Electrical system: propulsion system: charging: cable/cord: accessory
- Component
- Electrical system: propulsion system: charging: cable/cord: accessory
- Manufacturer
- Tesla Motors, Inc.
- Vehicles affected
- 21,081
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2014-01-13
- Owners notified
- 2014-03-14
Defect description
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2013 Model S vehicles equipped for, and delivered with, certain NEMA 14-50 (240 volt) Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) adapters. During charging, the adapter, cord, or wall outlet could overheat.
Safety risk
An overheated adapter, cord, or wall outlet increases the risk of burn injury and/or fire.
Manufacturer remedy
Tesla will notify owners and provide an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Some owners have already received this update. This update allows the Model S on board charging system to detect any unexpected fluctuations in the input power or higher resistance connections to the vehicle. If detected, the onboard charging system will automatically reduce the charging current by 25%. Tesla owners can verify that they have received the updated software (version 5.8.4 or later) by viewing the vehicle's center information screen. Additionally, Tesla will mail owners a replacement NEMA 14-50 adapter that is equipped with an internal thermal fuse. The recall began on March 14, 2014. Owners may contact Tesla Service Center at 1-877-79-TESLA (1-877-798-3752).