Tesla has broadened its recall of the Powerwall 2 home battery system to include the United States, following a series of fire incidents. This recall affects over 10,000 units installed across the country, marking a significant expansion of the company’s earlier recall actions in other regions. Tesla urges affected owners to reach out for inspections or replacements to address potential safety issues linked to the product.
Powerwall 2 Product Overview
The Powerwall 2 is Tesla’s second-generation home energy storage system, designed to integrate with solar power systems and provide backup power. Introduced in 2016, this wall-mounted unit boasts a capacity of 13.5 kWh, making it a key player in residential energy management. Prior to the recall issues, Tesla had deployed over a million units of the Powerwall 2 globally, demonstrating its popularity and widespread use.
Initial Recall Announcements Outside the US
Before the recall reached the United States, Tesla had already initiated recalls in markets such as Australia and Europe. These actions were triggered by early fire reports in 2024, which were linked to defects in the battery management system that led to overheating. Tesla’s initial response involved rolling out software updates and targeted replacements for the affected units, aiming to mitigate the identified risks.
Fire Incidents Prompting US Expansion
Several fires involving Powerwall 2 units have been reported, including cases in residential settings. Investigations linked these incidents to manufacturing flaws in components such as the relay or enclosure. The safety risks associated with these fires are significant, as there is potential for uncontrolled fires during the charging or operation of the units. This has prompted Tesla to expand the recall to the US, in an effort to prevent further incidents.
Scope and Scale of the US Recall
The recall in the US covers over 10,000 Powerwall 2 batteries, with the exact figure standing at 10,500 units affected nationwide. The recall targets systems manufactured between certain dates in 2016–2020. Owners of these units are urged to contact Tesla for further instructions and potential remedies.
Tesla’s Official Response and Remedies
Starting November 13, 2025, Tesla began notifying US owners of the recall via email and app alerts. The company is offering free remedies, which include on-site inspections, hardware replacements, or full unit swaps. Despite no reported injuries, Tesla emphasizes its commitment to safety and is taking proactive measures to prevent escalation of the issue.
Impact on Consumers and Installers
The recall presents challenges for homeowners, who may face temporary power disruptions during repairs. Certified installers are also affected, as they are required to undergo mandatory training updates on recall procedures. However, under US consumer protection laws, owners have rights to expedited resolutions, which should help alleviate some of the potential inconveniences.
Broader Industry and Regulatory Context
This recall is not an isolated incident in the industry, as other electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturers have faced similar fire risks, leading to recalls. Regulatory agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) are involved in overseeing the US expansion of the recall. The recall could potentially impact Tesla’s energy division reputation and future product launches, underscoring the importance of addressing the issue promptly and effectively.
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