- Tesla has issued a nationwide recall of its Powerwall 2 AC Battery Power System after receiving multiple reports of overheating and fires, according to a notice published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
- Tesla said the issue stems from a defect in third-party battery cells, though the company did not identify the supplier.
- The malfunction affects only select Powerwall 2 units and does not involve the newer Powerwall 3 model.
The recall, announced Nov. 13, affects roughly 10,500 Powerwall 2 units sold online at Tesla.com and through certified installers between November 2020 and December 2022. The units, which retail for about $8,000, are used in homes to store solar energy for backup power, time-based control, and self-consumption.
Federal safety officials warn that lithium-ion battery cells inside certain Powerwall 2 systems can fail during normal operation, causing the unit to shut down and potentially overheat. In some cases, the defect can lead to smoke, flames, fire, and serious burn hazards, posing a risk of severe injury or death.
Tesla reported 22 incidents of overheating, including six cases of smoking and five fires, all resulting in only minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.
A similar recall was issued in Australia in September after regulators received reports of Powerwall 2 units “smoking or emitting flames.”
Affected homeowners are urged to ensure their Powerwall 2 system is online and to check the Tesla App for recall notifications. Tesla has already remotely discharged most impacted batteries, removing stored energy to reduce the risk of overheating until replacements can be installed.
Customers who are part of the recall will see a message informing them that their Powerwall has been disabled and will be replaced free of charge. Tesla or a certified installer will contact owners to schedule the service.
“Your Powerwall 2 is part of a subset of units that may contain a third-party cell defect,” the notice reads. “Tesla will replace it at no cost.”
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
