Summary
- Tesla stopped all Cybertruck deliveries for a week, reportedly because of a mechanical issue.
- A voluntary recall has been filed for 3,878 Cybertrucks with a 100% affliction rate.
- Unapproved lubrication was used in the fitment of the accelerator pedals, preventing adhesion to the metal.
- Risks include unintended acceleration and possible hindrance of braking.
UPDATE: 2024/04/19 15:31 EST BY ROGER BIERMANN
Since this article was initially published, Tesla has enacted a voluntary recall with the NHTSA (Recall no. 24V-276). This article has been updated accordingly with new information and responses from Cybertruck owners.
The production of the Cybertruck is well underway, but several electric Tesla trucks are facing mechanical issues – before they even get delivered to their respective owners. Many Cybertruck owner hopefuls have complained on Cybertruck Owners Club forum that they received a notification that their delivery appointments have been canceled due to an "unexpected delay."
"Hi, we have just been informed of an unexpected delay regarding the preparation of your vehicle. We need to cancel your delivery appointment for tomorrow and we will reach out again when we’re able to get you back on the schedule," the notification read, according to one of the forum users.
- Base Trim Engine
- Electric
- Base Trim Transmission
- single-speed
- Base Trim Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
- TBC
- Fuel Economy
- TBC
- Make
- Tesla
- Model
- Cybertruck
- 0-60 MPH
- 4.1 seconds
- Segment
- Full-Size Pickup Truck
The Reason For The Stop-Sale And Recall
Details of the postponement weren't disclosed to the frustrated owners expecting to receive their units this weekend. However, X user and long-time Tesla correspondent Whole Mars Catalog said the Cybertruck deliveries will be stopped for seven days. The issue is said to be with the truck's accelerator pedal, which is something other forum users have also pointed out. As was initially pointed out by inside sources, Tesla has confirmed the issue and issued a subsequent recall for 3,878 Cybertrucks, with an estimated 100% affliction rate for the defect.
Unapproved Lubricant Leads To Loose Pedals
According to the recall documentation filed by Tesla, an unapproved change introduced a soapy lubricant to mount the pedal cover onto the physical pedal mechanism - making it easy to slip the cover on but, in the process, preventing retention of the pad to the metal behind it. The result is that the pedal cover may dislodge during operation, leading to several potential problems:
- The pedal cover may get trapped between the pedal and dash, jamming the throttle in an 'on' position
- A loose pedal cover may become lodged behind the brake pedal, preventing full actuation thereof
What To Do if Your Cybertruck Accelerator Pedal Comes Loose
Tesla notes that there are several ways to identify a potential problem:
- " The driver will detect the condition through immediate compromised performance and operation of the pedal"
- "If the condition is present when the driver applies the brake pedal, the driver will receive an audible and visual alert that both brake and accelerator pedals are being pressed"
It's important to note that if the accelerator becomes stuck in an 'on' position, the application of the brake pedal will immediately cut torque, preventing any potential runaway or uncontrolled acceleration and allowing the driver to bring the electric truck to a halt.
Real-World Tesla Cybertruck Towing Range Is In... And It's Worse Than We Expected
The Tesla Cybertruck's towing range is less than the Model X, despite all its new tech.
What Cybertruck Owners Are Saying
The Cybertruck has faced a tumultuous delivery timeline that has left many would-be owners waiting for the arrival of their truck. Several who had taken ownership had subsequently faced the issue with the accelerator pedal, with Tesla citing the first official customer complaint being submitted on March 31, 2024. A second complaint was filed on April 3, 2024, after which an investigation was formalized.
Prior to the stop-sale and recall, Tesla service centers used a temporary fix, drilling through the pedal cover and arm and riveting the two together. According to tesla, the official remedy will see Tesla "replace or rework the accelerator pedal assembly such that the assembly meets specifications and ensures sufficient retention force between the pad and accelerator pedal to prevent the pad from dislodging."
This doesn't discredit the use of the drill and rivet method mentioned above, which members of the Cybertruck Owners Club forum have described as "a homemade fix." But Tesla fans who have already taken delivery of the truck seem positive about getting the fix done. One owner stated on X (formerly Twitter) that he "Can’t wait to get the upgraded pedal for my Tesla Cybertruck!" However, that same owner also claimed that they "honestly don’t see an issue here."
"There’s literally no way the Cybertruck’s accelerator pedal plate could get lodged behind anything."
- @EZebroni on X.
Others called for an immediate recall earlier this week, posting videos on the social media platform of the loose pedal.
Cybertruck Issues To Date
This isn't the first issue the Cybertruck has faced since it finally reached the market late last year. Early owners have reported signs of rusting on the truck's stainless steel body – something Tesla's lead engineer has strongly refuted. Tesla also fixed over 2 million EVs, including the Cybertruck, due to their font issues on warning lights, which were rectified through over-the-air updates (with an accompanying NHTSA recall). Some early deliveries reportedly came without aero wheel covers.
Additionally, the Cybertruck has been criticized for its erratic panel gaps and sharp edges to the stainless steel body panels. The former issue comes despite previous instructions from Elon Musk that Cybertruck build quality needed to adhere to tolerances as good as Lego and soda cans, demanding sub-10-micron accuracy.
"If LEGO and soda cans, which are very low cost, can do this, so can we. Precision predicates perfectionism."
- Elon Musk