Current and former Model S or Model X owners, 2012 to 2020: Tesla is reimbursing
Tesla is sending out a letter about the pyrotechnic high voltage battery disconnect, the fuse that isolates the HV battery in a collision or a fault. It runs on its own small non-rechargeable internal battery, and once that battery is done, the car shows “Battery fuse requires replacement soon, OK to drive, Schedule service”, or one of the codes BMS_u031, BMS_u032, BMS_w176, BMS_w179, BMS_w180. The fuse then has to be replaced.
What changed: Tesla is extending the battery and drive unit limited warranty, 8 years or 240,000 km whichever comes first, to cover that replacement. And if you paid out of pocket while the vehicle was still covered, Tesla reimburses parts, labour and tax.
Worth noting: the letter covers people who own or previously owned one of these vehicles. Even if you have sold or traded the car since, if you paid for that fuse, you can file a claim.
How to file: log into your Tesla account at tesla.com/contactus, then Regarding > Warranty Reimbursement > Submit, select the VIN and fill out the form. You need your invoices, receipts or service records showing the repair and the amount paid.
Dig through your paperwork, some people paid several hundred dollars for this.