Can my Tesla catch on fire?

Can my Tesla catch on fire?

November 6, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – November 6, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) has been getting a lot of public attention lately because several of its electric cars caught fire. In most cases, this happened while driving and, apparently, without any warning signs, resulting in dangerous situations.  

With all that in mind, it is no wonder drivers worry about Tesla electrical issues. In this article, we will go over the reported cases and assess the risks involved. 

Is my Tesla likely to catch fire? 

At this time, there is no evidence to suggest these electric vehicles (EVs) are more prone to spontaneous fires than any other cars. In fact, manufacturers such as Hyundai or Chrysler had much more trouble with this than Tesla. 

However, recently, there has been a string of Tesla fires. It is not known if they are related or are part of a larger issue.

Recent Tesla fires 

August saw five Tesla fires. First, a Tesla Model S Plaid burst into flames when its drive unit malfunctioned. The defect was detected by the vehicles’ onboard computers, which warned the driver to drive slowly. But this, however, did not seem to help, as the car caught fire just a few miles afterward. 

In California, a Tesla Model S burst into flames while driving on the highway, with fire quickly spreading to nearby vegetation. The state also saw a case of a crash-damaged Tesla suddenly erupting in flames after sitting in a junkyard for three weeks.

Just a few days prior, a similar accident happened in Florida. Luckily, no one was severely injured on these occasions.

A Tesla also caught fire at a store in Massachusetts.

Risks

Although not all fires are caused by Teslas’ battery packs, high-voltage modules that Teslas and other electrical cars have are extremely difficult to put out. There are reports about firefighters tackling the flaming batteries for hours, as they would re-ignite several times. Besides being difficult to put out, these flames also reach much higher temperatures. All of this poses an additional risk if the vehicle fire happens near other cars or inside a building. 

What to do if my Tesla does burst into flames? 

While there is nothing to suggest your Tesla might catch fire, familiarizing yourself with the location and operation of door levers may be useful. This is because in Tesla cars, doors are electrically opened from the inside at a push of a button. But if a fire breaks out, it may bring down the whole electrical system, making the doors inoperable. Because of this, Tesla vehicles also have conventional door levers, which occupants may use in an emergency to safely exit the vehicle.   

You can also find more information about what to do if your car catches fire in this Kia fire-related recall.

 Is your vehicle part of a recall?

At this moment, there are no Tesla fire issues or recalls. But to do a Tesla recall check and see what might be troubling your own electric car, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool or see this article for an overview of recent ones. 

Bojan PopicCan my Tesla catch on fire?
Tesla recalls cars over faulty windows, injury risk

Tesla recalls cars over faulty windows, injury risk

October 1, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Austin, TX – October 1, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 1,096,762 vehicles whose malfunctioning windows may hurt the occupants when closing.

The recall involves the following models: 

  • 2017 – 2022 Tesla Model 3
  • 2021 – 2022 Tesla Model S
  • 2021 – 2022 Tesla Model X
  • 2020 – 2022 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary

Tesla cars use an automatic reversal system for safety on their power-activated windows. If the window encounters an obstacle while closing, it retracts.

In the affected vehicles, the automatic reversal system may not react correctly when it hits an obstacle. It may exert too much force before it stops or retract less than it should.

Recall risks

If the window continues to close when it encounters an obstacle, such as an outstretched body part,  it could cause an injury.

 Other Tesla recalls and investigations

In June 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) escalated its investigation of Teslas crashing into stopped emergency vehicles after it discovered additional crashes that were not associated with emergency scenes. The goal of the investigation is to figure out whether the measures Tesla currently uses to ensure that the driver is paying attention to the road are sufficient.

One of the most recent Tesla Model S recalls occurred in April 2022, when the automaker recalled 594,717 vehicles over a failure to warn pedestrians of the cars’ largely silent approach.

Repair

Dealers will release an over-the-air (OTA) firmware update to the affected vehicles, calibrating the automatic reversal system to safely retract when hitting an obstacle. There will be no cost to owners for this update.

