Tesla has initiated a nationwide recall of thousands of its $8,000 home batteries following reports of failures that pose a serious risk of fire, burns and potentially death.
The recall affects approximately 10,500 Powerwall 2 AC Battery Power Systems, which are primarily for energy storage, self-consumption, time-based usage and backup during outages.
Tesla blamed “a third-party battery cell defect” for the problem.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Tesla jointly announced the recall on Thursday.
Newsweek contacted Tesla’s press office via email on Friday.
Why It Matters
The issue poses potentially serious or fatal risks for affected consumers, whose backup power will be unavailable.
That could be seen as a setback for Tesla as it expands its business beyond electric vehicles and into energy-storage.
What To Know
The recall affects Powerwall 2 purchased online or through Tesla-certified installers nationwide between November 2020 and December 2022. Units should be labeled “Powerwall 2” on the nameplate located on the side of the system.
Tesla said in its recall notice that it had remotely discharged affected systems currently online to minimize the immediate risk until a replacement can be installed. Consumers have been urged to ensure their Powerwall 2 units are online and check the Tesla App for recall notification.
“Nearly all affected units in the U.S. have already been remotely discharged, which renders them safe. Any remaining units are being discharged by our technicians,” Tesla said.
“Solar generation will continue, but backup power will be temporarily unavailable until the replacement is installed,” it added.
All affected units will be replaced at no cost to customers. Customers are advised to:
- Ensure their Powerwall 2 system remains online
- Monitor the Tesla App for recall notifications and instructions
- Contact Tesla Support via email (powerwallsupportna@tesla.com) or by calling 877-961-7652 for further assistance
- Schedule a replacement through Tesla’s dedicated recall website: Tesla Powerwall 2 Replacement Program
What People Are Saying
Tesla said in its recall notice on Thursday: “Every affected Powerwall 2 unit will be removed and replaced at no cost to customers.”
What Happens Next
Consumers with affected Powerwall 2 units can contact Tesla’s support team at powerwallsupportna@tesla.com or 1877-961-7652, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, or reach out to their original installer.
More information, including recall eligibility and replacement details, can be found through the Tesla Powerwall 2 Replacement Information page. For additional product details, consumers can visit the CPSC official recall page.
