Tesla has initiated a voluntary recall of 3,878 Cybertruck vehicles following a “trapped pedal” issue that gained attention through a TikTok video posted by a vehicle owner.
The issue, first publicized by Cybertruck owner Jose Martinez, involves a pad on the Cybertruck’s accelerator pedal that could come loose and get trapped, leading to unintended acceleration. This defect prompted an immediate response from Tesla, in coordination with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to address the safety concerns raised.
The problem was detailed in a filing by Tesla with the NHTSA, where it was noted that the pad could detach from the accelerator pedal and become lodged in the vehicle’s interior trim, potentially causing the vehicle to accelerate unexpectedly. This risk led Tesla to decide on replacing or repairing the accelerator pedal assembly at no cost to the owners. Tesla’s service department will handle the necessary modifications to ensure the safety and functionality of the vehicles affected.
According to Tesla, the issue stemmed from an “unapproved change” during the manufacturing process that introduced a lubricant intended to assist in assembling the pad onto the accelerator pedal. The residual lubricant subsequently compromised the pad’s adherence to the pedal, increasing the risk of it becoming dislodged.
Tesla became aware of this manufacturing flaw on March 31, 2024, and after a thorough assessment, opted to proceed with a recall on April 12. The filing highlighted this decision alongside a broader context of challenges for Tesla, noting that the Cybertruck has seen relatively low delivery volumes. Since its debut at an event on November 30, 2023, led by CEO Elon Musk, fewer than 4,000 units have been shipped.
This recall comes at a time when Tesla has reported a downturn in its overall vehicle deliveries for the first quarter of 2024. With a total of 386,810 vehicles delivered during this period, the company experienced an 8.5% drop compared to the first quarter of the previous year. These figures are preliminary, with Tesla scheduled to report its first-quarter earnings soon.
On April 14, two days after the video gained widespread attention, the NHTSA acknowledged being aware of the issue of Cybertruck’s safety. The agency confirmed receiving three complaints from vehicle owners regarding the Cybertruck and emphasized its reliance on various data sources, including social media and vehicle owner forums, to guide its enforcement actions.
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