Tesla, the electric vehicle (EV) giant led by CEO Elon Musk, issued a recall for nearly 3,900 Cybertrucks due to a “potentially dangerous flaw” in the accelerator pedal design.
According to the US Department of Transportation, the “accelerator pedal pad may dislodge and cause the pedal to become trapped by the interior trim.”
Cybertruck’s pedal problem
As per the recall notice, the design flaw is present in 3,878 Cybertruck units manufactured between November 13, 2023, and April 4, 2024. It cautions drivers that “application of the brake pedal will cut drive torque, including when both brake and accelerator pedals are pressed.”
This increases the risk of a collision. The recall notice adds: “Continued application of the brake pedal will bring the vehicle to a stop as quickly as if the accelerator pedal was not pressed.”
Moreover, the cause of the design flaw was identified: “An unapproved change introduced lubricant (soap) to aid in the component assembly of the pad onto the accelerator pedal. Residual lubricant reduced the retention of the pad to the pedal.
The recall comes amid growing concerns over Tesla’s safety standards. The BBC spoke to an alleged whistleblower who cited concerns over the safety of pedals of previous Tesla models.
Tesla’s investigation
The flaw was noted on March 31, 2024, when Tesla received notice of a customer claim mentioning the braking issue. Tesla engineers reviewed the vehicle’s data logs three days later, confirming that “the brake pedal cut drive torque and brought the vehicle to a stop.”
A second customer complaint was lodged on April 3. Throughout the week, Tesla engineers reviewed the claims and continued additional tests. The following week, the EV company voluntarily issued the recall.
The documentation states: “As of April 15, 2024, Tesla is not aware of any collisions, injuries or deaths relating to this condition.”
Tesla “replaced or reworked the accelerator pedal assembly” at no charge to customers. As of April 17, most Cybertruck vehicles were fitted with a new pedal component. The remaining vehicles at delivery centers will be attended to before customers take ownership.
Tesla’s and Cybertruck’s troubled times
The first batch of Cybertrucks were handed over to customers during an event in Austin, Texas, on 30 November 2023. At the time, Musk said he “wanted to create something more truck than a truck, while also being a better sports car than a sports car.”
The grand debut came six years after Musk announced the Cybertruck. Musk is also facing a slew of legal issues after asking Tesla shareholders to reinstate his $56 billion pay package.
Musk’s pay package explained:
The EV company is weathering several storms, from layoffs and reducing its workforce by 10%, to the controversy surrounding Musk’s potential $56 billion pay deal. Up to 80 employees are protesting at the Tesla Gigafactory in Berlin.
READ MORE: Tesla layoffs: Sign of trouble or a strategic move?
Image credit: X/Twitter.
About the author
Cheryl has contributed to various international publications, with a fervor for data and technology. She explores the intersection of emerging tech trends with logistics, focusing on how digital innovations are reshaping industries on a global scale. When she's not dissecting the latest developments in AI-driven innovation and digital solutions, Cheryl can be found gaming, kickboxing, or navigating the novel niches of consumer gadgetry.
