NHTSA Complaint #11697718 — 2017 TESLA MODEL S

While charging at a Tesla Supercharger, the vehicle began making extremely loud mechanical noises on October 7, 2025, as if something inside the high-voltage system was about to explode. A warning appeared stating “Vehicle may shut down at any time.” A service request was opened the next day. Tesla scheduled the first available appointment nearly a month later, leaving the vehicle unsafe to drive. Before that appointment date, on October 31, 2025, the vehicle completely shut down at a Supercharger and could not be restarted. Tesla Roadside Assistance was dispatched three times before the car was successfully towed to a Tesla Service Center. The failure was diagnosed by the service center as a high-voltage isolation fault logged in the Battery Management System. The problem disables the vehicle suddenly and without warning, posing a serious safety hazard if it occurs while driving. Warning lamps and shutdown messages were present prior to the failure. Tesla service staff stated they could not access diagnostic data until the customer paid for unrelated parts (12-volt battery and A/C compressor). After being challenged, they later retrieved limited battery data proving that the high-voltage system had recorded faults. Tesla has not yet issued a written warranty determination or performed a full battery inspection. The incident demonstrates that a high-voltage battery isolation fault can cause the vehicle to become completely inoperable and may create risk of sudden loss of power while driving or charging. The component (battery pack and related electrical systems) remains in Tesla’s possession and can be inspected upon request.