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Challenges and Recalls of Tesla Cybertruck: Focus on Faulty Components and Customer Impact

GOOVER DAILY REPORT July 3, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Introduction to Tesla Cybertruck Recalls
  3. Accelerator Pedal Defect
  4. Windshield Wiper Motor Issues
  5. Loose Trim Pieces and Other Issues
  6. Customer and Market Reactions
  7. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The report titled 'Challenges and Recalls of Tesla Cybertruck: Focus on Faulty Components and Customer Impact' provides a detailed analysis of the recent recalls involving Tesla's Cybertruck. The main focus is on defects related to the accelerator pedal, windshield wipers, and trim pieces. It traces the sequence of events from the vehicle's initial market entry in November 2023, through the identification of these issues, and examines the impacts on production and customer safety. Specific details are given about the nature of these defects, the number of units affected, and the steps taken by Tesla to mitigate these problems, including recall procedures and customer notifications. The report also highlights customer feedback, the market's reaction, and Tesla's corrective actions to maintain trust and safety in its electric pickup truck model.

2. Introduction to Tesla Cybertruck Recalls

  • 2-1. Background of the Tesla Cybertruck

  • The Tesla Cybertruck was unveiled at Tesla's design studio in Hawthorne, California on November 21, 2019. The Cybertruck is Tesla's first entry into the U.S. pickup market, competing against vehicles like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T. Despite the delays in production, which was initially supposed to begin two years ago, the vehicle finally hit the market with limited deliveries in November 2023 at a launch event in Austin, Texas.

  • 2-2. Initial Launch and Key Features

  • Upon its initial launch in November 2023, CEO Elon Musk described the Cybertruck as a 'better truck than a truck, while also being a better sports car than a sports car in the same package.' The Cybertruck features a design aimed at embodying the 'look of the future.' The first-quarter shareholder update from Tesla indicated that the Cybertruck production capacity exceeded 125,000 units per year, and the company achieved a milestone of 1,300 Cybertruck shipments in a week earlier this month. Despite its futuristic approach, the Cybertruck has faced several issues and recalls impacting components such as the accelerator pedal, windshield wipers, and trim pieces.

3. Accelerator Pedal Defect

  • 3-1. Nature of the defect

  • The Tesla Cybertruck has been recalled due to a defect in the accelerator pedal. The issue involves the pad on top of the pedal slipping off and getting wedged into the interior trim, causing unintended acceleration. This defect is attributed to a lubricant used during the assembly process to facilitate attaching the pad to the pedal but inadvertently making it easier for the pad to become detached.

  • 3-2. Details of the recall

  • Tesla will recall 3,878 Cybertrucks due to the defective accelerator pedal. The recall was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Affected Cybertruck owners will have their pedals replaced or reworked for free. Tesla has already begun addressing the defect in the ongoing production and will apply the fix to vehicles already at delivery centers.

  • 3-3. Customer and market impact

  • The issue of the stuck pedal began surfacing at the end of March, with some owners posting about it on social media. Last week, Tesla halted sales of the Cybertruck while investigating the problem. Despite the defect, no deaths or injuries have been reported. The recall affects customer trust and has raised concerns about the safety and reliability of the Cybertruck.

4. Windshield Wiper Motor Issues

  • 4-1. Description of the problem

  • The Tesla Cybertruck has encountered significant issues with its windshield wiper motor due to electrical overstress to the gate driver component. This problem was initially discovered by Tesla Service staff in February 2024. The faulty motor controller may cause the windshield wiper to stop functioning, which can reduce visibility and increase the risk of collisions. The motor controller fails because it receives too much electrical current during functional testing, leading to damage to the gate driver component.

  • 4-2. Recalls and affected units

  • Tesla has issued a recall affecting over 11,000 Cybertrucks, specifically those manufactured between November 13, 2023, and June 6, 2024. This recall impacts all model year 2024 Cybertruck vehicles, as deliveries began in November 2023. The announcement was made through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on June 19, 2024. Owners are expected to be notified by letter on August 18, 2024.

  • 4-3. Safety risks and resolution

  • A non-functioning windshield wiper poses a significant safety risk as it can impair driver visibility under certain conditions, potentially leading to a higher likelihood of accidents. Despite the defect's potential hazard, Tesla has reported that there are no known injuries, deaths, or collisions related to the issue. Tesla plans to replace the faulty windshield wiper motor controller at no cost to the Cybertruck owners. Additionally, newly manufactured Cybertrucks are expected to be free from this defect due to improvements in the quality control of the functional testing process applied by the supplier.

5. Loose Trim Pieces and Other Issues

  • 5-1. Details about trim piece defects

  • Trim piece defects have been a recurring problem for Tesla Cybertrucks. Multiple recalls were announced to address the improper installation of trim pieces, specifically the trunk bed trim sail appliques. These trim pieces were found to detach from the vehicle during operation, posing a road hazard to other motorists. The problem was first identified in an undelivered Cybertruck in December 2023, and subsequent issues were found in customer vehicles in May 2024. Tesla discovered that the adhesive or installation method was improperly applied, leading to the defective trims.

