Tesla Roadster 2.0 and 2.5 Recalled for Possible Fire Hazard

PALO ALTO, California — Tesla said it is recalling the Tesla Roadster 2.0 and 2.5 models to install a protective sleeve to avoid friction that could cause a low-voltage auxiliary cable to short-circuit and cause a fire behind the right headlight. The recall involves 439 Roadsters or approximately one-third of the 1,300 cars it had sold.

"Tesla decided to initiate a recall after the low-voltage auxiliary cable in a single vehicle chafed against the edge of a carbon fiber panel in the vehicle causing a short, smoke and possible fire behind the right front headlamp of the vehicle," said Tesla in a statement on Friday. "This issue is limited to the 12V low-voltage auxiliary cable and does not involve the main battery pack or main power system."

Tesla said it has started notifying customers via e-mail. It said the correction takes about an hour and can be performed at customers' homes or offices.

The recall does not include earlier Roadster 1.5 models with VIN ending with 500 or before, "as these cars do not include the 12V auxiliary cable in question," said Tesla.

Inside Line says: If you own the aforementioned Tesla Roadster, have it checked out with the Tesla Service Rangers ASAP. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent