Tesla recalled thousands of its new Cybertrucks due to safety concerns. The issue stems from the accelerator pedals risking being trapped by the interior trim, raising the risk of accidents. A whistleblower at the company had previously raised concerns about the safety of pedals in older Tesla models. The recall affects 3,878 Cybertrucks made between November 2023 and April 2024, each costing approximately $61,000 (£48,320).
The US Department of Transportation highlighted that a trapped accelerator pedal could lead to unintentional acceleration, increasing the likelihood of crashes. The problem arises from the accelerator pad being prone to dislodging and getting stuck in the truck’s interior trim if pushed too hard. Tesla has committed to fixing the issue at no cost, ensuring that pressing the brake pedal will override the accelerator and bring the truck to a halt.
The root cause of the problem lies in an “unapproved change” in the pedal’s production, where the use of lubricant led to improper adhesion of the pad. Although two complaints were received from drivers in late March and early April, Tesla stated that there have been no reported collisions, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue as of April 15.
Despite previous challenges, such as Elon Musk shattering the Cybertruck’s window during a 2019 demonstration, this recall presents a new hurdle for Tesla. The company is currently navigating a competitive landscape and waning interest in electric vehicles.
