Tesla has issued a recall for 12,963 vehicles in the U.S. due to a defect in a battery pack component that could lead to a sudden loss of drive power, according to a letter from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The recall affects certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles. The safety regulator said the issue involves a faulty battery pack contactor that may fail, potentially causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash. Tesla identified 36 warranty claims and 26 field reports related to the problem as of October 7, but the company noted that it is unaware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities linked to the defect.
“Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles. A battery pack contactor may fail, causing a loss of drive power,” reads the NHTSA’s official recall letter (campaign number 25V690). “A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.”
The automaker will replace the affected battery pack contactor free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by December 9, 2025, and affected customers can contact Tesla customer service for more information. Tesla’s internal reference number for this recall is SB-25-16-005.
This latest recall follows a series of safety-related developments for the company. Just last month, the NHTSA opened an investigation into 174,000 Model Y vehicles over allegedly faulty door handles that could trap occupants inside. Shortly after, Tesla confirmed it is working on a redesign of its door handles to combine the electronic and manual release mechanisms inside the cabin.
The recall comes as Tesla faces growing scrutiny from regulators over both hardware and software safety issues, even as it continues to expand production across its lineup and kicks off deliveries of the new, cheaper Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard.
