The automaker also reported a big jump in revenue, to $13.8 billion from $8.8 billion a year ago, as sales of the Model Y continue to rise.
In a letter, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminded Tesla that federal law requires automakers to initiate recalls if they find defects that pose a safety risk.
General Motors has recalled 141,000 Bolts to replace battery packs that can catch on fire because of manufacturing defects.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said battery fires in Tesla’s electric vehicles when no crash was involved were “rare events.”
The recall now covers 2017-2022 models. The latest move, to add three more model years, will increase costs by $1 billion.
A 2019 crash in Florida highlights how gaps in Tesla’s driver-assistance system and distractions can have tragic consequences.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it is aware of 11 crashes since 2018 when Tesla vehicles operating under Autopilot control have hit emergency vehicles.
The automaker has told owners of the 51,000 vehicles, from the 2017 to 2019 model years, to take precautions until defects are remedied.
The automaker has told owners of the 51,000 vehicles, from the 2017 to 2019 model years, to take precautions until defects are remedied.
Even electric vehicles serviced in response to a recall last year may still be at risk, the vehicle’s manufacturer and federal safety officials said.