Recall of nearly 13,000 Tesla Model 3 & Model Y vehicles due to a critical battery contactor defect
Tesla has issued a recall for approximately 12,963 vehicles due to a risk of sudden loss of propulsion caused by a faulty contactor in the battery pack. This recall affects certain 2025 model year Model 3s produced between... March 8 and August 12, 2025, as well as 2026 model year Model Ys manufactured between the March 15 and August 15, 2025. Tesla commits to replacing the affected parts free of charge.
In summary 👇
- 📆 Production period concerned: March → August 2025 (M3 2025, MY 2026).
- 🧩 Cause: faulty termination of the contactor solenoid coil, resulting in an untimely opening.
- ⚠️ Consequence: interruption of propulsion with warning message on the central screen.
- 🛠️ Solution: Free replacement of the contactor within the Tesla network (intervention takes approximately 1 hour).
- 📈 Reports: 36 warranty claims + 26 field cases recorded, no accidents or injuries reported.
Which vehicles are affected in France 🇫🇷?
For now, the recall primarily affects the North American market. In Europe, the situation depends on the assembly plant and the supplier of electrical contacts. Most French Model 3s come from Shanghai, while Model Ys are assembled in Berlin. The components sometimes differ, which limits the scope of the recall. We recommend checking your VIN to confirm if your vehicle is affected. 🆔
Why is this flaw considered critical? 🔬
The high-voltage contactor connects the main battery to the propulsion system. If it opens unexpectedly, the connection is broken and the vehicle immediately loses its acceleration. The driver is then prompted, via a warning message on the screen, to pull over safely. According to Tesla technical documents, the fault stems from a faulty termination of the InTiCa solenoid coil, which can cause the contactor to open unintentionally.
Official sources 🧠
- 🏭 Tesla (official website) details precisely the production ranges and the contactor replacement process.
- 📑 NHTSA / Car and Driver confirm volumes per model (≈ 5,000 M3 + 7,900 MY) and the absence of recorded bodily injury incidents.
- 🗞️ Reuters cross-checks this data and specifies that customer notification has been underway since early October 2025.
How to check if your Tesla is affected? 🔎
➜Official Tesla Tool – VIN Recall Search
➜ VIN Verification Tool – NHTSA
What should you do if your vehicle is affected? ✅
- 📲 Open the Tesla app → Service → Request Service → Other → “Open Recall Repair – Battery Pack Contactors”.
- 🧾 Note your WINE, the vintage and the production date.
- 🅿️ If a warning message appears, pull over immediately and contact Tesla support.
- 💬 Keep all correspondence and appointment confirmations until the intervention is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions 🙋
Can I continue driving?
No alert on the screen, yes, but we recommend scheduling an appointment as soon as possible. If you receive a message, pull over safely and contact Tesla customer service.
How long does the procedure take?
The contactor replacement operation takes approximately 1 hour and is fully covered by Tesla.
Are all European vehicles affected?
No. It depends on the assembly site and the batch of contacts installed. Always check your VIN on the official links above.
Remember 🧭 — Safety first : check your VIN, make an appointment if necessary and keep proof of service.