Tesla has issued a recall for thousands of its new Cybertrucks due to safety concerns regarding the accelerator pedals. The electric car company, owned by Elon Musk, announced that the accelerator pedals in some newer models of the Cybertruck risk getting trapped by the interior trim, which could lead to unintended acceleration and increase the risk of crashes.
The recall affects 3,878 Cybertrucks manufactured between November 2023 and April 2024, with a price tag of approximately $61,000 (£48,320) each. The US Department of Transportation highlighted the potential dangers of a trapped accelerator pedal and emphasized the importance of addressing this issue promptly.
Tesla has acknowledged the problem and stated that it will rectify the issue at no cost to the owners. The company attributed the problem to an ‘unapproved change’ in the production of the accelerator pedal, leading to improper assembly with the use of lubricant, causing the pad to dislodge and get trapped in the interior trim.
While Tesla has received two complaints from drivers regarding this issue, as of mid-April, there have been no reported collisions, injuries, or fatalities associated with this condition. The company reassured that pressing the brake pedal will override the accelerator, allowing the vehicle to come to a stop even if the accelerator is stuck.
This recall adds to the challenges faced by Tesla, which has been experiencing a decline in sales and stock price, amidst increasing competition in the electric vehicle market. The company recently announced layoffs of 10% of its workforce and is still in the process of finalizing a significant pay deal for Elon Musk worth $56 billion (£44.9 billion).
Notably, Tesla has been under scrutiny for safety issues in its vehicles, having recalled millions of cars in recent months due to various defects. From steering software concerns in China to faults in the autopilot system in the US, Tesla has been actively addressing these issues through software updates rather than physical modifications.
This latest recall underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and reliability of vehicles, especially in the rapidly evolving landscape of electric cars. Tesla’s proactive approach to addressing safety concerns is crucial in maintaining consumer trust and upholding its reputation in the industry.
