PALO ALTO, CA - Tesla Motors has launched a voluntary safety recall of 439 Roadster models 2.0 and 2.5 because of a potential fire risk.

The electric automaker said the recall involves the 12v low-voltage auxiliary cable from a redundant backup system that provides power to various systems, including the headlamps, tail lights, turn signals and hazard lights, and airbags in the event the primary 12V power fails or drops below a minimum threshold value. Located in front of the passenger-side front wheel, behind the headlamp, the 12v low-voltage auxiliary cable is physically isolated from the main battery pack in the rear of the car.

Tesla decided to initiate a recall after the low-voltage auxiliary cable in a single vehicle chafed against the edge of a carbon fiber panel in the vehicle, causing a short, smoke and possible fire behind the right front headlamp of the vehicle. This issue is limited to the 12V low-voltage auxiliary cable and does not involve the main battery pack or main power system.

Once aware of this single incident, Tesla said it decided a voluntary recall was an appropriate precautionary measure.

Tesla has informed regulatory agencies of the problem and developed a remedy. The remedy involves checking the routing of the 12V low-voltage auxiliary cable and installing a protective sleeve over it. Tesla's service team has started notifying customers via e-mail and has launched a mailing campaign. Tesla service personnel can perform the repair at customers' homes or offices. The service takes approximately one hour.

This recall does not affect earlier Roadster 1.5 vehicles (VIN ending with 500 or before), since these cars do not include the 12V auxiliary cable in question.