What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a significant recall involving Tesla’s Powerwall 2 AC battery power systems. This action, dated November 13, 2025, targets specific units of the company’s fully-integrated AC battery systems. These devices are designed for residential energy storage, allowing homeowners to store electricity for self-consumption, manage time-based control costs, and provide backup power during outages. The recall is necessary because a defect in the lithium-ion battery cells within these units can cause the system to stop functioning while it is in normal use. This failure mode is not merely an inconvenience; it creates a dangerous physical condition where the unit may overheat, potentially leading to smoke, flame, and serious injury or death.
The affected products are specifically identified by the model number "Powerwall 2," which is printed on the nameplate label located on the side of the unit. It is important for consumers to verify this exact model designation, as Tesla manufactures other battery products that may not be subject to this specific recall. The scope of this recall includes certain Powerwall 2 units that were sold in the United States. While the provided records do not specify the total number of units affected or the exact dates of sale, the fact that Tesla has received 22 reports of overheating—including six instances of smoking and five fires indicating minor property damage—underscores the tangible risk present in the fielded population.
Tesla has identified these specific Powerwall 2 systems as posing a fire and burn hazard due to the potential for the lithium-ion battery cells to trigger a failure during normal operation. The company is urging owners to check their systems immediately. For those units that are currently online, Tesla has taken proactive steps by remotely discharging the batteries to remove energy and prevent overheating until a replacement can be installed. If you own a Powerwall 2, your first step is to confirm whether your specific unit is part of this recall group by checking for a notification in the Tesla App or by contacting Tesla Support directly via email at powerwallsupportna@tesla.com or by calling 877-961-7652.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is necessary, it helps to look at what happens inside the Tesla Powerwall 2 when things go wrong. The core issue lies within the lithium-ion battery cells that store your home’s energy. Under normal circumstances, these cells manage the flow of electricity efficiently and safely. However, in the affected units, a defect can cause the system to suddenly stop functioning while it is still in use. This isn’t just a software glitch that turns the screen off; it is a physical failure of the battery’s internal management.
When the battery cells fail to operate correctly during normal charging or discharging cycles, they can begin to overheat. Lithium-ion batteries are designed to dissipate heat effectively, but when the internal chemistry becomes unstable due to this malfunction, the temperature can rise rapidly beyond safe limits. This is not a slow, gradual warming; it is a sudden spike in thermal energy that the unit’s cooling systems cannot handle.
As the temperature climbs, the risk escalates quickly. The overheating can lead to the release of smoke, which is often the first warning sign that something is critically wrong inside the sealed unit. In more severe cases, this thermal runaway can ignite a flame. Fire and burn hazards are the primary concern here because the energy stored in these batteries is substantial. If the containment fails or if nearby materials catch fire, the situation can become dangerous very fast.
The potential for serious injury or even death stems from two main factors: the intensity of the fire itself and the speed at which it can develop. Burns are a significant risk to anyone in close proximity, especially during the initial moments when the smoke appears. Furthermore, if the fire spreads to other parts of your home’s electrical system or structural elements, the danger expands beyond just the battery unit. While the current reports indicate minor property damage and no injuries, the nature of lithium-ion fires means that the potential for harm is real and serious.
It is important to note that this hazard does not always announce itself with a loud alarm. The system may simply stop working correctly before the overheating becomes visible or smelly. This is why Tesla has taken the proactive step of remotely discharging affected units that are online. By removing the energy from the battery, they aim to lower the temperature and prevent the cells from reaching the point where smoke or flame could occur, buying time until a replacement can be installed.
If you notice any unusual heat coming from your Powerwall 2, see smoke, or smell burning insulation, treat it as an emergency. Do not attempt to open the unit or touch it. Evacuate the area immediately and call emergency services if there is visible fire. Your safety is far more important than protecting the equipment.
Who is most at risk
The primary group affected by this recall consists of homeowners who have installed Tesla Powerwall 2 units as part of their residential energy infrastructure. These are not portable devices or temporary solutions; they are fully-integrated AC battery systems permanently mounted in homes, garages, or utility rooms to manage energy storage for self-consumption, time-based control, and backup power. If you have a Tesla Powerwall 2 installed in your home, you are part of the affected population. The risk is not limited to a specific geographic region but applies to any installation where the specific lithium-ion battery cells involved in this defect are present.
While the recall data indicates that no injuries have been reported to date, the nature of the hazard—overheating leading to smoke or flame—creates a scenario where physical vulnerability is heightened. The most significant risk arises from the sudden and potentially silent onset of failure. The battery cells can cause the unit to stop functioning during normal use, which triggers an overheating process. For individuals who may be less mobile, such as the elderly or those with disabilities, the ability to quickly evacuate a home in the event of a fire is critical. A malfunctioning battery system located in a living space, garage, or basement could obstruct escape routes if smoke develops rapidly.
Children and pets are also at particular risk due to their proximity to floors and lower levels where gases and heat may accumulate. Lithium-ion battery fires can release toxic fumes before visible flames appear. Young children may not recognize the signs of danger, such as unusual smells or slight discoloration of the unit, and might be drawn to investigate the device out of curiosity. Similarly, pets may attempt to nest near the warmth of an overheating unit, exposing them directly to burn hazards or toxic smoke inhalation.
Furthermore, households with limited emergency response resources are at greater risk. If a Powerwall 2 fails and begins to smoke or catch fire, the time it takes for emergency services to arrive can be the difference between minor property damage and serious injury. Residents living in remote areas or homes without immediate access to external firefighting support face heightened dangers because they must rely on their own ability to contain the situation or evacuate safely. The recall remedy involves Tesla remotely discharging affected units that are online, which helps mitigate this risk by removing energy from the battery to prevent overheating. However, until the replacement is installed, there remains a window of vulnerability for those whose systems may not be monitored in real-time or who are unable to respond quickly to alerts.
It is also important to note that anyone relying on the Powerwall 2 for backup power during outages is indirectly at risk. The stress placed on the battery system during high-demand periods, such as storms or grid failures, may exacerbate the underlying defect in the lithium-ion cells. Therefore, homeowners who use this system heavily for energy independence or emergency preparedness should be especially vigilant in monitoring their Tesla App for notifications and ensuring their unit is included in the remote discharge process.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your home energy storage system is part of this specific recall requires a careful look at both the physical hardware and your digital account records. Because Tesla Powerwall 2 units are designed to blend seamlessly into residential settings, they may not immediately stand out as potential safety hazards. However, the manufacturer has provided clear markers to help you distinguish affected models from safe ones. The first and most definitive step is to locate the nameplate label affixed to the side of your unit. This label contains critical identification data that cannot be ignored. You must look specifically for the model number printed on this plate. If the label clearly states "Powerwall 2," your unit falls within the scope of this recall. It is important to note that while other Tesla energy products exist, this specific safety notice applies only to the Powerwall 2 fully-integrated AC battery systems. Units with different model designations are not included in this particular action.
Knowing what the device looks like and where it was originally sold can also help confirm your suspicions. These units are self-contained, rectangular battery systems intended for energy storage, allowing homeowners to manage self-consumption of solar power, utilize time-based control features, or serve as backup power sources. If you purchased a fully-integrated AC battery system from Tesla specifically marketed for these purposes, and the model matches the nameplate description above, there is a strong likelihood your unit is involved. The recall covers certain units sold for residential use, so if you installed this system in your home for personal energy management rather than for commercial utility-scale distribution, you should proceed with verification.
Physical inspection alone may not be enough to determine if your specific serial number or production batch is affected. Tesla has taken the step of remotely discharging affected systems that are currently online to prevent overheating until replacements can be installed. Therefore, the most accurate way to confirm inclusion in the recall is through your digital interface. You should ensure your Powerwall 2 system is connected to the internet and check the Tesla App on your smartphone or tablet. The app will provide a specific notification indicating whether your unit is included in this safety update. If you do not see a notification but still have concerns, or if your system is offline, you must contact Tesla directly for verification.
If you are unable to locate the nameplate, cannot access the app, or simply want to be absolutely certain before taking action, you can reach out to Tesla Support. You may email them at powerwallsupportna@tesla.com or call 877-961-7652 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, visit https://tesla.com/support/energy/powerwall/own/powerwall-2-replacement for detailed guidance. Do not rely on general descriptions alone; always verify using the model number on the label and the official Tesla App or support channels to ensure your home remains safe.
What to do — step by step
If you own a Tesla Powerwall 2, your immediate priority is to determine whether your specific unit is part of this safety recall. The good news is that Tesla has designed the remedy process to be largely remote and automated for those who have their systems properly connected, which significantly reduces the burden on you as a homeowner. Your first action should be to ensure that your Powerwall 2 system is currently online and actively communicating with Tesla’s servers. This connectivity is crucial because it allows Tesla to identify your unit in their database and initiate protective measures without requiring you to physically interact with the high-voltage battery right away.
Once you have confirmed your system is online, open the Tesla mobile application on your smartphone or tablet. Navigate to the section dedicated to your Powerwall 2 energy storage system. Look carefully for any notifications or alerts within the app. If your unit is included in this recall, the app will display a specific notification informing you of the issue. This digital check is the most efficient way to confirm your status. If you do not have access to the Tesla App or if you are unsure how to navigate it, you can also visit Tesla’s website directly. Go to https://tesla.com and select Energy, then choose Support followed by Powerwall Owners to find more information about your specific installation.
If your system is online and identified as affected, take a moment to understand what Tesla is doing on the backend. To prevent the lithium-ion battery cells from overheating while you wait for a replacement, Tesla has remotely discharged energy from the affected Powerwall 2 systems. This means the company has actively removed stored energy from the battery to lower the risk of fire or smoke. While this remote discharge is a vital safety step, it may leave your home without backup power during an outage until the physical replacement is installed. Therefore, you should not attempt to manually reset, open, or tamper with the unit yourself, as this could exacerbate the overheating risk or void warranties.
