Tesla has been ordered to recall nearly 4,000 of its Cybertrucks due to an accelerator pedal issue that can pose a safety risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identified the cause of the problem as the use of soap as a lubricant during the assembly of the accelerator pedal pad. This led to reduced retention of the pad, causing it to dislodge when high force is applied, potentially trapping the pedal.
The recall affects all Model Year 2024 Cybertruck vehicles manufactured between November 13, 2023, and April 4, 2024. This means that the 3,878 trucks being recalled are likely the majority of Cybertrucks currently on US roads.
The issue was first brought to light through social media and online discussions before being investigated by the NHTSA. The regulator found that workers at Tesla's factory in Texas had improperly used soap during the assembly process.
Unlike previous Tesla recalls that could be addressed through software updates, this problem requires physical repairs. Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified via letters and will need to bring their Cybertrucks to Tesla service centers for the necessary repairs, which will be provided at no cost.
Tesla, which recently announced layoffs affecting around 10% of its global workforce, has not yet commented on the recall. The company had previously mentioned a slow ramp-up in Cybertruck production, with the first deliveries taking place in late November.
