The electric vehicle giant, Tesla, has announced a recall of all 3,878 Cybertrucks due to a defect where the accelerator pedal can get stuck, presenting a significant risk to drivers. This action punctuates a challenging period for the company, following significant layoffs and executive departures.
Customers began reporting issues with the Cybertruck’s accelerator pedal in recent weeks, prompting Tesla to temporarily halt deliveries as they addressed the concern. As per documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Tesla has determined that an unapproved addition of lubricant during assembly may have compromised the pedal’s retention to its pad. The company has confirmed to NHTSA that the pedal can dislodge and become caught in the trim around the footwell.
One Cybertruck owner’s experience has particularly highlighted the potential danger of the defect. The individual shared a video on social media, showing the accelerator pedal cover getting stuck and causing the vehicle to continue accelerating when not actively braking. Another owner claimed their vehicle uncontrollably accelerated into a signal pole.
This is not the first recall for Tesla’s avant-garde pickup. A previous minor recall involved updating software to adjust the font size on warning lights. However, the current situation underscores a more pressing safety concern, given the physical nature of the defect.
Tesla has proactively communicated to the NHTSA that it will replace or rework the accelerator pedal on all existing Cybertrucks and has started manufacturing new vehicles with an improved pedal design. The company is also addressing the issue for vehicles that are either in transit or awaiting delivery at centers.
A Cybertruck enthusiast, who shared his ordeal online, related how his truck had been performing robustly over 2,000 miles of driving before the incident occurred. His experience, and the broader halt in deliveries, come at a time when Tesla is undergoing considerable internal reorganization.
The recall emerges amidst a wider context of legal and regulatory scrutiny directed at Tesla. While the company has been challenged before over claims of spontaneous acceleration, it managed to evade legal ramifications through settlements and NHTSA’s findings attributing such incidents to user error. Nevertheless, these latest developments indicate a tangible concern that Tesla is now compelled to rectify.
Tesla has started reaching out to owners and has been working on rectifying the issue for affected vehicles. The recall’s breadth—encompassing every Cybertruck shipped to date—signifies Tesla’s commitment to safety and the proactive measures it is willing to take in response to potential hazards.
Relevant articles:
– Tesla recalls the Cybertruck for faulty accelerator pedals that can get stuck
– Cybertruck owners say deliveries halted over bad accelerator pedal, The Verge, Mon, 15 Apr 2024 21:11:15 GMT
– A Cybertruck owner says his accelerator got stuck while he was driving, NBC News, Mon, 15 Apr 2024 19:46:25 GMT
– Tesla Recalls Nearly 3,900 Cybertrucks Over Gas Pedals That Can Get Stuck—Causing Truck To Accelerate, Forbes, Fri, 19 Apr 2024 13:43:33 GMT