Tesla recalls 13,000 Model 3 and Y units over risk of sudden loss in drive power

The EV maker Tesla has issued a voluntary safety recall affecting 12,963 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles due to a defect in a battery component that could lead to a sudden loss of driving power. The recall, officially filed with NHTSA under number 25V690, addresses a potential risk that the vehicle could lose the ability to accelerate while in motion.

The recall targets specific 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles that were manufactured between March and August 2025. Here are the specific vehicles affected:

• Model 3 (2025): Produced from March 8, 2025, through August 12, 2025. A total of 5,038 units are potentially involved.
• Model Y (2026): Produced from March 15, 2025, through August 15, 2025. A total of 7,925 units are potentially involved.

The issue lies with the battery pack contactor. These defective contactors were manufactured using an InTiCa solenoid that has a poor coil termination connection. This flawed connection can cause the contactor to suddenly open without warning. If this happens while the vehicle is being driven, the driver will instantly lose the ability to apply torque via the accelerator pedal, resulting in a loss of propulsion, while the driver receives a visual alert instructing them to safely pull over.

Owners of potentially affected vehicles can check if their vehicle is affected by using either the Tesla VIN Recall Search or the NHTSA VIN Recall Search. To complete the repair, owners are to open the Tesla app and select Service>Request Service>Other>Something Else, then enter the note “Open Recall Repair – Battery Pack Contactors” into the Describe Concern field.