Affected owners will be notified on or around November 15, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 1 million Tesla vehicles are affected by this Tesla automatic window issue. To see if your vehicle is included, run a Tesla recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloTesla recalls cars over faulty windows, injury risk
US government takes Tesla autopilot investigation to the next level

US government takes Tesla autopilot investigation to the next level

June 19, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – June 19, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator took their investigation of Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) collisions with emergency vehicles to the next level.

This investigation may result in a Tesla recall, which may affect an estimated 830,000 vehicles, including: 

  • 2018 – 2021 Tesla Model 3
  • 2014 – 2021 Tesla Model S
  • 2015 –2021 Tesla Model X
  • 2020 – 2021 Tesla Model Y

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened the preliminary investigation on August 13, 2021, following a total of 14 Tesla crashes with first responders.

In each event, the electric car, driving autonomously on the autopilot, would crash into a first-responder vehicle, which had stopped on the road to assist on a previous, unrelated accident. These accidents resulted in at least one fatality and several injuries. 

On June 8, 2022, the investigation was upgraded to the so-called engineering analysis. The upgrade means that NHTSA will dig deeper into the issues to understand if the potential safety defect that exists in connections with these collisions warrants a recall.

Why is the investigation being upgraded?

The investigation is now being upgraded on the back of the analysis of other crashes involving Telsa autopilots “not limited to first responder scenes”, as well as the discovery of additional crashes with first responder and “road maintenance” vehicles.

During this leg of the investigation,  NHTSA will continue to evaluate this crash data, examine a larger subset of Tesla vehicles and will focus on “driver behavior and associated system performance.” 

The goal is to determine if Teslas’ methods of ensuring drivers’ constant attention while the vehicle is on autopilot are sufficient.  The vehicles currently use 12 sensors and eight cameras to monitor the road but do not have anything that is ensuring that the driver is keeping their eyes on the road, as reported.

What has been found so far?

Between the time the original investigation was open and this next stage, the regulator discovered 16 additional first responder crashes and found that drivers were warned of the impending collision by the vehicle Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system “immediately prior to impact.”  Despite having their hands on the steering wheel and being able to see the first responder – at least in theory – around 8 seconds in advance, drivers did nothing to prevent the crash.

For more background on the investigation, please visit this article about the first stage of the investigation.

Risks

Collisions with civilian vehicles are one of the major causes of first responder deaths and are unfortunately becoming more widespread given the level of driver distraction and the fact that cars are soundproof. In addition to that, the drivers that collide with emergency vehicles – especially fire trucks – are also at a high risk of an injury because the size of the former.

Safety tips

To minimize distraction on the road, keep multitasking  – such as playing with the radio or car controls, listening to loud music, consuming food or beverages – to a minimum. If you see flashing lights behind you or come across an emergency scene, slow down and move over to give first responders space to work and protect them and yourself.

Other Tesla recalls 

Just recently, there was a Tesla software recall, which rectified the issue of vehicles’ failure to warn the pedestrians about their approach. In addition, there was a Tesla Model S recall in November 2021, caused by sudden and unwanted braking.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Tesla autopilot recall, possibly affecting over 800,000 vehicles. To do a Tesla model recall check for your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

. 

Bojan PopicUS government takes Tesla autopilot investigation to the next level
Tesla issues second recall for vehicles with faulty pedestrian warning systems

Tesla issues second recall for vehicles with faulty pedestrian warning systems

April 24, 2022 Senamile Nkosi

Austin, TX – April 24, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 594,717 vehicles that may fail to warn pedestrians when approaching. This increases the risk of a crash or injury. This recall supersedes a previous recall issued over the same concern in February this year.

The recall applies to the following models:

  • 2020 – 2022 Model S
  • 2020 – 2022 Model X
  • 2020 – 2022 Model Y
  • 2017 – 2022 Model 3

Recall summary

These Tesla models have a Pedestrian Warning System (PWS), which warns pedestrians of the vehicle’s nearly silent approach. In the recalled vehicles the PWS may be inaudible due to the simultaneous use of the Boombox function which allows the vehicle to play other sounds in place of a regular horn in certain scenarios.

