Tesla Recalls 3,878 Cybertrucks Over Accelerator Pedal Defect

Tesla is recalling 3,878 model year 2024 Cybertrucks due to an issue with the accelerator pedal potentially becoming stuck, which could lead to unintentional acceleration and increased crash risk. The recall affects all Cybertrucks manufactured from November 13, 2023, to April 4, 2024.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall report, the accelerator pedal pad may dislodge and become trapped by the interior trim, causing the vehicle to accelerate unintentionally. The defect was caused by the use of an unapproved soap lubricant during assembly, which reduced the adhesion of the pedal pad.

Tesla first became aware of the issue through customer claims on March 31 and April 3, 2024. After investigating the condition, the company made the decision to voluntarily recall the affected vehicles on April 12, 2024. Tesla CEO Elon Musk referenced this issue as the reason behind Cybertruck delivery delays this month.

Why this matters: The recall of the highly anticipated Tesla Cybertruck raises concerns about the electric vehicle maker's quality control processes. As the Cybertruck is a new model with advanced features, any defects could impact consumer confidence and the company's reputation in the competitive electric pickup truck market.

Tesla will conduct physical repairs to address the accelerator pedal issue at no cost to Cybertruck owners. The company will replace or repair the accelerator pedal assembly, and notification letters are expected to be mailed to vehicle owners in June. As of Monday, April 15, 2024, Tesla is not aware of any collisions, injuries, or deaths related to this defect. "By April 17, all Cybertrucks in production received a new accelerator pedal," a Tesla spokesperson confirmed.

This recall marks Tesla's fourth this year, following previous recalls involving issues with warning lights and the rear-view camera display. The Cybertruck, which began deliveries in November 2023 after a two-year delay, has faced uncertainty over the timeline for large-scale production. The recall affects all 3,878 Cybertrucks manufactured within the specified dates, though the exact number of vehicles delivered to customers remains undisclosed.

Key Takeaways

• Tesla recalls 3,878 Cybertrucks due to faulty accelerator pedal issue.
• Defect caused by unapproved soap lubricant, leading to unintended acceleration.
• Tesla to replace or repair accelerator pedal assemblies at no cost to owners.
• Recall marks Tesla's fourth this year, raising quality control concerns.
• Cybertruck deliveries delayed due to this issue, according to Elon Musk.