- Tesla is recalling nearly 13,000 vehicles that could lose drive power.
- The issue is being blamed on bad contactors with InTiCa solenoids.
- The recall impacts the 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y EVs.
The elimination of the clean vehicle tax credit isn’t Tesla’s only problem as the automaker is recalling 12,963 EVs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says they may be equipped with a battery pack contactor that can fail, causing a loss of drive power.
The issue impacts thousands of vehicles including the 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y. However, only 1% of them are believed to have the defect.
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According to the safety recall report, the vehicles have a battery pack contactor with an InTiCa solenoid. The latter can “suddenly open” due to a poor coil termination connection, which can lead to a loss of propulsion.
This increases the risk of a collision and drivers won’t receive any warning prior to losing drive power.
Tesla launched an investigation in August, following multiple reports about vehicles that wouldn’t shift into drive from park. These were found to have a high coil resistance on the pack contactor, which caused Tesla to replace the component.
The company examined the contactors and eventually blamed them for causing the issue. While details are limited, Tesla is aware of 26 field reports and 36 warranty claims related to the issue. Thankfully, no accidents or injuries were reported.
To address the problem, customers will need to take their vehicle to a Tesla service center where technicians will replace the contactor with one that doesn’t include an InTiCa solenoid. Letters are scheduled to go out on December 9 and repairs will be performed free of charge.