The defect
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2013 Model S vehicles equipped for, and delivered with, certain NEMA 14-50 (240 volt) Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) adapters. During charging, the adapter, cord, or wall outlet could overheat.
The risk
An overheated adapter, cord, or wall outlet increases the risk of burn injury and/or fire.
The remedy
Tesla will notify owners and provide an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Some owners have already received this update. This update allows the Model S on board charging system to detect any unexpected fluctuations in the input power or higher resistance connections to the vehicle. If detected, the onboard charging system will automatically reduce the charging current by 25%. Tesla owners can verify that they have received the updated software (version 5.8.4 or later) by viewing the vehicle's center information screen. Additionally, Tesla will mail owners a replacement NEMA 14-50 adapter that is equipped with an internal thermal fuse. The recall began on March 14, 2014. Owners may contact Tesla Service Center at 1-877-79-TESLA (1-877-798-3752).
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model S | 2013 |
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ACCESSORY | EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model S | 2013 | 461 | 11 |
Other equipment recalls in 2014
107 of the 770 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2014 concerned the equipment; Tesla Motors, Inc. filed 6 campaigns in all.
| 14V828000 30 Dec 2014 | Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC |
| 14V823000 29 Dec 2014 | Forest River, Inc. |
| 14V821000 29 Dec 2014 | Champion Bus, Inc. |
| 14V782000 9 Dec 2014 | Starcraft RV |
| 14V775000 5 Dec 2014 | Jayco, Inc. |
| 14V745000 21 Nov 2014 | Altec Industries Inc. |
| 14V734000 17 Nov 2014 | Allied Recreation Group, Inc. |
| 14V718000 10 Nov 2014 | Sutphen Corporation |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2014