The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports a serious flaw that could lead to unintended acceleration, prompting a Cybertrucks recall.
Tesla has announced a recall affecting approximately 4,000 Cybertrucks after identifying a fault in the vehicle’s accelerator pedal that could potentially cause it to get stuck, increasing the risk of accidents. This recall pertains to all Cybertruck models manufactured between November 13, 2023, and April 4, 2024, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The problem arises from an accelerator pedal pad that can dislodge and become trapped by the vehicle’s interior trim. This issue was attributed to an unapproved application of lubricant during assembly, which compromised the pad’s attachment to the pedal. The NHTSA detailed that the residual lubricant diminished the pad’s ability to stay fixed, leading to the potential hazard.
Drivers may notice compromised pedal performance if the defect is present, an issue that the NHTSA insists will be immediately apparent to the vehicle operator. In scenarios where both the brake and the accelerator are pressed simultaneously due to the pedal issue, the vehicle is designed to alert the driver with both audible and visual warnings.
As of April 15, 2024, Tesla has reported no accidents, injuries, or fatalities linked to this issue. The company has moved quickly to address the problem, offering to replace or repair the accelerator pedal assembly at no cost to owners. Notification letters to affected owners are scheduled to be sent out in June 2024.
Tesla owners can contact customer service at 1-877-798-3751 for more information. The recall number for this issue is SB-24-33-003.
In addition to the recall, Tesla has also announced a significant reduction of its global workforce by 10%. This decision was part of a broader strategy to eliminate role duplications and enhance productivity as the company prepares for its next growth phase. According to a memo from CEO Elon Musk, obtained by Electrek and CNBC, this reduction is essential for Tesla to remain innovative and responsive to future challenges.
The workforce reduction has already begun to take effect, with some employees reporting locked system access, signaling the start of the company’s restructuring.
This recall and workforce adjustment represent significant steps for Tesla as it navigates challenges in both its product line and corporate structure.
