Date: 2013-11-15
Tesla, Inc.
NHTSA Action Number: PE13037
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
Subject:
Fire - Propulsion Battery - Road Debris
Opened From: 2013-11-15 - 2014-03-26
Summary
The subject vehicles (SV), model years 2012-2013 Tesla Model S, are emerging technology electric vehicles using a high voltage battery
(HVB) to provide propulsion energy. The HVB uses lithium-ion cells combined in 60 or 85 kWh capacities, and a control system that monitors the HVB and its liquid cooling system. The HVB is positioned across the width of the vehicle between the front and rear wheels and lies above a flat aluminum pan that forms the bottom of the SV's chassis. About two thirds of the SVs were manufactured with an air-assisted suspension system that actively controls ride height, including automatically lowering the vehicle at higher speeds.Two separate incidents in 2013 resulted in significant fires involving the SVs, one in Washington (Oct. 13) and one in Tennessee (Nov. 13). Both incidents involved active suspension equipped vehicles operating at highway speeds and reduced ride height running over debris in the roadway. In both incidents, the struck objects penetrated the aluminum pan at the forward area of the battery, damaging the lithium ion cells of the HVB. The SV's information display notified the driver of decreased battery performance and ultimately instructed the driver to stop the vehicle. The SVs were able to travel ~.8 and 1.8 miles after impact respectively. In both cases, smoke appeared shortly after the vehicle stopped and a fire developed in the HVB. Thermal runaway occurred in the HVB cells. The fires destroyed the vehicles but did not result in injuries.In the Tennessee incident, the object struck by the SV was determined to be a three-ball hitch that apparently fell from another vehicle. Tesla performed a series of tests reconstructing this incident and determined that a similar shaped object contacting the forward edge of the HVB could be tripped and potentially penetrate the HVB case. As the object's opposite end digs into the pavement, vehicle momentum causes the object to impart upward force into the case, described by Tesla as a piking effect. Tesla's testing reproduced damage similar to that seen in the Tennessee incident, and also showed that a change in ride height strategy, which was implemented in Nov. 2013 via a telematic software update to prevent the SVs lowering at legal roadway speeds, mitigates the risk of battery compartment penetration when a three-ball hitch is struck.The object struck in the Washington incident was not identified. More severe damage to the incident vehicle and the unknown shape of the object raised concerns regarding the effectiveness of raising the ride height for objects other than a three-ball hitch. In a Mar. 10, 2014 meeting with ODI, Tesla stated it would conduct a free-of-charge service campaign to modify the SVs by adding three new components to the vehicle's undercarriage to protect the HVB. A low-hanging transverse member and an additional underbody plate would be mounted forward of the HVB case and a third plate would overlap the leading edge of the case. Testing conducted by Tesla demonstrated that these modifications improved protection from debris impacts.ODI was aware of two fires stemming from road debris impacts when the investigation began. According to Tesla, the SV fleet had accumulated ~90M miles of service at the time it revised the ride height strategy. No further incidents have been identified, and Tesla reports the Model S fleet has traveled an additional ~90M miles. ODI believes impacts with road debris are normal and foreseeable. In this case, Tesla's revision of vehicle ride height and addition of increased underbody protection should reduce both the frequency of underbody strikes and the resultant fire risk. A def
Investigation Documents
For Latest Documents related to this Investigation, visit the NHTSA Website.
Click the (+) Plus Sign
Then click Associated Document(s).
Search NHTSA Database for Recalls
Search NHTSA Database for (TSB's) Technical Service Bulletins
Technical Service Bulletins TSB's List
Previous Investigation | Next Investigation |
- [Notice] When you receive a used device, it may be a customer return resold by Amazon without inspection. You can exchange it for a new one through Amazon. As this situation is unavoidable, we sincerely apologize. For any issues, contacting us via Amazon's "Messages" is the best way. THINKSCAN 689BT Bidirectional Scan Tool Can Be Used Immediately After It is Turned On, Without Complicated Registration Process, Which is More Convenient & Quick.
- Full Bi-Directional Control & 3000+ Active Tests: Take control and test components like actuators, fuel injectors, relays, and cooling fans in real time. You’ll quickly see if the problem is in the part itself or the control module — saving you hours of guesswork and frustrating trial-and-error.
- Advanced ECU Coding Capabilities: Handle module matching and hidden feature activation with confidence. When you replace an ECU or want to customize settings, this obd2 scanner diagnostic bi directional tool gives you the professional-level capabilities you need without the dealership price tag.
- 34+ Useful Reset and Maintenance Functions: Complete everyday service tasks smoothly with a wide range of helpful reset and maintenance functions. Whether you’re keeping up with regular upkeep or tackling a specific job, this scanner makes maintenance simpler and less stressful for both DIYers and pros.
- Comprehensive Full System Diagnostics: Diagnose every major system — Engine, Transmission, ABS, SRS, TPMS, and more — all in one place. Finally stop wondering if you’re missing something important; get the full picture and clear codes with ease.
