Tesla has announced a recall of nearly 4,000 of its Cybertruck pickups following concerns raised by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding a potential safety issue with the accelerator pedal. According to the NHTSA, the defect could result in unintended acceleration, posing a risk of crashes.
The recall affects all 3,878 Cybertrucks produced in the United States from November 13 to April 4. The NHTSA attributed the defect to the use of soap as a lubricant during assembly at Tesla’s factory in Austin, Texas, which reduced the retention of the pedal pad.
Tesla became aware of the issue after receiving a customer complaint on March 31. Subsequently, by April 12, the company had completed its assessment and initiated a voluntary recall of the affected vehicles. Despite the defect, the NHTSA stated that there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities associated with the accelerator pedal issue.
Owners of the Cybertruck have taken to social media platforms in recent days to share videos and photos describing the defect, with some reporting that they were able to stop the vehicle by pressing down on the brake pedal.
As part of the recall, Tesla will replace or repair the accelerator pedal on affected Cybertrucks at no cost to the owners. This latest recall adds to Tesla’s recent challenges, as the company has faced market share losses to emerging competitors and reported declining sales for the first time since the onset of the pandemic.
Investor concerns over Tesla’s performance have led to a significant decline in the company’s stock value, with shares falling by approximately 40 percent since the beginning of the year. This decline follows a series of recalls by Tesla over the past year, including one in February for more than two million vehicles due to issues with warning lights font size, and another in December to update Autopilot software for improved driver alerts.
In response to the challenges, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced plans to reduce the company’s workforce by 10 percent. Additionally, two senior executives announced their departure from the company, signaling ongoing internal changes within Tesla.
The recall comes at a critical time for Tesla, as it faces increased competition from established automakers entering the electric vehicle market. While the Cybertruck was introduced as Tesla’s first new model since 2020, its unconventional design and high starting price of over $80,000 may limit its appeal and sales potential.
As Tesla works to address the accelerator pedal defect and navigate ongoing market pressures, the company remains focused on maintaining its position in the electric vehicle market while adapting to evolving consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.
 regarding a potential safety issue with the accelerator pedal. According to the NHTSA, the defect could result in unintended acceleration, posing a risk of crashes.){kind=link}