Cybertruck owners may be throwing up their hands in frustration after Tesla’s controversial electric pickup truck has been recalled for the fourth time.
Fourth Recall for the Cybertruck
Tesla has issued a recall of its hyper-futuristic Cybertruck for the fourth time since its release on November 13, due to problems with the exterior trim and windshield wiper.
Nearly 12,000 Recalled
The recall was announced on Tuesday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Nearly 12,000 vehicles are part of the recall, which includes all models manufactured between Nov. 13, 2023, and June 6, 2024.
Two Significant Problems
Manufacturing issues are twofold: 11,688 Cybertrucks have been recalled over faulty windshield wipers that could affect visibility, and 11,383 over pieces of trim that could come off the bed.
Windshield Wiper Issues
Tesla declared in the company documents that excessive electrical currents could stop the windshield wiper motor control from working, affecting visibility, particularly in poor weather, thus increasing the risk of a crash.
Potential Hazards on the Road
The exterior trim is a large piece of black plastic lining the wall of the truck bed. It could come loose while driving and fly off the vehicle, becoming a potential hazard for other drivers on the road.
Increasing Risk of Injury and Collision
“If the applique separates from the vehicle while in drive, it could create a road hazard for following motorists and increase their risk of injury or a collision,” the NHTSA documents read.
Beginning in February
The company was made aware of the wiper-motor failures in February and decided to issue a voluntary recall on June 12.
Only 2% Likely to be Affected
Despite recalling nearly 12,000 Cybertrucks, based on tests and inspections run by company engineers, Tesla predicts that only 2% of recalled trucks will have these defects according to the notice.
No Injuries or Crashes
So far, Tesla is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or deaths connected to these manufacturing issues.
Replaced Free of Charge
Cybertruck owners affected by these issues will be asked to take their vehicles to the nearest Tesla service center, where Tesla will replace the windshield wiper motor and secure or replace the trim, free of charge.
Owner Notices Incoming
So far all Tesla dealers have been officially notified of the recall, and vehicle owners will be sent individual recall notices in mid-August.
4 Times in 7 Months
It is the fourth time the electric pickup has faced widespread recalls in 7 months, sparking concern for Cybertruck owners and consumers who own different Tesla models.
Accelerator Incident in April
The most notable occurred in April when nearly 4000 Cybertrucks were recalled over an issue with the accelerator pedal. The use of soap during the assembly process “reduced the retention of the pad to the pedal,” causing some accelerator pedals to stick while driving.
Another Trip to the Service Center
This issue meant that affected Cybertruck owners also had to take their vehicles to Tesla service centers for repairs in April and later.
A Look Into the Future?
The continual manufacturing problems and subsequent recalls will be a blow to Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk, who touted the Cybertruck as a prophetic vision of the vehicles of the future, with its distinctive angular, sharply-edged body.
A “Super-Truck”
Musk first touted the concept of the Cybertruck in 2012, when he described it as a “super-truck with crazy torque [and] dynamic air suspension.”
Years in the Making
Its design was officially announced in 2019, but it took another 4 years before consumers could get their hands on one. At the time it was marketed as a futuristic armored personal carrier, claiming that its “armor glass” windows were unbreakable, which was later publicly disproven.
2 Million on the Waiting List
By the time the Cybertruck was released in late 2023, more than 2 million people had joined a waiting list to purchase the vehicle. The Cybertruck is reportedly sold out and new reservations can not be placed until 2027.
Will the Hype Remain?
Whether the hype around the electric pickup truck will still remain by 2027 has yet to be seen. The recent mass recalls are far from the only problems that have been reported by Cybertruck owners.
Concerning Reports
In February, multiple Cybertruck owners reported rust and corrosion on the vehicle’s body, despite Tesla’s claims that it was made from stainless steel. In the same months, various people reported alerts of “critical system errors” within a few days of purchasing the truck.
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