Tesla Powerwall 2 Recall: Fire & Burn Hazards Raise Serious Legal Issues

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced a recall of certain Tesla Powerwall 2 AC battery power systems due to the risk of overheating, smoke, and fire—posing serious injury or death hazards. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
At Ketterer, Browne & Davani Attorneys, we represent individuals harmed by defective products—especially those marketed for home safety and energy reliability. This recall underscores how even premium home-equipment can carry hidden risks and legal exposure.

What the Recall Covers

• The recall involves about 10,500 Tesla Powerwall 2 units (model name printed on nameplate) sold from November 2020 through December 2022. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

• Hazard reported: The lithium-ion cells in affected units can fail under normal use, resulting in overheating, smoke or flame and thus risk of death or serious injury due to fire and burn hazards. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

• Incident data: Tesla reported 22 reports of overheating, including six reports of smoke and five of actual fire with minor property damage. No injuries were reported at the time of recall. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

• Remedy: Tesla will replace affected units. Consumers are advised to check whether their unit is included via the Tesla app and contact Tesla support for next steps. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Why This Matters for Homeowners & Families

1. Critical Home-Safety Systems Are Not Immune

Energy-storage systems like the Powerwall are promoted as safe, premium upgrades for homes. But when they fail, they can cause catastrophic damage: structure fires, burn injuries, displacement, and loss of property—and lives.

2. Design & Manufacturing Defects Trigger Liability

When a product of this nature fails or poses substantial risk of fire/burn—especially in homes where lives and large investments are at stake—it raises questions of defective design, inadequate testing, failure to warn, and recall responsiveness.

3. Legal Rights for Affected Consumers

• If you own a recalled Powerwall 2 unit, you should act immediately: check whether your unit is included, stop use if advised, preserve documentation.

• If a failure (overheating, fire, damage, injury) has already occurred, you may be eligible for compensation: property damage, injury costs, replacement costs, emotional loss.

• Legal claims may include product-liability, negligence, breach of warranty, and maybe class-action exposure given the scale of affected units.

4. Documentation & Timing Are Crucial

Just like with other recalls, evidence disappears quickly. Preservation of purchase details, installation records, unit serial numbers, app notifications, photos of damage, and communication with Tesla support all weigh heavily in building a case.

How Ketterer, Browne & Davani Attorneys Can Help

• Recall Verification: We can help you determine whether your Powerwall 2 is part of the recall.

• Incident Investigation: If your unit failed or caused damage/injury, we collect installation records, service logs, fire-department reports, and assess liability.

• Full Legal Representation: We’ll pursue all available damages—property loss, injury, future care, replacement costs, emotional distress—and hold liable parties (manufacturer, installer, dealer) accountable.

• Resource Liaison: We work with forensic fire experts, building-safety specialists, and product-defect engineers to build the strongest case for you.

What Homeowners Should Do Immediately

1. Check your unit’s serial number/nameplate—make sure whether your Powerwall 2 unit is subject to the recall.

2. Stop use or ensure safe operation—if advised by Tesla or CPSC, discontinue usage until a safe replacement is installed.

3. Document everything—photos of the unit, damage or signs of overheating (smoke stains, charring), purchase/install date, installer name, correspondence with Tesla.

4. Seek professional evaluation—if you experienced overheating, smoke, fire, property damage or personal injury, obtain a fire-department or electrician’s report.

5. Consult legal counsel—Especially in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania or other states where home-product liability law can provide for broad recovery. Do not assume “no injuries” means “no claim.”

Conclusion

The Tesla Powerwall 2 recall is a stark reminder: premium home-energy systems and devices can pose serious safety risks. When they fail, the consequences can be devastating—for property, for personal safety, for families. If you own a Powerwall 2 unit, check whether it’s subject to the recall and act now. If you or your home was harmed by a unit failure, you deserve robust legal representation.

At Ketterer, Browne & Davani, LLC, we are ready to assist homeowners across Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and beyond in cases involving dangerous home-products and defective equipment.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique and must be reviewed by qualified counsel.