Tesla is giving certain Model S and Model X owners a free upgrade to help protect their cars during floods. The update improves the high-voltage battery seal, lowering the chance of water damage during heavy rain or flooding.
Which Cars Get the Upgrade
This applies to Model S and Model X vehicles built between January 2021 and September 22, 2022. Tesla will replace the current flood port plungers in the high-voltage battery. The new parts are better at keeping water out while still letting moisture escape from the inside.
Tesla is doing this work for free. It’s part of their effort to keep vehicles safe and working well, especially during bad weather.
How Owners Will Be Notified
Owners will get a message in the Tesla app once the parts are ready at their local service center. The job must be done at a service center. Mobile Service can’t do this upgrade.
What the Upgrade Changes
Tesla will replace five flood port plungers in the battery. These parts were first made to release moisture from inside the battery pack. But they were found to be weak against water from the outside during flooding. The new parts, part number 2182887-00-A and labeled as “CORE ASY, FLOOD PORT 2.0, P2” are stronger and more secure.
The work takes about 1.26 hours for Model S and 0.96 hours for Model X. That’s based on Tesla’s Service Manual and official repair time estimates.
How Tesla Is Covering the Cost
Tesla will not charge owners. If the car is under the High-Voltage Battery Limited Warranty, the cost is already covered. If the warranty has ended, Tesla will still do it for free under a goodwill repair program.
Owners on social media platforms like X have also posted about getting upgrade notices through the Tesla app.
The timing of the reports came close to recent flooding events, which may have pushed Tesla to act sooner.
Tesla’s internal notice, Service Bulletin SB-25-16-002 (dated May 5, 2025), confirmed the details. This document outlines which cars are included and describes the process.
Why This Matters for Safety
The new plungers lower the chance of water reaching the battery, but they don’t make the car waterproof. Tesla says drivers should still move their vehicles to higher ground in flood-prone areas and avoid driving through deep water. This advice applies to all electric vehicles, not just Tesla.
Bottom Line
Tesla is updating Model S and Model X batteries to handle flood risks better. The upgrade is free, but owners need to visit a service center to get it done. And even with the new parts, the company reminds drivers to be cautious during floods.
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