Reddit users recently noticed Tesla heat failure messages in their Model Ys, but in a new discovery from a Tesla hacker on Twitter, the problem may be more widespread than the company had previously let on.
On Tuesday, Tesla software hacker @greentheonly posted on Twitter about the company changing its status for 2020 and 2021 Model 3s and Ys with refrigerant pressure and temperature sensors from “only fix when a customer complains,” to a full, wide recall of the parts.
The Tesla service bulletin, dated March 1, 2021, is titled, “Replace Refrigerant Pressure/Temperature Sensors”, and applies to the 2020-2021 Model 3 and Model Y with heat pump, worldwide.
“Certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may be equipped with refrigerant pressure/temperature (P/T) sensors in the heat pump that can fault over time,” reads the bulletin.
The fix is to “replace all 3 refrigerant P/T sensors”, says Tesla.
While the company has yet to announce a specific fix date, Green recommends making an appointment with your Tesla service center now, or asking your service technician directly about any air conditioning concerns during any appointments you may already have.
I am sad that I need to deliver this news and not Tesla.
Fix date for 2021 model year cars is unknown but hopefully not later than March 1st.
Full bulletin here:https://t.co/9bi63LokfW
— green (@greentheonly) March 2, 2021
The detail does apply specifically to Model Ys and 3s with heat pumps, and with manufacture dates of either 2020 or 2021. When asked about “detailed symptoms” of the issue, Green simply responded that Tesla will now “replace [these pressure/heat] sensors even if everything is fine.”
no detailed symptoms. it's now a "if you see ca car from this model year – replace sensors even if everything is fine"
— green (@greentheonly) March 2, 2021
In any case, Tesla owners can, unfortunately, add the heat pump issue to a long list of quality control issues cited in recent months.
While CEO Elon Musk has said that scaling production is the most difficult part of mainstreaming EVs, and the company certainly doesn’t have the advantage of a century of production experience like some legacy automakers, there’s still something to be said for why the popular EV manufacturer recently ranked 30th of 33 brands in a recent dependability study.
