Tesla recalls 13,000 EVs in the US

The recall specifically affects 5,038 Model 3 vehicles of the 2025 model year, manufactured between 8 March and 12 August 2025, and 7,925 Model Y vehicles of the 2026 model year, built between 15 March and 15 August 2025. In total, 12,963 vehicles are affected. According to a Tesla statement, these EVs contain battery pack contactors made with InTiCa solenoid, “which may suddenly open due to poor coil termination connection, potentially causing a sudden loss of propulsion,” the EV maker said.

In general, a contactor is an electromechanical switching device in which a coil generates a magnetic force that mechanically operates an electrical contact. While such components are often called “relays” in low- and medium-current applications, the term “contactor” is established in high-current applications. The high-voltage contactor typically connects or disconnects the traction battery from the vehicle’s electric drive system. There are also charge or auxiliary contactors in other parts of the EV.

Tesla says it will replace the affected contactors free of charge with certified units that do not contain InTiCa solenoid and maintain the coil connection. The defect has not caused any collisions so far. The Texas-based company reported that it identified the issue through service records, with an internal team beginning investigations in early August.

In the official recall document from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the manufacturers of the faulty component are listed as the Mexican company Sistemas Mecatrónicos InTiCa (Tier-2) and the Taiwanese company SongChuan (Tier-1).

caranddriver.com, tesla.com, static.nhtsa.gov (PDF)

This article was first published by Cora Werwitzke for electrive’s German edition.