United Kingdom · Safety alerts · Issue #4 · 28/09 – 04/10
Tesla Powerwall 2 units enter free replacement programme after cell fire risk identified
OPSS reports that certain Tesla Powerwall 2 cells can develop defects leading to overheating and fire; Tesla is remotely discharging affected units and arranging free replacement.
What the primary source says
The Office for Product Safety and Standards published a Product Safety Report on 28 September 2026 about certain Tesla Powerwall 2 home-battery units. The report says some cells may develop internal defects over time, allowing lithium plating to build up and potentially crack the cell casing. That can cause an internal short circuit, thermal runaway, overheating and fire.
Tesla has remotely discharged most affected units and says the remaining units are being discharged by technicians while replacement is arranged. Customers should keep an affected Powerwall online, check the Tesla app and contact a certified installer or Tesla support about the free replacement programme. This is a UK safety report and modification programme, not evidence that every Powerwall 2 unit is affected.
Why it matters
The useful distinction
Home energy-storage systems are installed equipment that may continue operating without a visible fault. Buyers and owners should check the manufacturer's notification and act on the specified service instruction rather than relying on normal operation as proof of safety.
This briefing is an independent summary of the evidence sources below. Context-only links are not used as factual authority. It does not establish that a product, organisation or listing is unsafe, unlawful or non-compliant beyond what the evidence reports.