While the previous remedy was set to disable the PWS when the car is motion, going in reverse or when in “Neutral,” the feature is still available with the use of the optional Summon or Smart Summon feature.

These features allow the user to “summon” the car out of its parking space or “move it to a specific location” if the driver is standing within a set distance.

Recall risks

If the PWS is inaudible, pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Background of the recall

For additional background on this recall, please visit the following page.

The repair

An over-an-air update under this recall will disable Boombox with the use of Summon or Smart Summon features at no cost to the owner.

In the previous recall, the update only applied to Reverse, Neutral and Drive.

Owners can expect to receive further communication from Tesla regarding the repair program by June 6, 2022. 

Other recent Tesla recalls

There was a Tesla Model X recall earlier this month because of front airbags that may fail to deploy if the windows are rolled down, as reported.

In February this year, there was a Model X recall because of windshield that may not defrost as designed, also as reported.

Some of these models are also subject a government investigation over a potentially distractive video game feature and phantom braking while driving on autopilot.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 600,000 vehicles are included in this Tesla Boombox recall. To do a Tesla recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiTesla issues second recall for vehicles with faulty pedestrian warning systems
US government investigates Tesla phantom braking

US government investigates Tesla phantom braking

February 26, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – February 26, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating a series of incidents with Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) vehicles that may unexpectedly brake while driving on autopilot. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

This investigation may result in a recall, which may affect an estimated 416,000 vehicles, including: 

  • 2021 – 2022 Tesla Model 3
  • 2021 – 2022 Tesla Model Y

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on February 16, following 354 complaints about phantom braking occurring when the vehicle was driving using the autopilot feature. 

Based on the complaints, vehicles would sometimes start braking “very aggresively”, although there were no obstacles on the road. This happened without any prior warnings or apparent reasons. 

The autopilot  – which is referred to as the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – allows the vehicle to “ brake and steer automatically within its lanes.” 

Risks

A vehicle that slams on the brakes hard and unexpectedly may be hit from behind by oncoming traffic. In addition, a vehicles’ sudden reaction may confuse the driver and cause it to subsequently lose control over the vehicle. 

Other Tesla recalls 

Apart from this ongoing investigation, there were several recent Tesla Model 3 recalls, including one caused by failure to warn the pedestrians about its approach. In addition, there was another previous Tesla Model Y recall in November 2021, which was also caused by sudden and unwanted braking.  Both of the recalls included other Tesla models.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This Tesla phantom braking investigation may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting over 400,000 vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check for your own vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Tesla phantom braking
Tesla recalls four models over faulty seat belt chime

Tesla recalls four models over faulty seat belt chime

February 12, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Austin, TX – February 12, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) has issued a recall for 817,143 vehicles across four models over a defective seat belt chime. The absence of an audible reminder to wear the seat belt may cause the driver to operate the vehicle without it, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. 

The recall covers the following models:

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

Recall summary

The vehicles have a seat belt chime that activates when the vehicle is started, reminding the driver to fasten the seat belt. This works together with a visual seat belt reminder that can be seen on the vehicle’s dashboard.

If the chime is interrupted when the vehicle was previously used while the seat belt was not fastened, a software error will prevent the chime from sounding off the next time the vehicle is used.  This will happen if, for example, the driver left the vehicle while the chime was still going off with the engine running and then returned.

Recall risks

Drivers may not fasten their seat belts, which augments the risk of an injury in a crash.

While the chime will go off at speeds over 13.7 miles per hour (mph), this may not give the driver enough time to fasten the belt before an accident occurs.

Other Tesla recalls 

The latest Tesla seat belt recall is the electric vehicle maker’s fourth, barely two months into 2022. There was a Tesla Model 3 recall  spanning more than 356,000 vehicles in early January over faulty rearview cameras. This was followed by a Tesla Model S recall involving over 119,000 units for hoods that may open while the vehicle is traveling, obscuring the driver’s view.

The third advisory concerned over 53,000 Tesla vehicles over a “rolling stop” feature that allowed them to go through a stop sign without halting completely, presenting a higher risk of collision with other road users.   

