Tesla is providing a complimentary high-voltage battery seal upgrade for Model S and Model X automobiles in the United States and Europe.
Tesla Offers Free Battery Seal System Upgrade for Model S and Model X
Tesla has issued a free battery seal system upgrade for select Model S and Model X vehicles built between January 2021 and September 22, 2022. This upgrade, outlined in Service Bulletin SB-25-116-002, aims to improve the battery's resistance to water ingress during flooding events.
The upgrade involves replacing all five flood port plungers in the vehicle's HV battery system. The redesigned plungers are more robust against external ingress due to submersion during flooding or other high-severity abuse instances.
Eligibility for the upgrade is based on the production date of the vehicle. If you own a Model S or Model X within this timeframe, you are likely eligible for this no-cost repair. Canadian owners with eligible vehicles should be able to receive this upgrade free of charge at Tesla service centers.
Affected owners are being notified via a message through the Tesla mobile app. Once the components become available at their local Service Center, owners will receive a notification asking them to schedule a service appointment.
It's important to note that Service Bulletins, common across the automotive industry, provide instructions for repairs but are not mandated by safety regulators like Transport Canada or the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This bulletin is not a recall but is a guide for Tesla's service technicians to address known issues in specific vehicles.
Tesla recommends that all vehicle owners, regardless of make or model, take precautions during flood events. Drivers should move their vehicle to higher ground and avoid situations where submersion is likely. The company also emphasises that the upgrade applies to vehicles in the United States and Europe, but not Canada.
The upgrade is covered under the HV Battery Limited Warranty. Even if a vehicle is outside that warranty window, Tesla will complete the work under a goodwill policy. This demonstrates Tesla's commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of its vehicles, particularly in extreme weather conditions.
For the most accurate and personalized information, contacting Tesla directly in Canada is recommended. This will help you confirm eligibility and arrange scheduling for the upgrade.
In light of the free battery seal system upgrade, Tesla might consider extending this service to other areas of the transportation industry that could benefit from enhanced flood protection, such as the finance sector's vehicle fleets or the technology sector's autonomous vehicle prototypes. During flooding incidents, the improved resistance of these vehicles to water ingress could potentially save vast amounts of money in finance and technology sectors.
