Tesla, Inc. has recently announced a safety recall for 3878 of the 2024 Tesla Cybertruck vehicles to address an issue with the accelerator pedal that could increase the risk of a collision. Owners of affected Cybertrucks should pay close attention to any notifications from Tesla regarding this important recall.
What is the Issue With the Accelerator Pedal?
According to Tesla’s recall report, on affected 2024 Cybertruck vehicles, when high force is applied to the pad on the accelerator pedal, the pad may dislodge. This can cause the pedal to become trapped in the interior trim above it.
If the accelerator pedal becomes trapped like this, its performance and operation will be affected, which may increase the risk of a collision. However, it’s important to note that applying the brake pedal will cut drive torque, even if both brake and accelerator pedals are pressed simultaneously. Continued application of the brakes will bring the vehicle to a stop as quickly as if the accelerator was not pressed.
What Caused the Accelerator Pedal Issue?
Tesla’s investigation found that an unauthorized change introduced lubricant (soap) during the assembly process to aid in mounting the pedal pad onto the accelerator pedal assembly. Residual lubricant reduced the retention force, allowing the pad to potentially dislodge under high pedal loads.
Signs You May Notice
If this condition is present in your Cybertruck, you may notice the following:
- Compromised performance and operation of the accelerator pedal when attempting to apply it
- An audible and visual alert that both the brake and accelerator pedals are being pressed simultaneously
- The vehicle not accelerating as expected despite pressing the accelerator pedal
Which Cybertrucks are Affected?
The recall population includes all Model Year 2024 Tesla Cybertruck vehicles manufactured from November 13, 2023, to April 4, 2024 – a total of 3,878 potentially affected trucks.
Can I Still Drive My Affected Cybertruck?
While the accelerator pedal issue increases the risk of a collision, Tesla notes that applying the brakes will still allow you to bring the vehicle to a stop. However, it is generally recommended to exercise caution and address open recalls promptly.
To remedy this issue, Tesla Service Centers will replace or rework the accelerator pedal assembly on affected Cybertrucks at no cost to ensure it meets specifications and has sufficient retention force to prevent the pad from dislodging.
How Is Tesla Fixing The Problem?
Tesla will be providing free services for customers to either replace or rework the accelerator pedal assembly so that it meets specifications and ensures that enough retention force exists between the pad and accelerator pedal to prevent the pad from dislodging.
Tesla plans to notify all stores and service centers about the recall on or around April 19, 2024. Owner notification letters will then be mailed out on June 18, 2024, in accordance with federal regulations.
If you own a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck, be on the lookout for further communications from Tesla regarding inspection and repair instructions. You can also contact Tesla at 1-650-681-5000 and reference recall number SB-24-33-003 for more information.
Other Recent Tesla Recalls
The 2024 Cybertruck accelerator pedal recall is just one of several safety campaigns initiated by Tesla in recent years across its vehicle lineup. Some other notable recalls include:
- In November 2022, Tesla recalled over 321,000 vehicles due to a potential issue with the taillights failing to illuminate properly, increasing the risk of a crash.
- In May 2022, about 130,000 Tesla vehicles were recalled to address an overheating issue with the CPU that powers the center touchscreen display, which could lead to a loss of certain safety-related features.
- In December 2020, Tesla recalled nearly 500,000 vehicles to address potential issues with the rearview camera and trunk defrosting systems.
Automakers frequently initiate recalls when potential safety defects are identified to avoid accidents or injuries. As a Tesla owner, it’s crucial to stay informed about any open recalls affecting your vehicle and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for repairs or inspections.
What Should I Do If My Tesla Has Issues?
If you experience any potential safety issues or defects with your Tesla vehicle, here are some recommended steps:
- Don’t ignore warning signs: Pay attention to any new noises, leaks, warning lights, or unusual behavior, and have it inspected promptly by a certified Tesla service center.
- Review your owner’s manual: Consult the manual to understand potential causes and determine if it’s safe to continue driving the vehicle until it can be serviced.
- Schedule a service appointment: Contact your local Tesla service center to schedule an inspection and potential repairs. Tesla technicians have specialized knowledge and access to service bulletins specific to these vehicles.
- Stay up-to-date on maintenance: Following the recommended service intervals in your owner’s manual can help catch issues early and prevent many problems from developing.
- Monitor for recalls: Sign up for recall alerts from Tesla or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to be notified if your vehicle is affected by any safety campaigns.
- Document everything: Keep records of all repairs, maintenance, and communications with Tesla. This can be helpful for recurring issues or potential lemon law claims down the road.
- Seek legal assistance if needed: If your Tesla continues to experience repeated, unrepairable defects after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may have grounds to pursue lemon law claims or other legal remedies. An experienced lemon law attorney can evaluate your situation and advise you on the best course of action.
By staying proactive and addressing potential issues promptly, you can help ensure the ongoing safety and reliability of your Tesla vehicle. And if the manufacturer is unable to properly repair a defect after several attempts, there are legal protections in place for consumers.
