Tesla China Orders Recall for Over 26,000 Model Y and Model 3 EVs Due to Heat Pump Issue

Tesla China has ordered a recall for the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 due to possible issues relating to the vehicles' heat pumps. Heating problems could result in a degradation of the cars' windshield defrost performance, forcing Tesla to recall a total of 26,047 China-made Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.

According to China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), 14,044 Tesla Model Y and 12,003 Tesla Model 3 vehicles are affected by the heat pump recall. The Tesla vehicles affected by the potential heat pump issue were manufactured in China between December 28, 2020, and January 15, 2022.

SAMR noted in its press release that Tesla China would carry out software upgrades for the vehicles within the recall area through the company's vehicle remote upgrade (OTA) technology. Users affected by the recall do not need to go to the store to complete the recall, with Tesla providing an over-the-air software update.

Tesla China to fix the issue via software upgrades

For vehicles that cannot be recalled through the automaker's vehicle remote upgrade (OTA) technology, Tesla China will contact the affected customers through the company's service center to upgrade their vehicles' software, which will come free of charge, to eliminate the safety hazards that the heat pump problem may pose.

Tesla China's move comes on the heels of the automaker's decision to recall its vehicles in the United States because of a similar issue. Some 26,681 Tesla vehicles were recalled after the company told U.S. safety regulators that a software error might cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally, trapping the refrigerant inside the evaporator in the process.

Also Read: Ford EV Spinoff: Is CEO Jim Farley Considering Separating Its Electric Business?

Heat pump issue triggers Tesla recalls in the U.S and Canada

The U.S. heat pump recall covers some 2020-2022 Model Y and 2021-2022 Model S, Model 3, and Model X vehicles that may not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Transport Canada also has issued a recall notice because of the same heat pump issue, saying that the problem under the country's Motor Vehicle Safety Act is considered a "defect that could affect the safety of a person."

Transport Canada told the website Drive Tesla that a total of 2,084 Tesla vehicles in Canada were affected by the recall. The recall notice comes after Transport Canada began a defect investigation at the Issue Assessment level concerning the faulty heat pumps on January 5, 2022.

Transport Canada received six complaints from owners in the preceding weeks relating to that problem, triggering the investigation. More complaints regarding the heating problems were submitted to Transport Canada after the group announced the investigation on January 29, 2022, with 170 owners airing their grievances regarding the defective heat pumps.

The issue transpires, especially when the temperature outside the Tesla vehicle is below -10 degrees. The SAMR said that the windshield defrost system in the electric cars "does not operate to achieve the defrost effect required by the relevant national regulations."

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