Tesla is expanding a Powerwall 2 battery recall that started in Australia last September to the US. A ”third-party battery cell defect” can cause units to “stop functioning normally, resulting in overheating, smoking and in some cases smoke or flame causing minor property damage.” The company has received 22 reports of overheating, six reports of smoke, and five reports of minor property damage due to fire but no injuries, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC).
The recall includes about 10,500 batteries that were sold through Tesla’s website and by certified Tesla installers across the country between November 2020 and December 2022. The affected units can be identified by the Powerwall 2 branding printed on the side, but Tesla says nearly all of them have already been remotely discharged so they no longer “pose an operational risk.” The rest will be discharged by its technicians.
Tesla is removing and replacing all the affected Powerwall 2 units at no additional cost and is notifying customers through its mobile app. The company is prioritizing the replacements and says certified installers “will reach out directly by email or phone” to schedule an installation appointment. Customers with questions are encouraged to contact their original certified installers first, but can also contact Tesla’s support teams directly at 1-877-961-7652 or by email at [email protected] for a faster response.