Tesla has announced a safety recall for select 2023 Model Y and Model 3 vehicles, following the discovery of a potential defect in the pyrotechnic battery disconnect. The recall, numbered 23V-434 and submitted in accordance with 49 CFR §573, was announced on June 19, 2023, reports Autoevolution.
The pyrotechnic battery disconnect is designed to isolate the high voltage (HV) battery in the event of certain collisions or specific issues within the HV battery. However, some vehicles may have been manufactured with a non-functioning disconnect. This could increase the risk of injury if the HV battery is not isolated during certain collisions or specific issues within the battery.
The defect was traced back to a supplier’s introduction of a new assembly line for the pyrotechnic battery disconnect. During this process, some non-functioning disconnects may have been inadvertently shipped to Tesla.
The recall affects an estimated 2% of the 26 potentially involved vehicles, produced between May 20 and May 26, 2023. The issue was first identified during a validation test on April 20, 2023, and a subsequent investigation was completed by May 26, 2023.
Tesla has confirmed that there have been no warranty claims, field reports, crashes, injuries, or deaths related to this condition as of June 16, 2023.
As part of the recall, Tesla Service will replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect on affected vehicles with a unit that has been tested and certified by the supplier to be functioning as designed, at no cost to the customer.
Tesla plans to notify all stores and service centers on or shortly after June 19, 2023. Owner notification letters will be mailed in accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 577.7, with the planned owner notification date set for August 15, 2023.
