Tesla has issued a recall for its Cybertruck electric pickup truck less than five months after customer deliveries began. The recall addresses a potential issue with the accelerator pedal that could lead to unintended acceleration.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall on Friday, affecting Cybertrucks manufactured between November 13, 2023, and April 4, 2024. This timeframe suggests that the recall encompasses the majority, if not all, of the 3,878 Cybertrucks produced so far.
The Accelerator Pedal Problem and the Fix
The NHTSA’s recall notice explains that the accelerator pedal pad may detach and become trapped by the interior trim. This could cause unintended acceleration, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla CybertruckA close-up of the Cybertruck’s accelerator pedal.
Tesla is offering a simple fix for the issue. Reports indicate that the repair involves drilling a hole and installing a rivet to secure the pedal cover. A video circulating on social media demonstrates the procedure, which utilizes a drilling jig to ensure precise rivet placement in the center of the pedal.
Manufacturing Process and Future Cybertrucks
It remains uncertain whether this fix will be integrated into the Cybertruck’s manufacturing process going forward. Tesla may opt to redesign the accelerator pedal for future production models to prevent the issue from reoccurring.
The Incident That Sparked the Recall
The safety concern gained significant media attention last week after a Cybertruck owner shared a video on TikTok detailing their experience with the faulty accelerator pedal. The video showed the pedal cover dislodging and becoming wedged, causing the pedal to stick and the vehicle to accelerate uncontrollably. While the driver was able to temporarily override the acceleration by applying the brakes, the truck would accelerate again when the brake pedal was released. Fortunately, the driver was able to free the trapped pedal and bring the vehicle to a safe stop.
The Root Cause of the Problem
According to the NHTSA, the root cause of the problem was an “unapproved change” in the manufacturing process. The introduction of a lubricant (soap) during the assembly of the pedal pad onto the accelerator pedal led to reduced adhesion. This residual lubricant ultimately allowed the pad to dislodge.
Conclusion
The recall highlights a critical safety concern with the Cybertruck’s accelerator pedal. While the fix appears relatively straightforward, the long-term solution and its impact on future Cybertruck production are yet to be seen. Tesla owners affected by the recall should contact their nearest dealership to schedule the necessary repair.
