Recall 10V458 affects 439 2010 Tesla ROADSTER2 vehicles for a misrouted 12V auxiliary cable. Repair is free at any franchised Tesla dealer.
Tesla is recalling 439 2010 ROADSTER2 vehicles because the 12V auxiliary cable for the low voltage backup power system was routed incorrectly. The cable can rub against the carbon fiber armature, expose the wire, and create a short circuit or electrical arcing that can start a fire near the right front headlamp; the Tesla dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 12V auxiliary cable on the 2010 Tesla ROADSTER2 is part of the low-voltage backup power system. It carries backup electrical power through the vehicle, so the cable needs a protected path where its insulation is not pinched, rubbed, or pressed against sharp body structure.
On affected ROADSTER2 vehicles, that cable was routed incorrectly near the wheel well cover. If it gets trapped there, normal vehicle movement lets the cable rub against the edge of the carbon fiber armature. That abrasion wears through the insulation and exposes the wire. Once bare wire touches carbon fiber, it creates a short circuit and electrical arcing.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners are not told to expect a dashboard light, sound, smell, or change in driving feel before the cable insulation has already worn through.
Who's affected?
The scope is limited by build dates: June 1, 2010, through September 30, 2010.
| 2010 Tesla ROADSTER2 | battery |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 439 |
Not every 2010 Tesla ROADSTER2 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A short circuit and electrical arcing in the right front headlamp area can start a fire. Since no warning sign is listed for this recall, schedule service soon and take any electrical problem near that headlamp seriously. Repair will be free at any franchised Tesla dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010 Tesla ROADSTER2 is included in this recall.
- Contact an authorized Tesla service center before scheduling service, since the remedy status is not listed as currently available here.
- Ask Tesla about the free 12V auxiliary cable routing check and protective sleeve that protects the cable from chafing at the wheel well cover.
- Bring the recall notice if Tesla mailed one. If not, reference recall number 10V458 when you call.
- Avoid driving if you smell burning, see smoke, or notice electrical arcing near the right front headlamp area.
What happens at the repair
Tesla's remedy is for a Tesla technician to check the routing of the 12V auxiliary cable and install a protective sleeve over the wire. The sleeve is intended to keep the cable from being misrouted or pinched by the wheel well cover. Because the remedy status is not listed as available in this record, treat the dealer repair as free once available. Tesla's safety recall began on October 31, 2010.
Timeline
| October 1, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 31, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V458?
Recall 10V458 covers 439 2010 Tesla ROADSTER2 vehicles with a 12V auxiliary cable routing defect. If the cable is trapped against the wheel well cover, the wire can abrade, expose bare wire, and create a fire risk in the right front headlamp area.
What should I do if my 2010 Tesla ROADSTER2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 10V458. If it is, contact a franchised Tesla service location and ask for the 12V auxiliary cable inspection and protective sleeve installation. Reference recall 10V458 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Tesla will check the 12V auxiliary cable routing and install a protective sleeve free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 10V458?
The safety risk is fire in the right front headlamp area. The defect involves a misrouted 12V auxiliary cable that can rub against the carbon fiber armature, expose the wire, and create a short circuit with electrical arcing.
What if I bought my Tesla ROADSTER2 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2010 Tesla ROADSTER2 is included, then contact Tesla service or Tesla customer service at 877-888-3752.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V458000 |
|---|---|
| Tesla customer service | 877-888-3752 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V458 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V458000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →