Tesla Recalls 439 Roadsters Due to Auxiliary Cable Problems

tesla_roadster_2.5.jpg
Tesla has issued a voluntary safety recall that involves 439 Roadsters. The recall involves the 12v auxiliary cable that helps power various systems on the roadster like the headlamps, taillights, turn signals, etc. in the event tha tthe primary cable fails.

Tesla decided to issue the voluntary safety recall after one vehicle had an issue with the cable rubbing against the edge of a carbon fiber panel in the vehicle, which caused a short. The issue is isolated only to the 12v auxiliary cable and only 2.0 and 2.5 Roadsters have the cable.

Related Stories:
Toyota and Tesla Team up to Create Electric Vehicles
Tesla Raises More than $226 Million from IPO with Shares at $17

PRESS RELEASE:

TESLA INITIATES VOLUNTARY RECALL AFTER SINGLE CUSTOMER INCIDENT
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2010

Palo Alto, Calif. — Tesla Motors has launched a voluntary safety recall on Roadster models 2.0 and 2.5. The recall involves the 12v low voltage auxiliary cable from a redundant back up system that provides power to various systems, including the headlamps, taillights, turn signals and hazard lights, and airbags in the unlikely event the primary 12V power fails or drops below a minimum threshold value.

Located forward of the passenger side front wheel, behind the headlamp, the 12v low voltage auxiliary cable is physically isolated from the main battery pack in the rear of the car.

Tesla decided to initiate a recall after the low voltage auxiliary cable in a single vehicle chafed against the edge of a carbon fiber panel in the vehicle causing a short, smoke and possible fire behind the right front headlamp of the vehicle. This issue is limited to the 12V low voltage auxiliary cable and does not involve the main battery pack or main power system.

Once aware of this single incident, Tesla quickly determined that a voluntary recall was an appropriate precautionary measure. The recall affects 439 Roadsters.

Tesla has made corresponding regulatory agencies aware of the discovery and has already initiated a correction in customer cars. The correction involves checking the routing of the 12V low voltage auxiliary cable and installing a protective sleeve over it. Tesla’s Service team has started notifying customers via email and has initiated a mailing campaign. Tesla Service Rangers can perform the service at customers’ homes or offices. The service takes approximately one hour.

This recall does not impact earlier Roadster 1.5 vehicles (VIN ending with 500 or before) as these cars do not include the 12V auxiliary cable in question.