  • 5-2. Hazards associated with the issue

  • The primary hazard associated with the defective trim pieces involves the potential of the trims detaching from the Cybertruck while it is being driven. This can create a road hazard for following motorists and significantly increase the risk of injury or collision. As stated in recall reports, a separating trim piece could create obstructions or dangerous debris on the road, endangering traffic safety. No crashes, injuries, or deaths related to the applique problem have been reported so far.

  • 5-3. Tesla's corrective measures

  • To address the issues with trim pieces, Tesla has taken several steps. The company has issued a recall, offering to 'replace or rework' the trim pieces to meet proper adhesion standards. This includes applying an adhesion promoter and using pressure-sensitive tape to secure the appliques. Affected customers will not incur any costs for these repairs. Tesla ensured that corrective measures were implemented in newly manufactured Cybertrucks through improved quality control over the adhesive application process. Additionally, affected owners will be notified by letter regarding the recall and necessary repairs.

6. Customer and Market Reactions

  • 6-1. Customer Feedback and Concerns

  • Following the recalls of Tesla Cybertruck, customer feedback has highlighted significant concerns, particularly about the safety and reliability of the vehicle. According to reports, issues with the accelerator pedal sticking due to a lubricant used during assembly led to unintended acceleration, prompting viral social media posts and widespread criticism. Other problems included faulty windshield wipers and trim pieces that could fall off, presenting potential hazards to other motorists. The defective components have eroded customer trust, as evidenced by negative reviews and social media discussions.

  • 6-2. Impact on Sales and Production

  • The recalls have notably impacted Tesla's sales and production efforts. Initially, the Cybertruck production capacity was stated to exceed 125,000 units per year, with a record of 1,300 shipments in one week. However, issues arising from the defects resulted in halted sales and production setbacks. The slow start, with a vehicle population of 11,688 Cybertrucks from November 2023 to June 2024, reflects the complications in ramping up deliveries amid ongoing recalls. Additionally, Tesla's broader struggles, including a declining stock price and restructuring efforts, have compounded the difficulties in maintaining a stable market presence.

  • 6-3. Tesla's Response and Current Status

  • In response to the defects, Tesla has initiated several recall campaigns to address the identified issues. The recalls included physical repairs requiring appointments for fixing faulty motor controllers in windshield wipers and replacing or reworking loose trim pieces to ensure sufficient adhesion. Moreover, the accelerator pedal defect led to the recall of 3,878 Cybertrucks, with Tesla offering free replacements or reworking of the pedals. Tesla has begun incorporating fixes in ongoing production and addressing vehicles at delivery centers. Despite these measures, the corrective actions have been time-consuming and labor-intensive, affecting Tesla’s ability to quickly resolve all customer concerns.

7. Conclusion

  • The multiple recalls of the Tesla Cybertruck, including issues with the accelerator pedal, windshield wipers, and trim pieces, have underscored several critical challenges that Tesla faces. These defects have significantly impacted customer trust and sales, reflecting the inherent risks in innovative vehicle design and production. Despite these setbacks, Tesla, under the leadership of Elon Musk, has taken proactive steps to address the defects, offering free replacements and implementing quality control improvements in ongoing production. However, the process has been labor-intensive and time-consuming, highlighting the importance of robust quality assurance mechanisms. While no deaths or injuries have been reported, the potential risks associated with the defects were substantial, underscoring the vital role of agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in ensuring vehicle safety. Looking ahead, it is crucial for Tesla to learn from these challenges to refine future product developments and maintain its market position. The practical applicability of these findings suggests a need for increased vigilance in quality control processes to prevent such issues from recurring, thereby enhancing customer confidence and ensuring safety in innovative vehicle models like the Cybertruck.

8. Glossary

  • 8-1. Tesla [Company]

  • Tesla, Inc. is an American electric vehicle and clean energy company, known for its electric cars, battery energy storage systems, and solar products. In the context of this report, Tesla is the manufacturer of the Cybertruck, a futuristic electric pickup truck that has faced multiple recalls.

  • 8-2. Cybertruck [Product]

  • The Cybertruck is Tesla's electric pickup truck, notable for its unique, futuristic design. This report covers various recalls due to defects in the accelerator pedal, windshield wipers, and trim pieces, impacting both its performance and customer safety.

  • 8-3. Elon Musk [Person]

  • Elon Musk is the CEO of Tesla, known for his visionary approach to electric vehicles and space exploration. His leadership is crucial as Tesla navigates the challenges posed by the Cybertruck recalls.

  • 8-4. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) [Organization]

  • The NHTSA is a U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring road safety. In this report, they are noted for announcing the recalls of the Tesla Cybertruck due to various defects.

9. Source Documents