Issues
After 3 Fires, Safety Agency Opens Inquiry Into Tesla Model S – 11/19/13
by Bill Vlasic and Jaclyn Trop
DETROIT — A federal safety investigation of the Tesla Motors electric Model S sedan announced on Tuesday comes at a critical juncture for the car and the company.
For the first time, regulators are examining whether the design of the high-end vehicle and its advanced lithium-ion battery pack are defective and the cause of two battery fires.
Auto Correct: Has the self-driving car at last arrived? – 11/25/13
by Burkhard Bilger
Elon Musk charged up as feds probe Tesla fires – 11/20/13
As federal investigators announced a formal safety probe Tuesday, fledgling electric car maker Tesla Motors is getting a quick lesson in what it’s like to be treated like a big, mainstream automaker.
Tesla Tweaks Model S to Avert Recall Seen Damaging Image – 11/20/13
Tesla Motors Inc. (TSLA), under U.S. scrutiny for vehicle-fire risk, is seeking to head off a months-long investigation that could lead to expensive upgrades and longer-term damage to the image of electric cars.
CAS Statement on Opening of NHTSA Investigation into Tesla Battery Fires
The NHTSA investigation is the best way Tesla has to insure the safety of the Model S and restore consumer confidence. Unlike the Chevrolet Volt, the Tesla fires occurred on the road and not in the lab. Unlike the Volt, the Tesla had three fires not one. Tesla needs to fully cooperate with NHTSA to determine the problem is lack of a shield and not a more serious battery problem like the Boeing Dreamliner.
Toyota: Make sure WiFi doesn’t threaten car safety – 11/14/13
by David Shepardson
2012 Fisker Karma Fire Recalls
12V-413 – A manufacturing defect in the low temperature cooling fan may result in a direct short. A direct short may ignite the fan housing, shroud and surrounding components, causing a vehicle fire.
Click here for the 12V-413 Part 573 Defect Information Report