Tesla has announced a new nationwide recall involving thousands of its popular electric vehicles, specifically the Model 3 and Model Y due to a battery pack defect that could lead to unexpected power loss while you are driving. The issue affects vehicles that were manufactured earlier this year and shows the challenge automakers face as they push to expand electric vehicle production.
What caused the Tesla recall?
In the month of August 2025, Tesla received multiple reports from owners of its newly launched Model 3 and Model Y cars, who had suffered sudden power loss whilst driving. The firm found out the cause of the issue by investigating 36 warranty claims and 26 occasional reports that a defective part inside the battery pack, referred to as the contactor, was the culprit.
According to Tesla’s recall notice, the defective contactor can open unexpectedly when the vehicle is in motion. When this happens, the car immediately loses power and the ability to apply torque, which increases the risk of an accident.
Simply put, if the part fails, your car could suddenly lose power while driving which is exactly why Tesla is recalling the affected vehicles to fix the problem before it leads to more serious incidents.
Which Tesla model years are affected?
The recall announced by Tesla affects certain cars that were made from March to August 2025. Below are the models that are involved in the recall:
- Model 3: Vehicles of model year 2025 that were produced from March 8, 2025, to August 12, 2025
- Model Y: Vehicles of model year 2026, manufactured from March 15, 2025, to August 15, 2025
Tesla estimates that around 8,000 Model Y vehicles and 5,000 Model 3 vehicles may be impacted by this issue.
These cars were built at Tesla’s U.S. facilities and equipped with battery pack contactors that were made using components from two suppliers that is, Sistemas Mecatrónicos InTiCa S.A.P.I. in Mexico and SongChuan in Taiwan. Tesla believes the defect originated from contactors manufactured with an InTiCa solenoid, which failed to maintain the proper coil termination connection.
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How Tesla plans to fix the issue
Tesla has assured customers that it will replace the faulty contactors at no cost to owners. The company stated that the replacement parts will use “a certified contactor that does not contain the InTiCa solenoid and that maintains coil termination connection.”
If you own one of the affected vehicles, you will receive a direct notification from Tesla with instructions on how to schedule a repair appointment. These repairs will be handled at Tesla service centers, and most are expected to be completed quickly since the fix involves a straightforward part replacement rather than a full battery change.
What Tesla owners should do next
If you drive a 2025 Model 3 or a 2026 Model Y, it is a good idea to:
- Check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) using Tesla’s recall lookup tool or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
- Wait to receive Tesla’s official recall notice if you have not already received one.
- Schedule a service appointment through the Tesla app once you are notified.
- Avoid having long trips until your vehicle has been inspected or repaired, especially if you have experienced any sudden power loss.
However, the company has made it clear that there have been no reports of accidents or injuries related to this defect. However, it is acting quickly to prevent potential safety risks and maintain customer confidence in these vehicles.
Why this recall matters
This recall again shows that even state-of-the-art electric cars can sometimes have defects in manufacturing. Tesla has been famous for very fast innovation and production, and that also means some issues can get past quality controls.
As a customer, you need to be concerned. That means you need to verify your VIN, and comply with Tesla’s repair guidelines immediately. It’s always advisable to deal with a safety problem before it turns into a serious one on the driveway.
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