There have been six Tesla Cybertruck recalls this year, and investors are scrutinizing the truck closely. Check out its R&D costs, all six recalls, and what it means for Cybertruck owners.
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You either love it, or you hate it.
There doesn't seem to be any middle ground with the Tesla Cybertruck. The EV truck is loved, or there is an intense disdain for the polarizing model. Now, it's under even closer investor scrutiny, according to a report from Automotive News (by subscription). There have been six recalls this year, but it hasn't stopped customers from buying Tesla's new truck.
AN says, "The Blade Runner-inspired truck, launched to revitalize the company's aging lineup amid slowing growth in EV demand, is under close investor scrutiny due to its significant development costs."
A report from Forbes (by subscription) says it cost Tesla $2 Billion for research and development of the Cybertruck. How many trucks does Tesla need to sell to recoup that? A report from MotorTrend suggests it's nearly impossible to figure out.
Forbes says, "While Tesla hasn't publicly disclosed the exact R&D cost specifically for the Cybertruck, estimates suggest that the development and design of the vehicle were over $2 billion, considering its unique design and advanced features, with a significant portion of this cost being attributed to research and development expenditures."
Cybertruck defies conventional wisdom.
The Cybertruck, with its unique design and advanced features, defies conventional wisdom and piques the interest of automotive enthusiasts.
Forbes says, "The Tesla Cybertruck was the third bestselling EV in the U.S. in the third quarter, defying conventional wisdom. Used prices, meanwhile, are falling as more new Cybertrucks flood the market."
Forbes says the Cybertruck is doing more than just fine, it's thriving in the market.
"Despite a lavish price tag starting at about $100,000, the Tesla pickup outsold every EV in the U.S. in the third quarter except for the Model Y and Model 3, according to Cox Automotive, which owns Kelley Blue Book."
Still, what's with all the Cybertruck recalls?
Like any new model launch, a newly designed vehicle will have more recalls. But six in one year is significant. Here are the six recalls.
6. The latest 2024 Cybertruck recall in November, the sixth this year, involves Tesla and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalling 2,431 Cybertruck electric pickups in the U.S. for loss of drive power to the wheels that could increase the risk of a crash.
The NHTSA says a fault in the drive inverter in Cybertrucks manufactured between November 6, 2023, and July 30 this year could cause the part to stop producing torque when the driver uses the accelerator pedal, resulting in a loss of propulsion and increasing the risk of a collision, Tesla said in a report filed with the NHTSA.
It said that Tesla will replace the recalled drive inverter with one equipped with a functioning component at no extra cost.
5. In September, Tesla and the NHTSA said it would recall 27,185 Cybertrucks due to delayed rear-view camera images that could impair driver visibility and increase crash risks.
4. In June, the Cybertruck was recalled for a loose appliqué that could detach from the vehicle, creating a road hazard for following vehicles. There were 12,150 Cybertrucks recalled.
3. Another June recall was for windshield wiper failure that can reduce visibility, increasing the crash risk. The number of Cybertrucks recalled was 11,688.
2. In April, the Cybeertruck was recalled because the accelerator pedal pad may dislodge, causing the pedal to be trapped by the interior trim and causing the truck to accelerate unintentionally. The number of affected vehicles was 3,878.
1. In January, in the massive recall of 2,193,869 Tesla vehicles, including all delivered Cybertrucks, warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the truck's instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla will fix all six recalls free of charge, but it's a pain to keep taking your new truck to the dealer's service department. That costs you time and money.
The Remedy
In the latest November recall, Tesla service will replace the drive inverter free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on January 4, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-40-009.
Cybertruck owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go here.
Whether you love or hate it, the bottom line is that the Cybertruck is a hit with truck buyers.
Barron's says, "Cybertruck has had an impressive start. That doesn't mean the final judgment on Elon Musk's avant-garde pickup is in. Cybertruck sales have been undeniably impressive to this point, but it will face some important upcoming tests. The next challenge will be for the Cybertruck to sell more lower-priced units."
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What do you think of the Tesla Cybertruck?
Do you have strong feelings about the Tesla Cybertruck? We'd like to hear your thoughts. Click the red Add New Comment link below and share your opinion on this polarizing truck.
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Tesla
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