Tesla Roadster Recalled

Tesla Motors has launched a voluntary safety recall for the Roadster 2.0 and 2.5 models. The campaign involves 12V low voltage auxiliary cable from a redundant back up system that powers multiple systems such as the vehicle’s headlamps, taillights, turn signals, hazard lights and airbags, which is used in case the primary 12V power fails or drops below a minimum value.

The company said that it decided to initiate the recall after the cable in a single vehicle chafed against a carbon fiber edge in the vehicle and caused a short-circuit and possible fire behind the right front headlamp of the car. The recall affects a total of 439 Roadsters and does not include earlier Roadster 1.5 models (VIN number ending with 500 or before), as these do not use the aforementioned cable.

Tesla stressed the fact that the problem does not affect the main power system or main battery pack of the car. This is because the 12v low voltage auxiliary cable is located forward in the passenger side front wheel and is physically isolated from the main battery pack, which sites at the rear of the vehicle.

The automaker has notified regulatory agencies and has already initiated a fix in customer vehicles. The correction involves checking the 12V low voltage auxiliary cable’s routing and fitting it with a protective sleeve. Tesla’s service team (the Tesla Rangers) has started sending customer notifications. The company’s specialist can perform the fixing operation at the customers’ homes or offices. The service has a duration of approximately one hour.