Tesla Cybertruck Recalled: Loose Pedal Sparks Fears of Unintended Acceleration

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Tesla's Cybertruck unveiled in 2023.

The Glitch that Went Viral

A recent TikTok video by owner Jose Martinez exposed a disturbing issue with the Tesla Cybertruck: its accelerator pedal could become stuck, potentially causing unintended acceleration. Tesla promptly responded with a voluntary recall of 3,878 vehicles.

Technicalities of the Defect

Tesla’s investigation revealed that a lubricating substance, introduced during assembly, had reduced the integrity of a pad attached to the accelerator pedal. This pad could loosen and lodge in the interior trim, resulting in pedal entrapment.

Tesla’s Remedial Measures

Owners of affected Cybertrucks will receive complimentary replacements or repairs for their accelerator pedal assemblies. As a proactive measure, Tesla initiated the recall on April 12 after becoming aware of the issue on March 31.

低迷的交付量

Tesla’s Cybertruck has faced challenges with low production, delivering less than 4,000 units since its debut in November 2023. Disappointing quarterly vehicle deliveries have compounded the company’s woes, with a significant drop of 8.5% compared to the same period last year.

Public Scrutiny

After Martinez’s video garnered attention, LA News Center inquired with the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) about the “stuck pedal” issue on April 14. The agency confirmed receiving three owner complaints and acknowledged awareness of the video. LA News Center’s representative highlighted the agency’s comprehensive monitoring of social media and other platforms to identify vehicle defects.

Data sourced from: cnbc.com