Tesla Cybertruck recalled due to potential accelerator pedal sticking
TESLA is conducting a recall for their electric pickup truck, the Cybertruck, due to a potential safety issue with the plastic pad above its accelerator pedal.
The company has identified a risk of the pad detaching and sticking to the trim when the pedal is pressed, posing a collision hazard.
The recall was announced by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) today, in response to social media reports indicating that the pad on the EV pickup truck’s pedal was loose.
However, Cybertruck owners claim that pressing the brake while pressing the accelerator pedal would deactivate the accelerator input.
An official from the NHTSA stated in a report that “pressing the brake pedal will cut torque to the motor, including pressing both pedals, and if the brake pedal is continually depressed it will stop the vehicle just as rapidly as if the accelerator pedal were not depressed.”
The entire batch of Cybertrucks is affected by this recall, totaling 3,878 units manufactured between November 13th and April 4th. After the viral social media reports, Tesla reportedly halted the production of Cybertrucks.
The root cause of this issue is soap. Yes, soap! It was used to facilitate the adhesion of the pad to the accelerator pedal during the installation process. This was identified as an “unapproved change” in the installation process. Due to this soap, the pad did not adhere securely to the pedal, resulting in easy detachment.
To address this issue, Tesla will replace or repair the accelerator pedal at no cost. The trucks produced after April 17th have been equipped with new components and serial numbers. Any pending deliveries of Cybertrucks will have their pedals addressed before being handed over to customers.
