Tesla is recalling 11,688 Cybertruck electric pickup trucks due to a potential failure of the windshield wiper, which could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported.
Additionally, Tesla is recalling 11,383 units of the Cybertruck because a trim in the trunk bed may have been improperly attached. This defect could cause the trim to become loose and create a road hazard for motorists driving behind these vehicles, according to a separate notice from the NHTSA.
Earlier this year, the company recalled nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks in April to fix an accelerator pedal pad that could come loose and get lodged in the interior trim, posing another safety risk.
These recalls mark the latest setbacks for the Cybertruck, a vehicle whose mass production is slated to begin next year. Despite starting deliveries in November 2023 after several years of delays, Tesla has yet to disclose the exact number of trucks handed over to consumers in its quarterly deliveries and production report. The Blade Runner-inspired truck faced a challenging production ramp-up, with CEO Elon Musk admitting that it felt like Tesla was digging its own “grave” during the process.
“Excessive electrical current can cause the front windshield wiper motor controller to fail,” the auto safety regulator said in a recall acknowledgement letter on Monday.
The Cybertruck’s journey from concept to consumer has been fraught with hurdles. Initially unveiled in 2019, the truck captured public imagination with its futuristic design and promised performance. However, translating this vision into a mass-produced vehicle proved to be a formidable challenge.
The delayed production ramp-up, coupled with ongoing recall issues, has cast a shadow over the Cybertruck’s market launch. Analysts suggest that these setbacks could impact consumer confidence and potentially affect Tesla’s market position in the competitive electric vehicle (EV) market.
Despite these challenges, the Cybertruck has garnered a significant fanbase. Enthusiasts remain hopeful that Tesla will address these issues promptly and deliver on its promise of a revolutionary electric pickup truck. Social media platforms are abuzz with discussions about the recalls, with many expressing their continued support for Tesla while urging the company to resolve the safety concerns swiftly.
Tesla’s ability to navigate these difficulties will be crucial in determining the long-term success of the Cybertruck. As the company prepares for mass production next year, all eyes will be on how effectively it can overcome these initial setbacks and meet the high expectations of its customers and the market at large.
