US: Tesla is recalling thousands of Cybertrucks due to problems with the accelerator pedal

Due to safety-related concerns, electric car maker Tesla is recalling nearly 3,900 vehicles from its Cybertruck electric pickup truck. As the US traffic regulator NHTSA announced, it may happen that the accelerator pedal gets stuck and the car accelerates uncontrollably. All vehicles built from mid-November 2023 to early April 2024 may be affected.

The problem came to light through a TikTok video where a driver reported a similar incident. He showed how the decorative cover on the accelerator pedal came off and slid off. This then filled the pedal in depression.

In the recall notice, Tesla insists that vehicles can be stopped using the brake pedal even in the event of such a defect. The company is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the defect.

According to Tesla, the problem was caused by an unauthorized change in the manufacturing process. Soap was used as lubricant and the residue weakened the glue used. The manufacturer will “replace or repair” the faulty mechanism free of charge, the traffic safety authority said.

Three tons of stainless steel, 100 kilometers per hour in 2.7 seconds

The Cybertruck is Tesla’s latest model and has been released only in the United States since December 2023. The recall is the first indication of how many new models Tesla has produced and sold so far. The Cybertruck has not yet received road approval in Germany.

With its large batteries, the car weighs almost three tons without passengers and cargo and has a sharp body made of thick stainless steel. According to the manufacturer, the car can also reach a speed of 100 kilometers per hour in 2.7 seconds. Taken together, this makes the Cybertruck extremely dangerous in traffic, especially when accelerating out of control.

Tesla reported a decrease in its total emissions in the first quarter of 2024 for the first time in almost four years. The American car company also wants to cut jobs worldwide – including in Germany.