The Tesla Cybertruck recently made headlines for a slipping pedal cover that could jam the throttle into a wide-open position.
Just earlier this week, a Tesla Cybertruck owner posted a video to TikTok demonstrating a problem with his nearly new Foundation Series truck. The pedal cover can slip off and jam the pedal, creating an obvious safety issue, and Tesla is quickly moving in to sort the problem. In fact, the automaker just launched a recall covering every Cybertruck built to-date — 3,868 in total — and issued a stop-sale on new trucks until they are all remedied.
According to documents Tesla submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the accelerator pedal pad can dislodge and cause the pedal to become trapped by the interior trim, increasing the risk of a crash. The automaker further told regulators an “unapproved change” in the manufacturing process, introducing soap to make the pedal covers easier to install, is to blame for the covers coming loose. The TikTok video also notes the retaining clips are inadequate, though Tesla did not tacitly site that as part of the overall problem.
Fortunately, owners are actually able to bring the Cybertruck to a stop by applying the brake pedal, which will cut drive torque even when the accelerator is fully depressed. That keeps the vehicle from simply accelerating out of control, provided the driver acts quickly. Tesla will repair the Cybertruck’s accelerator pedal and cover free of charge.
While some automakers can take months or even years to acknowledge a defect worthy of a recall, it’s worth noting Tesla did act with remarkable speed here. According to a breakdown automakers are required to submit with notice of a defect to the NHTSA, the company notes it received the first customer claim of this condition on March 31. Within two weeks, engineers reviewed and confirmed the complaints, and a voluntary recall went into effect.
As of April 15, Tesla said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the problem. Owner notification letters will be mailed by June 17, 2024, though dealers are aware of the problem as of today, April 19, and may be able to move sooner to fix the issue, if you own a Cybertruck.