Tesla just can’t shake those quality problems with its Cybertruck.
The first recall came at the end of January, thanks to a warning-light font size that was too small, which could have caused crashes, though Tesla said there was no record of any happening. This was easily fixed with an over-the-air software update, unlike the next recall in April, when Tesla had to physically fix the vehicle because its accelerator pedal could—and did—get stuck, causing surprise acceleration.
But yesterday, Elon Musk truly spoiled his critics with not one but two Cybertruck recalls, both of the this-needs-to-come-in variety.
Tesla paused Cybertruck shipments a couple weeks back, with some reports saying there was a windshield wiper issue. Accordingly, one of the recalls is because “excessive electrical current can cause the front windshield wiper motor controller to fail…increasing the risk of a crash.” The wiper motor needs to be replaced. It’s not clear if there were any crashes because of this, but there were multiple reports of the wipers failing.
The other recall is because the Cybertruck’s sail applique—the long strip of plastic lining on top of the sides of the truck bed—was badly installed in some vehicles. The cosmetic piece fell off in at least two instances and had the potential to create a road hazard for people driving behind the truck.
That’s four recalls—three physical—in just five months. It’s only been seven months since people first took delivery of the thing. Like the Cybertruck itself, it’s not a good look. (Your mileage may vary; nearly 12,000 Cybertrucks have been delivered, suggesting plenty of people do like its early-PlayStation-graphics design.)
Tesla’s investors, who recently decided that Musk deserves a $50-something-billion pay package, remain very patient people. There was barely a blip in the rise of the company’s share price, which ended Tuesday up 2.6% and continued its ascent this morning (the stock is down over 30% this year.)
What’s likely to be of more interest to them is Tesla’s next overall shipment figures, which are expected to arrive early next week. Wall Street consensus has deliveries down to 440,000 from 466,000 last year, though some analysts say you could lop off another 20,000 or so.
On top of that, other carmakers will also soon report their Q2 shipments and, as Bloomberg reports, it is quite possible that Tesla will no longer be the electric car company that sells more in the U.S. than all its rivals combined. Its Q1 sales were already down 13%, while the likes of Ford and Hyundai soared.
That is not a favorable trajectory, but perhaps it is natural—in an expanding market, an early lead may not last forever.
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David Meyer
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