Tesla recalls nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because of possible pedal malfunction

Major car company Tesla has to recall 3,878 of its 2024 Cybertrucks because of a problem with the accelerator pedal that could accidentally make the car speed up and crash, according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The first set of trucks rolled out in November, following years of delays, and the recall affects trucks that were made between Nov. 13, 2023 and April 4, 2024.

The company said the accelerator pedals can become dislodged and trapped in the interior trim, thereby making the vehicle accidentally accelerate and increase the risks of crashes. The cause stems from workers using soap in the component assembly of the pad onto the pedal.

“If the pad on the accelerator pedal becomes trapped in the interior trim above the pedal, the performance and operation of the pedal will be affected, which may increase the risk of a collision,” the NHTSA said in its filing. “Note that application of the brake pedal will cut drive torque, including when both brake and accelerator pedals are pressed, and continued application of the brake pedal will bring the vehicle to a stop as quickly as if the accelerator pedal was not pressed.”

Tesla said it was not aware of any crashes, injuries, or deaths from the malfunction as of Monday, and the Cybertrucks that are still in production have had the issue resolved as of Wednesday. People affected by the recall can have the accelerator pedal fixed or replaced for free.

Notification letters are expected to be sent out in June, according to ABC News, but customers can call the company’s customer service at 1-877-798-3752 in the meantime, and the recall number is SB-24-33-003.