Tesla Model S and Model X Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
Tesla Inc. has revolutionized the automobile industry, producing the world’s first mainstream mass-produced electric vehicles, while touting their vehicles as the safest vehicles on the road. However, since the introduction of the Tesla Model S and Model X, the lithium-ion battery tray that powers their vehicles has repeatedly demonstrated its susceptibility to catch fire when involved in collisions and, sometimes, even when the vehicle is not in use.
There have been more than 20 documented fires in Tesla models since their introduction 8 years ago, resulting in 6 fire-related deaths. Tesla even acknowledged this significant risk as a “critical safety issue” and agreed to cover the cost of fires in its warranty. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into Tesla battery fires following a defect petition citing “an alarming number of car fires.”
If you or a loved one have experienced a spontaneous car fire in your Tesla Model S or Model X, contact us today by completing the form or call (909) 345-8110.
Tesla-Related Battery Fires Are Widespread
Tesla has yet to make comments on the allegations of these potentially defective battery trays. But the problem isn’t small-scale. There have been instances of Tesla-related spontaneous car fires around the world for years. The known Tesla fire incidents include:
March 10, 2021:
In Irvine, California, a man was tragically killed when his Tesla struck a tree and caught fire.
February 12, 2020:
In Cerritos, California, a Tesla charging in a garage caught fire, sending a child to the hospital.
June 1, 2019:
In Antwerp, Belgium, a Model S caught fire while charging. To douse the flames, firefighters had to drop the car in a tank of water and leave it submerged overnight.
May 3, 2019:
In San Francisco, California, a Model S parked in a residential garage caught fire, filling the garage with smoke. The car was not plugged in at the time.
May 13, 2019:
In Hong Kong, China, a Model S parked in a public garage caught fire. (As a result, Tesla issued an Over-the-Air (OTA) update to the model’s thermal management system.)
April 21, 2019:
In Shanghai, China, a Model S parked in a public parking garage emitted white smoke before being enveloped in flames that destroyed the Model S and the Audi beside it. The car was not running or plugged in.
April 17, 2019:
In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a Model X with a history of overheating “suddenly erupted into flames and burned for several hours.”
February 18, 2019:
In Fremont, California, a Tesla Model X caught fire after a high-speed crash. Firefighters extinguished the battery fire.
December 21, 2018:
In San Francisco, California, a Model S in a mechanic’s garage burst into flames twice.
December 18, 2018:
In Los Gatos, California, a Tesla Model S caught fire while sitting in a parking lot. Hours later, the vehicle reignited while in a tow yard, the local NBC affiliate reported.
June 15, 2018:
In Los Angeles, California, “West Wing” actor Mary McCormack tweeted about her husband’s Model S catching fire “out of the blue, in traffic on Santa Monica Blvd.”
May 8, 2018:
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a Tesla Model S crashed and became engulfed in flames. Firefighters extinguished the fire using 200–300 gallons of water and foam. Two teenagers died in the crash.
June 15, 2018:
In West Hollywood, California, a 2014 Tesla Model S spontaneously began smoking on a road before catching fire, according to the NTSB.
March 23, 2018:
In Mountain View, California, a 2017 Tesla Model X caught fire after a crash. The battery reignited five days later.
August 25, 2017:
In Lake Forest, California, a Tesla caught fire after the driver crashed into a garage. The incident is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board.
November 2013:
In Smyrna, Tennessee, a Tesla Model S caught fire after the driver ran over a tow hitch, which hit the car’s undercarriage and battery.
October 2, 2013:
Near Seattle, Washington, a Tesla Model S caught fire after a metal object on the road punctured its battery pack.
Still, Tesla has not issued any recall of its lithium-ion batteries.
If your Tesla Model S or Model X has caught fire or you are afraid to drive it due to the fire risk, contact us by completing the form or call (909) 345-8110.
Holding Negligent Auto Manufacturers Accountable
McCune Law Group, has been at the forefront of safety-related litigation against Tesla relating to the hundreds of reports of Tesla drivers experiencing spontaneous full-power acceleration without driver input since 2017. We are also a leader in litigation relating to lithium-ion battery-fed fires, having filed one of the first class actions relating to lithium-ion battery-fed fires in Chevy Bolt vehicles. With successful trial verdicts and settlements against automotive giants like Toyota and Hyundai, our automotive product liability attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and safety in this matter.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a Tesla Model S or Model X vehicle fire, contact us today by filling out the form or scheduling your free consultation at (909) 345-8110.