Forget the finger-biting frunk, Tesla’s Cybertruck has a new and potentially more dangerous problem: a stuck accelerator pedal.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Tesla issued a voluntary recall for “certain” Tesla Cybertruck models on April 17 for “Unintended acceleration due to stuck pedal“.
It is not clear why only 3,878 of the thousands of Cybertrucks sold are affected by the recall (some speculate this is the full number). Delivered Cybertrucks (although we can’t confirm that number), but the problem is so widespread that it was documented several days ago by TikTok user El Chepito in a video titled “serious problem with my Cybertruck,” claiming that the problem led to a ‘stop sale’. ” for the EV until it is repaired.
In his video, he explained that while driving the all-electric, stainless steel-covered truck, the metal accelerator pedal cover of his Cybertruck slipped off the pedal, slid forward and became stuck under the carpet. At the same time, he was still hooked to the accelerator pedal and kept it fully pressed,
His description is almost exactly the same as what is described in the recall: “A pinched accelerator pedal can cause the vehicle to accelerate unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.”
El Chepito notes in his video that even though the gas pedal was at full throttle, the Cybertruck’s brake pedal was still able to override it. He didn’t panic and instead hit the brakes to stop the car. He was able to put the truck in park, pull the clamped pedal cover and pop the accelerator pedal back to the undepressed position.
@el.chepito1985
♬ original sound – el.chepito
That original video was viewed more than four million times, and in a follow-up El Chepito says: “The purpose of the video was not to hate on the truck – of course I like the truck – but simply to raise awareness of an issue.” enlarge.”
Tesla’s solution is to offer free pedal assembly replacements for affected Cybertrucks. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified no later than June 2024, although it may make sense to check your truck’s accelerator right now.
This is not the first Cybertruck recall. In January there was a minor bug due to incorrect font size on the warning lights, but this also affected the Tesla Model S, Model 3, Model instrument panel that NHTSA claimed could increase the risk of accidents.
It’s been a rough few months for Tesla. This recall comes just weeks after Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk announced it would lay off 10% of its workforce (about 14,000 people) to partly “prepare the company for our next phase of growth.”
Earlier this month, there were reports that Tesla was scrapping plans for the eagerexpected “affordable” Tesla Model 2, an electric car that would start at $25,000.
Recent earnings reports reveal production and supply issues, and the company’s move to robo-taxis is met with a collective “meh.”
Still, the Cybertruck, unveiled in 2019, is emblematic of Tesla’s risks and especially Elon Musk’s tendency to go his own way. The truck was delayed long enough for competitors to fill the gap with much more traditional-looking EV trucks like the Ford Lightning 150. Its design and cost ($81,895 to start) remain divisive, and there are other less-than-positive design-related discoveries such as vision problems or how the “frunk” or front trunk can be so sharp it can seriously injure the fingers.
Ultimately, this recall, while potentially dangerous, is relatively minor (at least when considering the number of affected vehicles). It’s another black eye for a company that has ostensibly made electric vehicles a thing around the world.
If Tesla wants to return to its glory days, it needs a new, affordable EV to compete with China and increase competition in the US, safety that is in line with the safety record of its Model S, Model Y and Model 3, and perhaps some adjustments to the Cybertruck.