According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Tesla recalled nearly 13,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in the U.S. due to battery connection failure, which may cause loss of drive power.
The driver may lose the ability to accelerate the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles, according to the recall report.
To fix the issue, Tesla will replace the battery pack contactor, free of charge. Keep reading the article to reveal every important detail behind this Tesla battery failure recall.
What is a Battery Pack Contactor?
A battery pack contactor in EVs is an electrically controlled switch that safely connects and disconnects the high-voltage battery pack from the vehicle’s drive system. It is a critical safety component, protecting the system from short circuits.
A battery pack contactor uses a small electric current to operate a switch and control a high-power circuit. It is designed to open under a potential short circuit, preventing high-current damage to the system.
How Many Tesla Vehicles are Affected in the Recall?
According to the recall report, around 12,963 Tesla vehicles in the U.S. are being recalled, including:
- 7,925 2026 Tesla Model Y vehicles
- 5,038 2025 Tesla Model 3 vehicles
If you want to learn about other major recalls affecting the Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, check out these reports: Tesla Model 3 recall report and Tesla Model Y recall report.
What Caused the Recall?
The affected vehicles are equipped with a battery pack contactor manufactured with an InTiCa solenoid, which may suddenly open due to a poor coil termination connection.
If the battery pack contactor opens while driving, you’ll lose the ability to accelerate the vehicle, resulting in loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Investigation
According to the recall report submitted on October 10, 2025, on August 8, 2025, Tesla’s Field Reliability team began investigating incidents in which Tesla vehicles were unable to enter drive from a park condition, and high coil resistance was also found on the pack contactor.
From August 8, 2025, through September 26, 2025, Tesla underwent a detailed analysis of the battery pack contactor. The company reviewed the analysis results, repair, and production records.
On October 3, 2025, Tesla decided to voluntarily issue a recall after completing the investigation and identifying the scope of affected vehicles.
Are there any Warning Signs of Losing Propulsion?
There have been no warning signs occurring before the loss of propulsion. However, suppose you’re unable to accelerate the vehicle, you’ll immediately receive a visual alert on the dashboard with an instruction to safely pull the car over to the side of the road.
Has Tesla Reported Any Accidents or Injuries Due to the Issue?
Tesla identified 36 warranty claims and 26 field reports related to the issue on October 7, but they were unaware of any collisions, injuries, or fatalities linked to the defect.
How will Tesla Fix the Issue?
To fix the issue, Tesla will replace the affected battery pack contactor with a certified contactor that doesn’t contain an InTica solenoid and maintains coil termination connection. The repair will be completely free of charge.
Wrapping Up
If you own a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y vehicle affected by the recall, you should definitely go through every important detail mentioned in the recall report above. However, there is nothing to worry about, as Tesla has found the remedy.
Also, the affected owners will receive notification letters regarding the safety risks, expected to be mailed on December 9, 2025. For more information, you may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Tesla Models are Included in the Recall?
The recall affects around 12,963 Tesla vehicles in the U.S., specifically the 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y.
2. What is the Main Reason for this Tesla Recall?
According to the NHTSA, the battery pack contactor, a critical component, may suddenly open due to a poor coil termination connection. It can cause the vehicle to lose drive power while in motion, increasing the risk of a crash.
3. What Exactly Does a Battery Pack Contactor Do?
It acts as a safety switch that connects or disconnects the battery pack from the vehicle’s drive system, preventing electrical short circuits and protecting the high-voltage components.
4. What Happens If the Battery Pack Contactor Fails While Driving?
If the contactor opens unexpectedly, you’ll lose the ability to accelerate, which could lead to a loss of propulsion and increase the risk of a crash.
5. Are There Any Warning Signs Before Battery Pack Contactor Failure Happens?
No prior warnings occur before the issue. However, if it happens, your Tesla’s dashboard will show a visual alert, instructing you to safely pull over.
6. How Will Tesla Fix this Issue?
Tesla will replace the faulty battery pack contactor with an updated version that doesn’t use the defective InTiCa solenoid, free of charge.
7. Is it Safe to Drive My Tesla Before the Repair?
Tesla hasn’t issued a “do not drive” warning, but owners are advised to drive cautiously and contact Tesla Service immediately if they experience acceleration loss.
