An accelerator pedal problem caused by an unapproved change adding a lubricant as part of the component assembly process led Tesla to recall 3,878 of its Cybertrucks this month.
The electric vehicles involved were manufactured from Nov. 13, 2023, through April 4, 2024, according to the safety recall report submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on April 17.
The cause of the problem was an unapproved change that introduced a lubricant to aid in the component assembly of the pad onto the accelerator pedal. “Residual lubricant reduced the retention of the pad to the pedal,” the company said.
On affected vehicles, when high force is applied to the pad on the accelerator pedal, the pad may dislodge, which may cause the pedal to become trapped in the interior trim above the pedal. Tesla explained that if the pad on the accelerator pedal becomes trapped that way, the performance and operation of the pedal will be affected, which may increase the risk of a collision. The company noted that application of the brake pedal will cut drive torque – including when both break 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.
According to Tesla, if the condition is present, and the driver attempts to use the accelerator pedal, the driver will detect the condition through immediate compromised performance and operation of the pedal. “In addition, if the condition is present when the driver applies the brake pedal, the driver will receive an audible and visual alert that both break and accelerator pedals are being pressed,” the company added.
Tesla said that at no charge the customer it will replace or rework the accelerator pad assembly “such that the assembly meets specifications and ensures sufficient retention force between the pad and accelerator pedal to prevent the pad from dislodging.”
Notifications went to all Tesla stores and service centers on or around April 19.