Tesla has issued a voluntary recall of 3,878 Cybertrucks to address a “stuck pedal” issue that was brought to light by a viral TikTok video posted by owner Jose Martinez. The problem stems from a pad on the accelerator pedal that can come loose and become trapped in the interior trim, causing unintended acceleration. Tesla plans to replace or repair the accelerator pedal assembly free of charge for affected owners.
A defect notice from Tesla indicated that 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 issue was first identified by Tesla on March 31, 2024, and after further assessment, the company decided to issue a voluntary recall on April 12, 2024. Deliveries of the Cybertruck have been low, with under 4,000 units shipped since CEO Elon Musk began deliveries at an unveiling event on Nov. 30, 2023.
Tesla reported disappointing first-quarter vehicle deliveries for 2024, totaling 386,810 cars, which represented an 8.5% drop from the same quarter the previous year. The company’s first-quarter earnings are scheduled to be released on Tuesday. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was contacted by CNBC regarding the trapped pedal issue on the Cybertruck following Martinez’s video, which raised public awareness of the defect and unintended acceleration.
A representative for the NHTSA stated that the agency had received three vehicle owner complaints about the Cybertruck and was aware of the video. The NHTSA emphasized that it uses various data sources, including social media and vehicle owner forums, in its enforcement processes. This recall is an example of Tesla’s commitment to addressing safety concerns promptly and effectively for the benefit of its customers. Owners of the affected Cybertrucks can have peace of mind knowing that Tesla will address the issue at no cost to them, ensuring the safety and reliability of their vehicles.