In addition to the recalls, the automaker is subject to two investigations, including one for potentially allowing drivers to play video games on the front console while on the road.

The repair

Tesla already released new firmware to correct the software error, enabling the chime to go off. The firmware update was deployed over-the-air (OTA) to the affected vehicles in late January and early February.

Owners will also receive letters with more information on April 1, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 800,000 vehicles are included in this Tesla recall. To do a Tesla recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloTesla recalls four models over faulty seat belt chime

Tesla recalls cars that may brake on their own

November 6, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Palo Alto, CA – November 6, 2021 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) has recalled 11,704 cars that may brake unexpectedly or issue a false “collision warning.” This increases the risk of a crash.

The recall is  limited to “full-self driving” cars – that are currently in beta –and includes the following electric cars:

  • 2017 – 2021 Tesla Model 3
  • 2017 – 2021 Tesla Model S 
  • 2017 – 2021 Tesla Model X 
  • 2020 – 2021 Tesla Model Y 

Recall summary  

Due to a faulty over-the-air (OTA) software update issued by Tesla in October, the recalled cars may unexpectedly activate the emergency brake or falsely warn of a collision ahead. 

Background of the recall

This Tesla brakes’ failure issue was identified on the back of owners’ complaints after the update was performed. 

After Tesla began working on the issue, it remotely deactivated the entire forward collision avoidance system. The LA Times reported that owners were not informed of this deactivation, which raised safety concerns. 

Warning signs

A “warning message” is displayed in the instrument panel if the “false-positive braking” happens. The driver may also hear a “warning chime.”

Recall risks

This Tesla brakes’ issue can cause a collision if a car unexpectedly slams on the brakes ahead of faster moving traffic. The false warning messages and chimes can also distract drivers, also raising the risk of an accident.

Recent Tesla recalls

In July, the manufacturer recalled over 5,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles with incorrectly fitted seat belts, which increased the risk of an injury in a crash. Earlier that month, the same vehicles were subject to a recall due to the possibility of them losing tire pressure, as reported. 

The company is also a subject to ongoing investigation for its vehicles’ failure to detect emergency vehicles in their path, as reported.

The repair

As of October 29, 99.8% of cars involved in this recall received an OTA update resolving the issue. If you are having issues, make sure your Tesla is set up for remote updates to receive this repair. Go to a dealer if you are having trouble connecting your Tesla to the internet.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 11,704 vehicles are included in this Tesla emergency brake recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandTesla recalls cars that may brake on their own
Tesla recalls Model 3 and Model Y over risk of seat belt failure

Tesla recalls Model 3 and Model Y over risk of seat belt failure

July 25, 2021 Bojan Popic

Palo Alto, CA – July 25, 2021 – Tesla  (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 5,530 cars and SUVs, whose front drive and passenger seat belts could have been fitted incorrectly. During a collision, the seat belts may fail to operate as designed, increasing the risk of an injury. This recall includes the following vehicles: 

  • 2018 Tesla Model 3­­­­
  • 2019 Tesla Model 3
  • 2020 Tesla Model 3
  • 2019 Tesla Model Y
  • 2020 Tesla Model Y
  • 2021 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary  

The shoulder belt portion of the seat belts is attached to the B-pillar – which is the upright frame section between front and rear doors – with several fasteners. In the recalled vehicles, one or both fasteners were “improperly attached” to the B-pillar.

Risks

The fasteners cannot provide sufficient grip, which may allow the seat belt assembly to move out of its position. If the affected vehicle is involved in a collision, seat belts may not perform as designed, which increases the risk of an injury.  For more information on how seat belts help save lives during a crash, please refer to this article about a GM recall for damaged seat belts.

Warning signs

The driver and front-seat passenger may be alerted to this condition if they are not able to adjust the upper section of the seat belt vertically.

Other Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y recalls

Earlier this month, Tesla recalled close to 6,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles because their tires could lose pressure, increasing the risk of a crash. That recall included 2020-2021 Tesla Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 cars.

In June, the manufacturer recalled 285,200 Model 3s and Model Ys in China over a cruise control issue, as reported.

