Tesla officials were reportedly aware of the issue surrounding early Model S batteries and their cooling systems. However, the defect was not reported to proper regulatory agencies, according to leaked emails obtained by Business Insider.
According to the report, it had been stated in the leaked emails that the faulty tubes for the battery found their way to Tesla Model S vehicles between 2012 to 2016. While the automaker had ended its business relationship with an undisclosed Chinese supplier, it continued to install the faulty parts and sold the cars anyway.
Wednesday's report by the Los Angeles Times reveals that the U.S. government has started an investigation into the faulty components. The documents have since been uploaded on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. The National Transportation Safety Board has also opened its own investigation. As of writing, it's not known if the issue is part of the same investigation into Tesla's faulty batteries in 2019.
Tesla Model S owners have reported that the cooling tubes leak, which can potentially increase fire risk. The NHTSA was reportedly "well aware" of the reports about the bad cooling tubes.
Battery issues aside, the Model S owners have reported defective touchscreens as well. Should the screen fail, it removes the car's backup camera.
In June, the NHTSA opened an investigation into the Model after the sedan's touchscreen had been failing, according to owners. Specifically, owners alerted the agency about the screen outright failing.
According to the complaints filed against Tesla, its Model S touchscreens suffer from memory wear out. Wear out worsens "after periods of progressively degraded performance," like defective navigation functions, loss of cellular connection, and longer loading times. When it does fail, audio and visuals kick the bucket.
The agency also published documents on the issue after receiving 11 complaints, which it confirmed it would investigate. The complaints come from owners of 2013 to 2015 Model S vehicles, though each of the complaints has arrived at NHTSA within the past 13 months, according to the agency.
The NHTSA is heavily invested in the issue due to the fact that a failing touchscreen will impact the backup camera of the Model S, which in turn lessens rearward visibility. According to users, they have been left unable to choose climate control functions, making the system on auto mode. Other functions no longer working, include charging and battery information.
Tesla did not immediately return a request for comment.