If your system is offline, or if you have received a notification but need further assistance, you must contact Tesla Support directly. You can reach their dedicated team by emailing powerwallsupportna@tesla.com or by calling the toll-free number 877-961-7652. These support lines are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. When you contact them, have your system details ready so they can verify your model and schedule the necessary replacement. Tesla’s remedy involves installing a replacement Powerwall 2 unit; however, the recall facts do not specify if there is any refund option or if the repair is entirely free of charge beyond the part and labor. For complete clarity on any potential costs or logistics of the physical swap, rely on the information provided by Tesla Support during your call or email exchange.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you determine that your Tesla Powerwall 2 unit is part of this recall, the primary remedy provided by Tesla is not a traditional refund or an on-site repair performed by a technician. Instead, the company has implemented a remote safety protocol followed by a hardware replacement. It is important to understand exactly how this process works so you know what to expect and can monitor your system effectively during the transition.
The immediate action Tesla takes depends entirely on whether your specific unit is currently online and connected to their network. If your Powerwall 2 is online, Tesla has remotely discharged the battery. This means they have removed the energy stored within the unit from their end. The purpose of this step is critical: it prevents the lithium-ion cells inside the affected units from overheating while you wait for the replacement hardware. By removing the charge, they eliminate the immediate risk of fire or smoke until the new, safe unit is installed. If your system happens to be offline, this remote discharge cannot occur, which is why Tesla urges you to verify your status through their official channels immediately.
To confirm if your specific serial number is included in this recall and to initiate the replacement process, you must contact Tesla directly. You have several convenient options for doing so. You can reach the Tesla Support team via email at powerwallsupportna@tesla.com. Alternatively, you may call their toll-free number at 877-961-7652. These phone lines are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. For those who prefer digital self-service, Tesla has dedicated online resources where you can find more information and track your recall status. You can visit https://tesla.com/support/energy/powerwall/own/powerwall-2-replacement or navigate through the main Tesla website by selecting Energy, then Support, and finally Powerwall Owners.
Please note that the recall facts provided do not specify any financial compensation beyond the replacement of the defective unit. There is no mention of refunds for energy lost due to the remote discharge, nor are there details about reimbursement for any third-party installation costs you may have incurred. The remedy is strictly limited to the hardware replacement and the safety measures Tesla has already enacted remotely. It is advisable to keep a record of your communications with Tesla Support in case you have questions later about the timeline for receiving your new unit or the status of your old system.
While you wait for your replacement Powerwall 2, your home’s energy storage capability may be limited or non-existent, depending on whether your unit was online when the recall action took place. Tesla’s remote discharge ensures safety but means your battery is effectively empty and inactive until the new hardware arrives and is professionally installed. Do not attempt to reactivate the old unit yourself. Leave it as is, and allow Tesla’s authorized service network to handle the removal of the recalled unit and the installation of the replacement. Your safety and the safety of your home depend on adhering to these official procedures without deviation.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable to feel hesitant about disrupting your home’s power infrastructure. You may be busy with work, caring for family, or simply trying to maintain your daily routine, and the idea of waiting for a technician or dealing with app notifications can feel like an unnecessary burden. However, ignoring this recall is not merely an inconvenience; it is a direct gamble with your physical safety and the structural integrity of your home. The core issue here is not just that the battery might stop working, but that it becomes a source of uncontrolled thermal energy. When the lithium-ion cells inside the Powerwall 2 fail in this specific manner, they do not simply "turn off." Instead, they enter a state of runaway overheating. This is a chemical process that accelerates rapidly, turning your reliable energy storage unit into a significant ignition source.
The reality of what can happen if you delay action is rooted in the physics of battery failure. As the internal temperature rises, the risk of thermal runaway increases exponentially. We have already seen evidence of this in the 22 reports Tesla has received: six instances where the units began smoking and five where active fires broke out. While these incidents resulted in minor property damage so far, fire does not respect boundaries. A fire starting inside a wall-mounted battery can quickly spread to surrounding insulation, wiring, or nearby combustible materials. The smoke generated during this phase is not just nuisance smoke; it contains toxic chemicals that pose an immediate health risk to anyone breathing them in, even before flames become visible.
Most critically, the hazard level escalates from property damage to severe personal injury or death if the situation is left unaddressed. The recall notice explicitly warns of burn hazards and the potential for fatal outcomes. If you continue to use an affected unit, you are leaving a ticking clock in your home. Unlike a smoke alarm that gives you time to react, a battery fire can ignite with little warning once it passes the point of no return. By ignoring the notification, you are refusing Tesla’s proactive remedy—remotely discharging the battery to remove the energy source—which is currently keeping these specific units safe while they await replacement. Once the remote discharge fails or was never possible because the unit went offline, the stored chemical energy becomes a volatile threat with no off-switch.
Furthermore, there are practical consequences beyond immediate safety. If a fire occurs, standard home insurance policies may have complex clauses regarding recalled equipment that was knowingly left in use. You could face significant out-of-pocket costs for repairs that might otherwise be covered under warranty or liability protections provided by the manufacturer during a recall. More importantly, you risk losing trust in your home’s safety systems. A burned-out Powerwall 2 can damage connected inverters and other electrical components, leaving your backup power system completely non-functional when you need it most, whether for a storm or a grid outage. The small effort of checking your app today prevents the catastrophic loss of tomorrow.