The repair

To fix the issue, Tesla dealers will “inspect and repair both fasteners.” The owners were notified of the recall on July 23.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Tesla recall includes more than 5,500 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls Model 3 and Model Y over risk of seat belt failure
Tesla recalls almost 6,000 vehicles over increased accident risk

Tesla recalls almost 6,000 vehicles over increased accident risk

July 7, 2021 Bojan Popic

Palo Alto, CA – July 7,  2021 – Tesla  (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 5,974 cars that may lose tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash. This recall includes the following vehicles: 

  • 2019 Tesla Model 3
  • 2020 Tesla Model 3
  • 2021 Tesla Model 3
  • 2020 Tesla Model Y
  • 2021 Tesla Model Y

The parts in question are a brake caliper and a fastener. Tesla did not provide corresponding part numbers.

Recall summary  

The Tesla brake caliper is a part of the brake system, which helps the car slow down by clamping down on the wheels as the driver presses the brake. It is held in place by two bolts, called fasteners. 

During production, the fasteners were not tightened down and may become loose. If bolts become loose enough, the brake caliper will detach from the wheel and come in contact with the inner rim surface. 

This can lead to loss of tire pressure. The caliper may also jam the car wheel and stop it from rotating freely. 

Warning signs

Owners may notice a metal-to-metal grinding noise that changes its pitch depending on the vehicle speed, similar to one that worn brake pads generate. This happens as a result of the contact between the caliper and rim. 

Risks

Both low tire pressure and jammed wheels may make the car less stable and harder to maneuver and  increase the risk of a crash.

Other Tesla recalls

Over 280,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles were recently recalled in China because of an autopilot problem that made it more likely that the car will unexpectedly change speeds.

The November 2020 Tesla Model Y recall because of a trailer brake light glitch included close to 3,000 cars. 

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will check the condition and tightness of brake caliper bolts on all four wheels. Bolts that are loose will be re-tightened, while those who are damaged will be replaced with new ones. The repair is free of charge. The date on which the notifications will be sent to owners is not yet released. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Tesla Model 3 recall includes almost 6,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls almost 6,000 vehicles over increased accident risk
Tesla recalls 285,000 cars in China over cruise control problem

Tesla recalls 285,000 cars in China over cruise control problem

June 30, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Beijing, China – June 30, 2021 –Tesla  (NASDAQ:TSLA) will recall 285,520 cars in China because drivers can accidentally activate cruise control, causing the car to unexpectedly change speed. The recall includes:

  • Tesla Model 3 vehicles built outside of China between January 12, 2019 and November 27, 2019
  • Tesla Model 3 vehicles built in China between December 19, 2019 and June 7, 2021
  • Tesla Model Y SUVs built in China between January 1, 2021 and June 7, 2021

Recall summary  

According to a statement by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation, the recalled Tesla Model Y’s and 3’s “may cause the driver to incorrectly activate the active cruise function” while shifting out of drive or while making a sharp turn. If cruise control is inadvertently turned on, and then the driver presses the brakes, the car will suddenly accelerate back to its original speed once the brakes are released, without the driver pressing the accelerator.

The recall, a voluntary move by Tesla, follows an investigation by the Chinese government into the defect. 

Risks

This kind of unexpected acceleration could confuse or surprise drivers,  potentially causing a crash. 

The repair

Tesla will remotely stream a cruise control software update to recalled Tesla Model 3’s and Y’s. Tesla will contact owners of cars that can not be reached by the update through their dealers. All owners will be notified about the recall and coming update.

Recent Tesla recalls

In the United States, 2020 – 2021 Tesla Model Y SUVs have been recalled three times this year over issues with brakes and seatbelts. Two of these recalls also affected 2020 Tesla Model 3 cars.

Will your vehicle be affected by this recall?

Over 285,000 vehicles are included in China’s 2021 Tesla recall. There is no recall in the United States yet. Bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to stay on top of potential Tesla recalls affecting your car.

Rebecca RandTesla recalls 285,000 cars in China over cruise control problem
Recall Lookup
Enter your vehicle(s) below to check the current recall status.

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories