Tesla’s 2024 Cybertrucks, despite being on the market for less than a year, have already encountered five recalls as of Thursday.
The latest recall is due to a safety issue with the rearview camera system. Tesla reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the rearview camera feed could be delayed by up to two seconds after shifting into reverse, while in some cases, the display could remain blank for as long as eight seconds when the vehicle is in reverse. This issue could significantly impair the driver’s ability to safely navigate in reverse, raising safety concerns. Around 27,185 Cybertrucks are estimated to be impacted by this defect. In response, Tesla has already issued an over-the-air software update to rectify the problem for affected Cybertruck owners.
This recall is the latest in a series of issues that have plagued the Cybertruck since its launch. Four months earlier, in June, Tesla recalled Cybertrucks to address problems with potentially loose trim pieces and faulty windshield wipers that could impair visibility. In April, some Cybertrucks were recalled due to a malfunction with the accelerator pedal, which was reported to become sticky, leading to potential safety hazards.
Read Also: Cisco’s Second Round of Layoffs in 2024 Impacts Thousands of Employees.
The recalls come amid heightened scrutiny of Tesla’s vehicle quality control and manufacturing processes. The Cybertruck, with its unique, angular steel design and futuristic appearance, was officially launched in November 2023 after several years of anticipation and delays. It was Tesla’s first major vehicle launch since the Model Y debuted five years prior. Tesla positioned the Cybertruck as a bold, unconventional addition to its lineup, blending sci-fi aesthetics with cutting-edge technology and performance. However, the vehicle’s early recalls have cast a shadow on its initial success and raised questions about its reliability.
Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk has often touted the Cybertruck’s durability, with its stainless steel exoskeleton and armored glass features. But frequent recalls have sparked criticism, especially regarding the consistency of Tesla’s production quality. Despite the issues, the Cybertruck has generated considerable demand, with pre-orders reportedly reaching into the millions shortly after its debut.
The company’s quick response to the most recent recall, utilizing its over-the-air software update capabilities, reflects one of Tesla’s advantages—its ability to address many vehicle issues remotely without requiring customers to visit service centers. However, the series of recalls so soon after launch underscores the challenges Tesla faces as it ramps up production of this highly anticipated vehicle.
While the Cybertruck represents a leap forward in terms of design and innovation, the ongoing recalls suggest that further improvements in quality control and testing may be needed to ensure the vehicle’s long-term success. As more Cybertrucks hit the road, Tesla will likely remain under pressure to minimize further issues and restore confidence in its newest flagship vehicle.
