Only a week after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Phoenix, Arizona-based Nikola Motors has issued a recall for up to 95 examples of 2024-2025 model year Tre battery fuel cell electric (FCEV) Class 8 semis over concerns the wrong bolts might have been used to mount the hydrogen tank.
[Related: Nikola Motors, once a Wall Street darling, files for bankruptcy]
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall notice, the mounting bolts in question could be too long, leading to potential tank damage which increases the risk of a leak and, therefore, a potential fire.
Nikola cites the lack of process control during vehicle assembly at the plant as the cause for using the wrong bolts. The affected Tre FCEVs were manufactured between August 30, 2024 and September 16, 2024. The OEM stresses it is unaware of any leaks associated with this issue. There are also several monitoring and safety systems in place to detect hydrogen tank leaks.
Affected owners, who will begin to be notified by mail on March 15, 2025, will be informed dealers will inspect and replace the bolts and, if deemed necessary, replace the hydrogen tank. As usual with any NHTSA recall, this work will be done free of charge.
Nikola BEV semi recall unresolved
Meanwhile, Nikola has yet to fully resolve a previous recall involving its BEV 2.0 battery-electric semi.
[Related: Nikola fixed 111 of 209 BEV semis since 2023 recall over battery fire risk]
A January 31, 2025 report from the NHTSA states that, as of the end of 2024, Nikola has yet to complete repairs for around 100 BEV 2.0s that were the subject of a 2023 battery-pack recall.
Last summer, Nikola confirmed it fixed 209 trucks, followed by another 111 since then. To date, there are 98 units left unrepaired.
Following the recall, Nikola opted to go with another battery supplier, which uses a different and new battery design, following the recall.
Owners can contact Nikola customer service at 630-808-4531 for any questions or concerns regarding either recall. They can also reach out directly to the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to the official website for further details.
