Tesla Recalls Thousands of Model 3 and Model Y Vehicles Due to Sudden Loss of Propulsion Risk

Per a press release from Tesla, Inc. submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 12,963 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles are being recalled due to a defect that could lead to a sudden loss of propulsion. The vehicles affected include certain 2025 Model 3 vehicles manufactured between March 8, 2025, and August 12, 2025, and 2026 Model Y vehicles produced between March 15, 2025, and August 15, 2025. The issue stems from a battery pack contactor that may unexpectedly open, potentially causing the vehicle to lose power while driving.

The defect involves a component manufactured with an InTiCa solenoid. Tesla identified the problem through service records, noting that affected vehicles were sometimes unable to shift into drive, and a high coil resistance was found on the pack contactor. Following an internal investigation and failure analysis conducted between August and October 2025, Tesla determined that a voluntary recall was necessary. The company has stated that as of October 7, 2025, there were 36 warranty claims and 26 field reports related to this issue. Fortunately, Tesla is not aware of any collisions, injuries, or fatalities linked to this specific defect.

The safety risk associated with this defect is a potential sudden loss of propulsion. If the contactor opens while the vehicle is in motion, the driver would lose the ability to accelerate, increasing the risk of a collision. The recall report indicates that there is no warning prior to this loss of propulsion. However, upon losing the ability to apply torque, drivers will receive an immediate visual alert on the vehicle’s user interface, advising them to safely pull over.

Tesla will be replacing the affected contactor at no charge to the customer. The replacement part will be a certified contactor that does not contain the InTiCa solenoid and is designed to maintain proper coil termination connections. The company has indicated that the suspect batch of contactors, which were part of a fixed production run, were consumed by August 15, 2025. All Tesla service centers will be notified of the recall around October 15, 2025, and owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed by December 9, 2025. Owners will be able to check if their vehicle is part of this recall via VIN search on a date yet to be announced. Tesla advises owners of affected vehicles not to park indoors and to park their vehicles outside due to the nature of the defect, though the company does not anticipate reimbursement for prior repairs as all involved vehicles are still under new vehicle warranty.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Tesla, Inc.

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