If you own a newer Model Y or Model 3, Tesla is recalling 12,963 electric cars built and sold in the United States this year after discovering a part that can cut power without warning. The issue comes down to a faulty solenoid inside the high‑voltage battery contactor—a key component that connects the main battery to the drive motor(s).
According to documents Tesla filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the solenoid’s coil termination can fail, forcing the contactor to open unexpectedly. Translation: electricity stops flowing from the battery to the motors, and the vehicle can lose propulsion while driving. There’s no advance warning; only after it happens will the center screen prompt the driver to pull over safely.
Tesla reports no crashes, injuries, or fatalities tied to this condition. The company has flagged 36 warranty claims and 26 field reports related to the issue.
What owners need to know (at a glance)
- Affected vehicles: 2026 Model Y and 2025 Model 3 built in 2025
- Total recalled in the U.S.: 12,963
- Symptom: Sudden loss of propulsion with no prior warning; on‑screen prompt to stop safely appears after
- Root cause: Faulty solenoid inside the high‑voltage battery contactor
- Fix: Replace battery pack contactors with certified parts (no InTiCa solenoid) at no cost
- Repair time: About 1 hour
- How to schedule: Use the Tesla app (details below)
| Model | Model Year | U.S. Units | Build window (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model Y | 2026 | 7,925 | March 15 – August (calendar 2025) |
| Model 3 | 2025 | 5,038 | March 8 – August 12 |
A high‑voltage battery “contactor” is like a heavy‑duty switch that lets current flow from the battery to the motors. A solenoid (the actuator that opens/closes the contactor) can fail due to a poor coil termination connection. The contactor can suddenly open, interrupting power to the motors—causing loss of propulsion. The solenoid was manufactured by Sistemas Mecatrónicos InTiCa in Mexico, then integrated into contactors made by SongChuan in Taiwan.
| Component | Supplier | Location | Role/Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solenoid | Sistemas Mecatrónicos InTiCa | Mexico | Faulty coil termination can force contactor open |
| Contactor assembly | SongChuan | Taiwan | Integrated the solenoid into the HV contactor |
Tesla will replace the contactors in all affected vehicles at no charge. The new, certified contactors do not use an InTiCa solenoid and are designed to maintain coil termination connection under normal operating conditions. The service takes roughly one hour.
How to book your repair
- Open the Tesla app
- Tap Service > Request Service
- Choose “Something Else”
- In the description, type: “Open Recall Repair – Battery Pack Contactors”
- Pick a time/location and submit
Stay calm, signal, and move to the shoulder or a safe area as soon as practical. Shift to Park and follow any on‑screen guidance. Contact Tesla Roadside Assistance via the app if you need a tow. Schedule your recall repair in the app as soon as possible.
Losing propulsion without warning is serious—even if steering and braking remain available. NHTSA takes these events seriously, and Tesla moving quickly to replace the contactors is the right play. The one‑hour fix and in‑app scheduling should help minimize downtime for owners. 36 warranty claims and 26 field reports; no crashes, injuries, or deaths reported. No warning before the event; after it occurs, the main screen prompts the driver to stop safely. All affected vehicles were built in 2025, spanning select 2025 Model 3s and 2026 Model Y.
A small batch of newer Teslas needs a quick, hardware‑based fix to prevent unexpected power loss. Tesla’s plan—free contactor replacements using updated parts, scheduled through the app—should make the process straightforward. If your Model Y (2026 MY) or Model 3 (2025 MY) was built in 2025, check your VIN and get on the schedule. It’s an easy way to keep your EV safe, reliable, and road‑trip ready.
Related Post