- Top Reasons to Choose the D7S OBD2 Scanner: XTOOL D7S car scan tool, an upgrade of XTOOL D7, offers comprehensive features for automotive technicians, workshops, and DIY enthusiasts 1. Upgraded Hardware: 2+64GB memory, rear camera, intuitive interface, foldable bracket 2. Complete Diagnostics: FCA
Autoauth, OE-level all system scan, 39+ maintenance services, 4K+ bidirectional, CANFD/DoIP protocol 3. Advanced Capabilities: ECU c0ding, PMI functions 4. Wide Compatibility: Support 10,000+ models, covering 99% vehicle brands 5. Multi-language: Available in 22+ languages, No IP Restrictions 6. 3-Year Updates: Save 300 bucks on software updates for the latest features and optimizations - 2026 Upgraded D7S Car Scanner Features: The newly 2026 D7S V2.0 scanner for car brings exciting features for advanced vehicle diagnostics and enhanced user experience 1. FCA AutoAuth: Now supports FCA SGW module for Chrysler, for Jeep, for Dodge (2018+), for Fiat (2017+), enabling faster vehicle communication without gateway restrictions 2. PMI (Offline ECU Pr0gramming): Allows for Ford, for Lincoln, and for Mazda ECU pr0gramming for new modules 3. Optimized Diagnostic Report 2.0: Personalized reports with logos and customer info for auto shops. Note: Compatibility varies by cars, please check before order
- 39+ Services/Resets/Adaptations/Relearns/Calibrations: XTOOL D7S full system car scanner diagnostic tool tackles 99% of common car issues through its 36+ special functions, including Oil Reset, EPB, SAS, BMS, Throttle Reset, Injector C0ding, ABS Bleed, TPMS Reset, Power Balance, etc and also covers specific-vehicle functions like Crank Sensor Relearn, ABS Initialization, Cylinder Power Balance, Fuel Trim Reset, Idle Relearn etc. This car diagnostic scanner enhances efficiency, making repairs and maintenance hassle-free. Tip: DO NOT for All vehicles, please check compatibility first
- Cost-effective ECU C0ding Scan Tool for Specific Brands: Enhance your vehicle's performance with XTOOL D7S! This obd2 scanner all systems bidirectional offers advanced capabilities at an affordable price, supports online for BMW, for Benz and offline for BENZ, for MIT, along with PMI functions for Ford, for Mazda, and for Lincoln. Ideal for technicians and DIY enthusiasts, this automotive scanner diagnostic tool optimizes vehicle performance and enhances the driving experience. Note: Not for all cars and modules, please send car VIN to check the compatibility before purchase
- OE All System Diagnostic & 8 Pids Graphing: XTOOL D7S is a comprehensive all system bi directional obd2 scanner that delivers dealer-level diagnostics, completely controlling over your vehicle’s performance and health. This automotive scan tool can read and clear DTCs, view live data and ECU information, retrieve freeze frames, and perform active tests and full obd2 functions. This bi-directional scan tool can can identify your vehicle's make, model, and year information with just one click and show up to 8 PIDs live data with options for CSV viewing, playback, and recording for in-depth analysis. It is easy-to-use for both professionals and beginners, helping pinpoint issues efficiently
- 【✅Compared to BOSSCOMM IF742, IF745 Offers Full-System Diagnostics】The BOSSCOMM IF745 car diagnostic scanner is an upgraded model of IF742. In addition to supporting all OBD2 Code Reader functions and 6 reset options (ABS/EPB/SAS/BMS/Oil/Throttle), it expands diagnostics from 4 systems (Check Engine/ABS/SRS/Transmission) to vehicle All systems, including Steering, Suspension, and Body Electronics. This provides deeper, more comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.
- 【✨10 OBD2 Functions】The BOSSCOMM IF745 scan tool’s DTC Lookup instantly translates fault codes into user-friendly explanations, its I/M Readiness feature streamlines emissions testing with a single tap, and Freeze Frame lets you pinpoint the exact moment of a fault for in-depth root-cause diagnosis. Combined with a live data dashboard and advanced diagnostics (O2S, OBMon, EVAP), it delivers comprehensive insights for confident troubleshooting.
- 【✨Deep Diagnostics for All Vehicle System Modules】Beyond code reading/clearing and ECU information retrieval, our all-in-one data stream feature lets you inspect all current fault codes and their locations across the vehicle’s systems. This vehicle code reader helps you turn off dashboard warning lights and perform a comprehensive self-check of your car at home—no more back-and-forth trips to the repair shop or hefty inspection fees.
- 【✨6 Essential Resets: ABS Bleeding, Oil, EPB, SAS, Throttle, BMS】The BOSSCOMM IF745 obd2 scanner diagnostic tool swiftly purges air from brake lines to restore braking sensitivity, fine-tunes maintenance cycles to eliminate false alerts, resolves parking brake issues with one-click control, recalibrates steering sensors for stability, optimizes engine idling/acceleration for smoother performance, and deeply resets battery systems to extend lifespan and range via precise parameter adjustments.❗NOTE: Does NOT support bidirectional control, coding, or programming.
- 【✨10,000+ Car Models, AutoVIN, 13 Languages】The BOSSCOMM IF745 vehicle scanner diagnostic tool covers 73+ global car brands and offers support in 13 languages, making it perfect for DIYers, auto mechanics, or as a thoughtful gift. With a single-click AutoVIN feature, it instantly retrieves vehicle serial numbers, streamlining diagnostics for users globally. This adaptable tool balances user-friendliness with precision, catering to both personal and professional requirements.✅Unsure about compatibility? Compatibility will vary on vehicles' model and year, pls reach us via 📧 [email protected] 📧 before purchase.
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.