVSS Nos. 105 and 135. This software update began rolling out to certain affected vehicles in late January 2024, with the initial deployment featuring software release 2023.44.30.13. Tesla plans to extend this OTA update to all remaining affected vehicles with an upcoming release scheduled for early February 2024.

Tesla’s commitment to rectifying this issue is evident in its recall number SB-24-00-003 and the NHTSA campaign number 24V-051. This recall reflects Tesla’s dedication to ensuring the safety and compliance of its vehicles with federal safety standards. Vehicle owners affected by this recall can expect to be contacted by Tesla for the software update, reaffirming the company’s commitment to the safety and satisfaction of its customers.

Airbag Issue in Tesla Model S and Model X

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Tesla has identified a significant safety issue affecting certain 2021-2023 Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles. The problem lies in the installation of incorrect steering wheel airbags during vehicle servicing. This issue predominantly arose during the retrofitting of vehicles with alternate steering wheels based on customer requests.

Discovery of the Issue

The problem came to Tesla’s attention in October 2023, when Tesla Service in Europe encountered 12 instances where vehicles with round steering wheels were retrofitted with yoke steering wheels. However, there was no confirmation of the appropriate driver airbag variant installation for the yoke steering wheels. This prompted Tesla to initiate an engineering study in the U.S., encompassing 10 vehicles. Of the three vehicles inspected, one was found to have the wrong driver airbag variant, meant for the round steering wheel.

The Nature of the Problem

At the core of this issue is the mismatch between the steering wheel design and the driver airbag variant. The round steering wheel and the yoke steering wheel each require a distinct driver airbag design. During servicing, some vehicles were erroneously equipped with a driver airbag variant mismatched to the steering wheel type. This discrepancy can potentially compromise airbag performance during deployment, elevating the risk of injury in the event of a collision.

Recall and Safety Concerns

As a result of these findings, Tesla decided to recall all vehicles that underwent a steering wheel retrofit – either from a round to a yoke steering wheel or vice versa. This decision underscores the potential safety risks associated with the airbag performance in these retrofitted vehicles.

Official Recall Information

Tesla has issued a recall with the number SB-23-20-005. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned the campaign number 23V-743 to this recall. This recall highlights the critical importance of matching the correct airbag variant to the specific design of a vehicle’s steering wheel.

Tesla Model Y Second-Row Seat Frame Improperly Secured

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A manufacturing error will have the owners of certain 2022-2023 Tesla Model Y all-electric SUVs, returning to their dealerships for an inspection and possibly repairs. The second-row seat frame in these vehicles may have been improperly secured.

Tesla first became aware of the problem in December 2022 when an operator in Tesla’s Freemont, CA manufacturing facility identified a second-row driver-side seat back frame bolt that was not torqued to the proper specification.

The second-row seat belt loads go through the lower seat frame, and if the bolts that secure the frame to the seat backs are not torqued to specifications, the seat belt system may not perform as designed during a collision. Occupants seated in the second-row seating positions could experience an increase in the risk of injury during an accident.

According to the defect report, on some Model Y vehicles, the second-row driver-side seat back frame (second-row driver-side and center seating positions) and the second-row passenger-side seat back frame (second-row passenger-side seating position) are secured to the lower seat frame with 4 bolts per seat back. During the supplier’s production of both seat back frames for certain Model Y vehicles, one or more of the bolts that secure the seat back frames to the lower seat frame may not have been torqued to specifications.

Tesla has identified 5 warranty claims, received between December 9, 2022, and February 14, 2023, that may be related to the problem described above. Tesla is not aware of any injuries or deaths that may be related to the condition.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their Tesla Service Centers to have the second-row seat back frames inspected and the bolts will be torqued. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-23-13-001 and the NHTSA Campaign Number is 23V-130.

If you are the unfortunate owner of a lemon like a Tesla Model Y all-electric SUV with persistent defects that the manufacturer is unable to fix, you may feel like you are out of options. However, there is hope: the California Lemon Law provides some protections for owners of defective vehicles, and a lemon law lawyer can help you navigate the process.

A lemon law lawyer can help you understand your rights under the California Lemon Law and negotiate with the manufacturer on your behalf. They can also help you prepare and submit a claim to the manufacturer and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to protect your rights. Lemon law cases can be complex, and having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

If you are having repeated problems with your Tesla Model Y and you think it could be a Lemon, or if you have any questions about your rights under the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 1-888-395-3666 or fill in the “Case Review” form at the top of this page, and get some great Lemon Law advice!

Tesla Over-The-Air Software Update For Window Safety

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Tesla will be performing an over-the-air (OTA) software update on certain Model 3, Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles because the automatic window reversal system does not meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Requirements for power-operated window systems. Over one million Tesla vehicles are included in this recall.

The vehicles affected include:

2017-2022 Tesla Model 3
2021-2022 Tesla Model S
2021-2022 Tesla Model X
2020-2022 Tesla Model Y

Tesla first became aware of the problem in August 2022, during production testing. Technicians identified a window automatic reversal system that had greater than expected variations in response to pinch detection. Tesla conducted additional testing on multiple models using several window positions, multiple spring rates, and gap designations. Tesla determined that the pinch detection and retraction performance in the test results exceeded the requirements of FMVSS 118, Section 5 (automatic reversal systems). When closing, the window may exert more force than safety requirements permit before retracting. The window may also retract less than the distance required. If a window is closing and detects an obstruction, the condition may increase the risk of a pinching injury to the occupant.

Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system. Notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 15, 2022. Tesla is not aware of any warranty claims, field reports, crashes, injuries, or deaths related to this condition. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-22-00-013 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-702.

Tesla Center Screen Display Is Lagging Or Completely Blank

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Tesla will be contacting the owners of certain 2021-2022 Tesla model vehicles because of a problem that could cause the infotainment central processing unit (CPU) to malfunction.

The vehicles affected by this problem include:

2022 Tesla Model 3
2021-2022 Tesla Model S
2021-2022 Tesla Model X
2022 Tesla Model Y

In December 2021 during routine High Temperature Operation Endurance (HTOE) testing on the Model 3 and Model Y vehicle platform central processing unit (CPU), throttling was detected from thermal protections being engaged. An investigation into thermal management was initiated using vehicle alerts to follow the condition in the field. During this time, Tesla Engineering worked on a series of test experiments to identify the potential cause of the overheating condition. In April 2022, Tesla completed its investigation and confirmed the suspected root cause and affected vehicle population. The findings were reviewed and a recall was initiated.

According to the defect report, during fast-charging or preparation for fast-charging, the infotainment CPU may not cool sufficiently. Higher than expected temperatures could cause the CPU to slow processing or restart, and a lagging or blank center screen display. The problem could cause the rear-view camera display, windshield visibility control settings, drive modes (i.e., Drive, Neutral, or Reverse), and telltales to be unavailable.

On May 3, 2022, Tesla began deploying an OTA firmware update that will improve the management of the CPU temperature and associated communications with elevated temperature operation. This remedy will mitigate temperature elevations in the CPU when the vehicle is fast-charging or preparing to fast-charge, which will prevent slow processing or restart. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-22-00-009 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-296.

NHTSA Investigates Unexpected Braking In Honda And Tesla Vehicles

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Automotive Defect Investigation

The NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (NHTSA) has opened two separate investigations related to unexpected breaking in certain Honda and Tesla vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with collision mitigation braking systems (CMBS) or advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which visually and audibly alert the drivers of a potential collision. Under certain circumstances, the system will automatically apply the brakes to help reduce the force of an unavoidable collision.

The problem of unexpected braking has been called “Phantom Braking”. Phantom braking is when a vehicle’s brakes activate unexpectedly even when traffic is flowing normally or there is no obstacle to avoid.

Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
2017-2019 Honda CR-V and 2018-2019 Honda Accord
NHTSA Investigation Number: PE22003

The NHTSA has received a total of 278 complaints and several Early Warning Reports alleging unexpected activation of the collision mitigation braking system (CMBS) in some 2017-2019 Honda CR-V and 2018-2019 Honda Accord vehicles. Driver complaints include high-speed braking incidents occurring with nothing obstructing the vehicle’s path of travel. Of the 278 complaints, 6 allege a collision with minor injuries.

Inadvertent or unexpected braking activation while driving can cause unexpected speed reductions that can lead to increased vulnerability to rear-end impact collisions. The complaints allege that the inadvertent braking events occur without warning and randomly.

Unexpected Brake Activation
2021-2022 Tesla Model 3 and 2021-2022 Tesla Model Y
NHTSA Investigation Number: PE22002

The NHTSA has also received 354 complaints alleging unexpected brake activation in 2021-2022 Tesla Model 3 and 2021-2022 Tesla Model Y vehicles.

Driver reports have been characterized as “phantom braking”. Tesla describes the subject vehicles as equipped with a suite of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features referred to as Autopilot which Tesla states will allow the vehicle to brake and steer automatically within its lanes.

The complaints allege that while utilizing the ADAS features including adaptive cruise control, the vehicle unexpectedly applies its brakes while driving at highway speeds. Complainants report that the rapid deceleration can occur without warning, at random, and often repeated in a single drive cycle.

These investigations are a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to determine the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential of these safety-related issues. If a defect is found, the NHTSA will issue a recall.

Tesla Model S and Model X Battery Fire Investigation

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In September 2019, the NHTSA was asked to initiate an investigation into certain Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles that received a revised battery management software update in one or more over-the-air updates from Tesla, beginning in May 2019. The petitioner based his request on vehicle fires that took place worldwide and over the air software updates Tesla made to the Battery Management System (BMS) of certain Tesla vehicles that resulted in loss of available vehicle mileage range and increased charging duration’s.

The five non-crash fires referenced in the petition include two fires that occurred in China in early 2019 involving vehicles that:

  • Had recently completed Supercharging sessions.
  • Were at a high state-of-charge (SOC) of the HV battery.
  • Were parked with the battery cooling system shutoff.
  • Had histories of high-stress usage for the HV batteries.

The three fires that occurred outside China did not involve the same patterns regarding vehicle state and charging history. The two fires that occurred in the United States include one involving a vehicle with no Supercharging history that was driving when the fire occurred and another in which the origin of the fire was external to the HV battery. The fifth fire, which also originated external to the HV battery, involved a vehicle in Germany that had been parked at a low SOC for an extended period. To date, incidents of fires involving parked vehicles with recent Supercharging and histories of high-stress use have only been observed in China, where high-stress use factors appear to be more common.

Given the absence of any incidents in the United States related to fast charging, and the absence of any such incidents globally since May 2019, the petition has been denied. The denial of this petition does not stop the Agency from taking further action if future findings find that a safety defect exists based on additional information received. NHTSA could initiate a recall if they find a defect in the design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle that presents an unreasonable risk to safety.