Officials within Tesla reportedly knew of issues surrounding early Model S batteries and their cooling systems but did not report the defect to the proper regulatory agencies, according to leaked emails.
Business Insider reported last Thursday on the leaked emails that reportedly say faulty cooling tubes for the battery found their way to Tesla Model S vehicles between 2012 and 2016. According to the emails, Tesla ended its relationship with the particular Chinese supplier and began building the tubes itself. But, while it worked with the supplier, it installed the faulty components and sold the EVs anyway.