NHTSA Complaint #11612930 — 2024 TESLA MODEL Y

Component Failure: Coolant line and connector to battery pack under Tesla Model Y failed, causing vehicle shutdown. Part available for inspection. Safety Risk: Driving on mild dirt road, vehicle experienced progressive issues leading to sudden shutdown. Potential for serious accident, especially at higher speeds or in traffic. Problem Confirmation: Tesla service center confirmed coolant leak from damaged connector caused shutdown. Reported as known issue that requires complete battery replacement, despite it just being a connector. Inspection: Examined by Tesla technicians. Further inspection possible if required. Warning Signs: Screen displayed progressive warnings: 1. "Coolant low, schedule service, but okay to drive" 2. "Power reduced, okay to drive" 3. "Rear motor disabled be careful going down hills" 4. "Pull over immediately" - followed by shutdown Additional Details: - Small rock likely hit connector on dirt road - Coolant connector not threaded, not easily replaceable - Common issue in Tesla models, especially Model Y - Warnings progression didn't adequately convey severity - Battery replacement cost exceeds $15,000+, unreasonably high given Tesla's practice of refurbishing and reusing batteries Recommended Action: 1. Redesign coolant connector for impact resilience 2. Implement threaded design for easier replacement of connector (not entire battery) 3. Replace plastic shielding under vehicle with 1/8" aluminum shielding 4. Significantly reduce battery replacement costs, considering Tesla's ability to refurbish and reuse batteries This single point of failure poses significant risk and potential for extreme repair costs. Coolant connector vulnerability to minor impacts suggests design flaw affecting Tesla owners driving on unpaved surfaces. NHTSA investigation needed to prevent future incidents, ensure safety, and address unreasonable repair costs for Tesla Model Y owners and other road users..