Tesla has issued a recall for all 2024 Cybertruck electric pickups due to a potential safety concern involving the accelerator pedal. The recall was initiated after reports surfaced on social media showing the accelerator pedal pad becoming loose and dislodged, increasing the risk of a collision.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the plastic pad on the accelerator pedal may become dislodged and trapped in the interior trim while the throttle is applied, potentially interfering with braking inputs. Owners of the affected trucks reported that applying the brakes while the accelerator was pressed down cancelled the throttle input, leading to safety concerns.
NHTSA officials confirmed that the application of the brake pedal will cut drive torque, even when both brake and accelerator pedals are pressed simultaneously. This safety feature ensures that the vehicle can be brought to a stop quickly, mitigating the risk of accidents.
The recall affects all Cybertruck models manufactured between November 13 and April 4, totalling 3,878 electric vehicles. Tesla halted production of the Cybertruck after the initial reports to address the issue.
The cause of the problem was identified as soap used during the manufacturing process of the accelerator pedal assembly. This unapproved change in the assembly process resulted in the pad not adhering properly to the pedal, making it prone to dislodgement.
To remedy the issue, Tesla will replace or rework the accelerator pedal assembly at no additional cost to owners. Cybertrucks manufactured after April 17 are equipped with a new part that addresses the issue. Vehicles that have not yet been delivered will receive the fix before reaching customers.
The recall process began on March 31 when Tesla received a report of a stuck accelerator from a customer. Following an assessment of the car’s data logs, Tesla confirmed the issue and subsequently decided to voluntarily recall the affected trucks after receiving a second notice on April 3.
