Tesla faces a bump on the road with its long-awaited Cybertruck. The electric vehicle manufacturer announced a recall of all Cybertrucks delivered so far due to a potential issue with the accelerator pedal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the pedal may become stuck in a depressed position, hindering driver control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The recall affects all 3,878 Cybertrucks delivered since November 2023. The culprit behind the sticky situation seems to be residual soap used during the manufacturing process. The NHTSA reported that improperly applied soap on the pedal assembly could cause it to bind with the surrounding trim, preventing it from returning to its original position after being pressed.
The issue first surfaced in late March when reports emerged of Cybertruck owners experiencing difficulties releasing the accelerator pedal. Tesla reportedly paused deliveries soon after to investigate the problem. Though the company claims no knowledge of accidents or injuries related to the pedal sticking, the potential danger prompted a swift response.
Tesla has assured Cybertruck owners that the fix is a simple one. The company will be replacing the faulty accelerator pedal assembly free of charge. While the exact timeline is yet to be determined, notification letters are expected to be mailed to owners in June. Tesla service centers will then contact owners to schedule appointments for the repairs.
This recall comes at a challenging time for Tesla. The company has recently undergone significant changes, including workforce reductions and executive departures. Additionally, the Cybertruck's launch has been plagued by delays, with initial deliveries falling two years behind schedule.
Despite these hurdles, Tesla maintains confidence in the Cybertruck. In a statement, the company emphasized its commitment to safety and quality. They assured customers that the pedal issue is being addressed promptly and that the Cybertruck remains a revolutionary electric vehicle.
While the long-term impact of this recall remains to be seen, it certainly casts a spotlight on Tesla's production processes. The company will be looking to regain momentum and ensure a smoother ride for the Cybertruck in the coming months.