Tesla Hits the Brakes: Cybertruck Recall Issued Due to Sticky Accelerator Pedals
Tesla's futuristic Cybertruck has hit a roadblock, facing a recall of all 3,878 units delivered to date. The culprit? Faulty accelerator pedals with the potential to get stuck, increasing the risk of crashes, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This recall adds to a string of recent challenges for the electric vehicle giant.
A Bumpy Road for Tesla
The recall news comes on the heels of a turbulent period for Tesla. Just this week, the company implemented significant workforce reductions, laying off more than 10% of its employees. Adding to the turmoil, two high-ranking executives departed the company. Further complicating matters, Tesla is seeking shareholder re-approval of CEO Elon Musk's substantial compensation package, which was previously rejected by a judge earlier this year.
Accelerator Issues Force a Recall
Reports of problematic accelerator pedals in the Cybertruck began surfacing in recent weeks, prompting Tesla to temporarily halt deliveries while investigating the issue. Musk, via a post on X (formerly Twitter), emphasized the company's commitment to caution, while also reporting to NHTSA that no crashes or injuries related to the faulty pedals had been reported.
However, Tesla has now confirmed to NHTSA that the accelerator pedal can become dislodged and potentially slide upwards, becoming trapped within the footwell trim. The company received its first customer complaint regarding this issue on March 31st, followed by a second report on April 3rd. After rigorous testing, Tesla determined that the problem stemmed from an "unapproved change" introducing lubricant (soap) during the assembly process, which reduced the adhesion of the pedal pad.
Tesla's Response and the Road Ahead
Tesla has committed to replacing or repairing the accelerator pedals on all existing Cybertrucks. Additionally, the company has informed NHTSA that new Cybertrucks are being manufactured with a redesigned accelerator pedal, and vehicles currently in transit or awaiting delivery are being addressed.
While this marks the second recall for the Cybertruck since its late 2022 launch, the first instance involved a minor software update to address inadequate font sizes on warning lights. Despite this latest setback, Tesla remains committed to the Cybertruck's success, a vehicle first unveiled with much fanfare back in 2019.
