Tesla has been ordered to recall nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks due to an issue with the accelerator pedal sticking in place when pressed down. The cause of the problem, identified by the regulator, was soap being used during the assembly process. The soap residue reduced the retention of the pad onto the pedal, leading to the accelerator getting stuck. The manufacturer, Tesla, has not disclosed the total number of Cybertrucks produced but has mentioned that production will be gradually increased. The recall affects all Model Year 2024 Cybertruck vehicles manufactured between November 13, 2023, and April 4, 2024, which likely includes most, if not all, of the trucks currently on US roads.
The issue of the sticking accelerator was brought to light through social media and online discussion group posts before being addressed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The regulator found that workers at Tesla’s factory near Austin, Texas, had improperly used soap to aid in the assembly of the pad onto the accelerator pedal, causing the dislodging problem. While Tesla has not yet commented on the recall, NHTSA has reached out to the company for more information. Unlike previous recalls that could be resolved with over-the-air software updates, this issue will require owners to bring their Cybertrucks to Tesla service centers for a repair at no cost.
The Cybertruck, known for its futuristic design, had its first deliveries in late November, and the recall affects a significant portion of the vehicles currently in circulation. With almost 4,000 trucks being recalled, Tesla will need to notify owners and have them visit service centers for the necessary repair. Despite the inconvenience to customers, the company aims to rectify the issue promptly and ensure the safety of its vehicles. The use of soap during the assembly process was identified as the root cause of the accelerator sticking problem, highlighting the importance of proper manufacturing practices in ensuring product quality and safety.
In response to the recall, Tesla has not yet issued an official statement, but they have been contacted by NHTSA for additional information. The company is already facing challenges, as it recently announced layoffs of approximately 10% of its global workforce. While Tesla may face some scrutiny for this recall, the safety of their vehicles is of utmost importance. The sticking accelerator pedal can pose a significant safety risk, potentially causing accidents or injuries to drivers. By initiating the recall and offering free repairs, Tesla aims to address the issue and mitigate any potential hazards associated with the defect, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring the quality and safety of their vehicles.
Overall, the recall of nearly 4,000 Tesla Cybertrucks due to a sticking accelerator pedal highlights the importance of proper manufacturing practices and quality control. The use of soap during assembly led to a residue buildup that caused the accelerator pad to dislodge, potentially trapping the pedal in the interior trim. While this issue cannot be resolved with a simple software update, Tesla is taking steps to ensure that affected vehicles are repaired promptly and at no cost to owners. The company’s response to the recall and commitment to addressing safety concerns demonstrate their dedication to maintaining the integrity of their vehicles and protecting the well-being of their customers.
