Tesla’s Cybertruck Recall: Accelerator Pedal Defect Poses Crash Risk

Tesla has agreed to recall nearly 4,000 of its recently launched Cybertruck pickups due to a defect in the accelerator pedal that could cause unintended acceleration, increasing the risk of accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Recall Details

The recall affects all 3,878 Cybertrucks on U.S. roads produced between November 13, 2023, and April 4, 2024. The defect, caused by the use of soap as a lubricant during assembly at Tesla’s Austin, Texas factory, reduces the retention of the pad to the pedal, potentially leading to the accelerator pedal getting stuck, reports The NY Times.

Tesla first received a customer complaint on March 31, and by April 12, the company had completed its assessment and voluntarily recalled the affected vehicles. The NHTSA stated that Tesla is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or deaths caused by the defect. Some Cybertruck owners have shared videos and photographs on social media describing the issue and confirming their ability to stop the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal.

Free Repairs and Replacements

Tesla will replace or repair the accelerator pedal on the affected Cybertrucks free of charge, as stated by the NHTSA.

Tesla’s Recent Challenges

The Cybertruck recall is the latest setback for Tesla, the largest electric vehicle manufacturer in the United States. The company has been facing increased competition from emerging rivals and reported its first year-over-year sales decline in the first quarter of 2024 since the start of the pandemic. Tesla’s market share in the U.S. has dropped from 62 percent at the beginning of 2023 to 51 percent in the first quarter of 2024, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Tesla’s recent troubles have unsettled investors, resulting in a roughly 40 percent decline in the company’s stock price so far this year. The electric car maker has also struggled to maintain its recent rapid growth as established automakers enter the battery-powered car market and demand for these vehicles slows.

Previous Recalls

Tesla has faced several recalls in the past year, including:

• February 2024: Over two million vehicles recalled due to a font size issue on the warnings lights panel.
• December 2023: More than two million vehicles recalled to update the Autopilot software, providing more prominent alerts reminding drivers to keep their hands on the wheel while using the system.

The Cybertruck recall serves as another challenge for Tesla as it navigates increased competition, slowing demand, and a series of setbacks. The company’s first pickup truck, with its unique angular design and high starting price, may face limited appeal and sales.

As Tesla addresses the accelerator pedal defect and works to maintain its position in the electric vehicle market, it will need to focus on quality control and innovation to stay ahead of the curve.