Leading American automaker Tesla has recently issued another safety recall for some Model 3 and Y electric vehicles due to a potential pyrotechnic battery disconnect issue.
Unfortunately, the Musk-led automaker cannot resolve this particular safety issue through an over-the-air (OTA) software update.
Safety Recall Report
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Safety Recall Report specified that the recall campaign affected approximately 26 units of 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. However, NHTSA estimated that only 2% of the recalled units have the faulty component.
The NHTSA report explains that Tesla equipped its vehicles with a pyrotechnic battery disconnect, isolating the high-voltage battery in case of specific collisions or issues. However, the affected vehicles are likely manufactured with a non-functioning pyrotechnic battery disconnect.
“Tesla vehicles are equipped with a pyrotechnic battery disconnect that isolates the high voltage (HV) battery when the vehicle detects certain collisions or specific issues within its HV battery. Affected vehicles may have been manufactured with a non-functioning pyrotechnic battery disconnect.”
NHTSA report
Consequently, the report indicated that “a defective battery disconnect may not isolate the vehicle’s high voltage battery after a crash or fault detection, increasing the risk of electrical shock and injury.”
Chronology
Tesla recently uncovered a non-functioning pyrotechnic battery disconnect during a validation test on April 20, 2023. Promptly taking action, Tesla and supplier Joyson Safety Systems initiated an investigation on April 26, 2023.
At that time, the investigation did not demonstrate any additional units affected by the same fault. Therefore, Joyson continued to ship additional pyrotechnic battery disconnects from its new production line on May 5.
However, in late May, they concluded that Tesla received one of the faulty pyrotechnic battery disconnects. The report attributes this unfortunate occurrence to a gap in Joyson’s traceability systems, which failed to identify the issue during the initial assessment.
Subsequently, Tesla proceeded to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment before voluntarily filing a recall to address the problem.
It is important to note that neither Tesla nor Joyson has received any warranty claims or field reports related to this particular issue.
Remedy
In response to the defect discovery, Tesla is taking proactive measures to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.
The company has initiated a voluntary recall, prioritizing the well-being of its customers. By issuing the recall, Tesla aims to rectify the situation and replace the faulty component with a functioning one, effectively resolving the problem.
Owners of the affected vehicles will be duly notified by Tesla, detailing the necessary steps to resolve the issue.
Tesla encourages customers to respond promptly to the recall notification and schedule a service appointment at authorized Tesla service centers.
During the appointment, the pyrotechnic battery disconnect will be replaced at no cost to the owners, ensuring the continued safety and reliability of the vehicles.
See Also:
- Tesla recalls over 362,000 EVs in North America over self-driving software issue
- Tesla recalls more than 80,000 cars in China for software and seat belt issues
- Tesla voluntarily recalls 137 Model Y over steering wheel issue
- Tesla issues voluntary recall on its Semi over parking brakes issues
- Tesla issues recall for the Semi over a door warning defect
Tesla’s swift response and commitment to resolving the issue highlight the company’s unwavering dedication to customer safety. By collaborating closely with suppliers like Joyson Safety Systems, Tesla aims to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety in its electric vehicles.
Owners of the affected Model 3 and Model Y vehicles can rest assured that Tesla is working diligently to rectify the situation and provide the necessary support.
You can watch Joyson’s promotional video on its Pyrotechnic Battery Disconnect below:
