Tesla Recalls Nearly 12,000 Cybertrucks Over Safety Concerns
Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) has issued two new recalls for its Cybertruck model, marking the third and fourth recalls since the electric pickup was introduced late last year. The latest recalls affect nearly all of the 11,688 Cybertrucks currently on the road.
The first recall concerns a piece of black plastic trim along the truck’s angled bed wall, which can come loose and detach while the vehicle is in motion. According to documents posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, this loose trim can create a road hazard for other motorists, increasing the risk of injury or collision.
The issue was first identified when a Cybertruck arrived at a delivery center missing the trim piece. Subsequent investigations revealed improper installation as the root cause, with several other Cybertrucks also affected.
Owners of the recalled trucks will need to bring their vehicles to a Tesla service center, where the trim piece will be either properly installed or replaced using adhesion promoter and pressure-sensitive tape. Tesla plans to notify affected owners about the recall starting mid-August.
The second recall addresses an issue with the electric motor powering the truck’s large windshield wiper. Some motors were found to be damaged during testing, allowing excessive electrical current to pass through and causing potential failure. Tesla service centers will replace the faulty motors to ensure proper functioning.
Tesla has faced previous recalls for the Cybertruck. In April, an issue with the accelerator pedal becoming stuck down led to a recall. In January, a software recall was issued for 2.2 million vehicles, including Cybertrucks, due to unreadable warning light letters. This problem was resolved through an over-the-air software update.
This figure of 11,688 units, revealing the total number of Cybertrucks sold since deliveries began in November 2023, puts Cybertruck sales slightly behind Ford Motor’s F-150 Lightning, which sold 13,093 units in 2024.
Despite the controversies surrounding the Cybertruck, including its sharp edges and debated bed size, sales data has been elusive. Tesla does not separate sales figures by model in its quarterly reports, grouping the Cybertruck, Model X, and Model S together. The company will report second-quarter deliveries soon, with investors bracing for potential negative news.
In April, Tesla disclosed that 3,878 Cybertrucks had been sold when a recall was issued for accelerator issues caused by improper part installation. The company reportedly has over two million orders for the Cybertruck, according to a crowd-sourced tracker.
CEO Elon Musk announced earlier this month that Tesla had reached a production rate of 1,300 Cybertrucks per week, aiming for 2,500 trucks weekly by year-end. This goal would result in an annual capacity of 125,000 units.
The latest recall for the windshield wiper motor affects approximately 2% of Cybertrucks produced between November 13, 2023, and June 6, 2024. Tesla has not reported any injuries or deaths related to this issue and will begin notifying owners on August 17, while dealers were notified last week.
Adding to the Cybertruck’s woes, a recent incident involved a Cybertruck accelerating unexpectedly into a house, despite the driver holding the brake pedal down. X user @StrictlyChristo shared the story, highlighting that the throttle and steering were unresponsive, leading to a collision with a neighbor’s house. Tesla’s response to the incident was criticized as inadequate, with the owner facing a $30,000 repair cost and a one-year wait for parts.
Tesla last traded at $187.35 on the NASDAQ.
Information for this briefing was found via CNN, Quartz, and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
