Tesla announced on Tuesday that it will recall Cybertrucks in the US due to issues with the external trim and windshield wipers. This is not the first time the Cybertruck has faced problems, as its build quality has been criticized.
Unlike Tesla’s usual method of addressing problems with over-the-air software updates, this recall requires a physical return of vehicles, which is unusual for the company. While new models often face recalls, Tesla’s reputation for software solutions makes this recall stand out.
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Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, aimed for the Cybertruck to rejuvenate the company’s lineup amidst fluctuating demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Low consumer interest, driven by rising borrowing rates and competition from affordable Chinese models, adds pressure on Tesla.
The recall affects over 11,000 vehicles. Tesla has not yet revealed the exact number of deliveries in its latest quarterly report.
Sam Abuelsamid, an analyst from Guidehouse Insights, commented on the wiper motor issues, stating:
“Failures of the wiper motor shouldn’t come as a surprise. This is the largest individual wiper ever used on a light-duty vehicle with a 4-foot-long blade. That exceptional long lever arm puts a lot of stress on the motor.”
He also mentioned that the overall build quality of the Cybertruck is “quite poor.”
Tesla began delivering the Blade Runner-inspired truck in November 2023 after years of delays and production challenges. Musk has previously described the production process as “digging its own grave.”
In October, he mentioned Tesla’s goal of producing 200,000 Cybertrucks annually, with the potential to increase to 250,000 by 2025.
Current Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that Tesla has issued four recalls for the 2024 Cybertruck.
Tesla is recalling 11,688 Cybertrucks from the 2024 model year due to a failed windshield wiper motor controller caused by excessive electrical current. This recall covers all trucks built through June 6. Tesla will replace the wiper motor after identifying early failures and inspecting recovered motors.
Additionally, Tesla is recalling 11,383 Cybertrucks because the trunk bed trim sail applique may be improperly attached, potentially becoming loose and creating a road hazard. The company’s service team will apply an adhesion promoter and pressure-sensitive tape or replace the missing trim at no charge to affected vehicles.
In April, Tesla recalled nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks to fix the accelerator pedal pad that could detach and lodge in the interior trim.
