Accelerator Pedal Issue Prompts Safety Concerns
Tesla, the electric car company led by Elon Musk, has issued a recall for thousands of its new Cybertrucks due to potential safety concerns with the accelerator pedals. The issue, which could potentially cause the pedals to become stuck, has prompted the company to take action to address the problem.
The recall affects approximately 3,878 Cybertrucks produced between November 2023 and April 2024, with an estimated value of $61,000 each. According to the US Department of Transportation, a trapped accelerator pedal could lead to unintended acceleration, increasing the risk of accidents.
Tesla has identified the issue as a problem with the accelerator pad, which could become dislodged and trapped in the interior trim when pressed firmly. However, the company has assured that pressing the brake pedal should override the accelerator and safely stop the vehicle. Tesla will address the issue at no cost to the owners.
The recall stems from an "unapproved change" in the production process of the accelerator pedal, which involved the use of lubricant during assembly. This resulted in the pad not adhering properly to the pedal. Tesla received two complaints regarding this issue from drivers in March and April.
As of April 15, Tesla has stated that it has no information about any accidents, injuries, or fatalities associated with this issue. However, the recall adds to the challenges faced by the company, which is already grappling with tough competition in the electric vehicle market, declining sales, and a drop in its stock price.
This is not the first time Tesla has faced recalls due to safety concerns. In recent months, the company has recalled over 1.6 million cars in China due to issues with steering software and door locking systems, and more than two million cars in the US due to faults in the autopilot system.
While Tesla has previously addressed issues with its pedals through software updates, this recall necessitates physical changes to the vehicles. The company will be working to resolve the issue and ensure the safety of its customers.