2013 Tesla Model S Recall

A previous over-the-air (OTA) software update could cause the vehicle not to display the correct visual warning indicators when there are problems with the brake system or when the parking brake is applied. As a result, the BRAKE, PARK, and antilock brake system (ABS) visual indicators would display as text instead of symbols.

While there is a low risk to safety, Canadian regulations require visual warnings to use common symbols, instead of words, to avoid driver confusion.

Tesla will notify affected owners by email. Tesla has released an over-the-air software update to fix this problem. There is no further action required if your vehicle has software release 2024.3.25, 2024.14.5, or a release later than 2024.14.5.

On vehicles equipped with the Autosteer advanced driver-assistance feature, when using the feature, the vehicle may not provide strong enough warnings or monitor the driver closely enough to prevent misuse of the feature.

A driver that doesn't pay close attention while using the Autosteer feature or who doesn't react quickly when Autosteer is canceled could have an increased risk of a crash.

Tesla will notify owners by email and supply an over-the-air software update to improve driver monitoring and alerts while using the Autosteer feature. Tesla advises that you must always pay attention and be ready to take control of the vehicle at any time while using the Autosteer advanced driver-assistance feature.

On certain vehicles, the internal memory for the media control unit (MCU) could run out of storage capacity over time. If this happens, the center display can turn off while driving and cause some of the car's systems not to work properly. This includes the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting.

A rearview camera image that does not display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. A windshield that cannot be defrosted/defogged could reduce visibility. Turn signals that do not work could cause a following driver not to recognize that a vehicle ahead intends to turn. These conditions could increase the risk of a crash.

Tesla advises owners to ensure that their vehicle software is up to date. Tesla will notify owners by email, including when parts are available to schedule service to upgrade the internal memory in the MCU.

On certain vehicles, when switching the distance display setting from kilometers to miles, the speedometer displays the vehicle speed in miles per hour (mph) only. Canadian regulations require that speed be displayed in either kilometers per hour (km/h) or in both km/h and mph.

This small error does not affect vehicle safety.

This is not a recall. Tesla has made changes to ensure that all new vehicle speedometers display mph and km/h when the display distance is set to miles. In addition, this change was sent to all vehicles in firmware update 2020.36.11.

On certain vehicles, the bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture. This could allow the power steering gear assist motor to move, causing the belt to slip which could result in a loss of power steering assist. A loss of power steering assist would require additional steering effort which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Tesla service centers will replace the aluminum mounting bolts with coated steel bolts and will apply a corrosion-preventative sealer around the gear housing and connecting bolts. If bolts are found to be broken or break during the removal process, Tesla will also install a new steering gear.

A failure of this component (steering) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Service centers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.

A failure of this component (airbag) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

*** This notice is provided for information purposes only as the subject equipment is not regulated under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act *** The NEMA 14-30, NEMA 10-30 and NEMA 6-50 electrical adapter that could have been separately purchased as an accessory for the universal mobile charging connector on certain Tesla Motors vehicles may be impacted by higher than normal electrical resistance due to a potential manufacturing defect. This could cause the adapter to overheat, potentially increasing the risk of a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: impacted owners will be supplied with a redesigned NEMA adapter. Updated adapters will be sent by Canada Post or commercial carrier once available.

A failure of this component (electrical) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, the driver and front passenger seatbelt anchor plate may not have been properly bolted to the pretensioner anchor plate during assembly. In the event of a crash, the seatbelt may be unable to provide sufficient restraint force, which could increase the risk of injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Tesla Service Technicians at authorized locations will inspect and affect repairs as necessary.

A failure of this component (seats and restraints) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

*** This notice is provided for information purposes only as the subject equipment is not regulated under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act *** The NEMA 14-50 electrical adapter, supplied with the universal mobile charging connector on certain Tesla Motors vehicles, may be impacted by higher than normal electrical resistance due to variations in external sources of electricity. This could cause the plug and/or wall receptacle to deform, melt, or overheat, potentially resulting in an electrical short and increasing the risk of a fire. Correction: Vehicle software has been updated over the air already to reduce charging current if a high-resistance condition is detected. As an extra measure of assurance, owners will be supplied with a redesigned NEMA 14-50 adapter containing an internal thermal fuse. Updated adapters will be sent by Canada Post or commercial carrier once available.

A failure of this component (electrical) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, due to imprecise adjustment during assembly, the support for the left-side rear seat back latch striker may be improperly fastened to the vehicle structure and could separate in a crash, potentially increasing the risk of personal injury to rear seat occupants. Correction: Tesla Service Centers will inspect the left striker support and add additional fasteners.

A failure of this component (seats and restraints) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).