Yesterday, we wrote an article discussing early reports that Tesla has halted Cybertruck deliveries due to an accelerator pedal cover issue.
At that time, we focused our reporting on the fact that over 600 Cybertrucks had piled up at Giga Texas, as production proceeded while deliveries were stopped.
Elon Musk Says “There’s Nothing More I Hate, But it Must Be Done” as He Announces a Massive 15,000 Employee Tesla Job Cut – Adds “It is Very Difficult to Say Goodbye” @Tesla @elonmusk #Tesla
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- pic.twitter.com/Z9JTSfjI7K
— Torque News (@torquenewsauto) April 15, 2024
Witnessing a sea of Cybertrucks all parked together around the Texas facility was certainly exciting.
However, although covering the see of Cybertrucks seen at Giga Texas was certainly interesting, at that time, we did not have all the facts about the Cybertruck accelerator pedal problem, and we weren’t able to convey the seriousness of the issue.
However, thanks to several Cybertruck owners, we have seen our first demonstration of the problem. After witnessing the accelerator pedal “cover” issue, we’ve decided it’s, in fact, a very serious accelerator pedal issue.
Earlier reports stating that the defect was a minor problem where the Cybertruck’s accelerator pedal cover gets detached are still correct; however, what happens next after the pedal cover becomes dislodged is the critical issue.
The Cybertruck is the first Tesla to feature a floor-mounted accelerator pedal. As you can see in the video below, the Cybertruck’s brakes are roof-mounted and floating, whereas the accelerator pedal rests on the floor.
Undoubtedly, there are practical and engineering reasons why Tesla constructed the Cybertruck pedals this way.
However, despite the EV maker’s consideration, Tesla appears to have neglected one major fact: parts failure.
In this instance, the issue is as simple as the Cybertruck’s accelerator pedal cover getting detached. On the face of it, this is not alarming.
However, after the Cybertruck accelerator pedal cover gets dislodged while fully pressed, the cover, which has materially extended the accelerator pedal length, cannot return to its resting neutral place and will remain fully pressed even if you release your foot.
The issue here is just in front of the accelerator pedal on a Cybertruck footwell compartment; there is a small slit opening, and if the accelerator pedal cover gets dislodged, it can be stuck in this slit and keep the accelerator in the fully depressed position.
With over 600 horsepower for the Cybertruck AWD and over 800 horsepower for the Cybertruck Cyberbeast, having the accelerator pedal stuck in the fully pressed position can cause serious issues.
I might be the last person to accept delivery of the Tesla Cybertruck before deliveries were halted due to accelerator pedal issues.
Let’s take a look at my accelerator pedal and see if I notice any issues.
If I ever run into an issue where my pedal gets pressed without my… pic.twitter.com/AW1nREsS69
— Jeremy Judkins (@jeremyjudkins_) April 15, 2024
The Cybertruck AWD can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4 seconds, and the Cyberbeast can achieve the same feat in 2.6 seconds. If the accelerator pedal is stuck even for a few seconds in these high-performance trucks, it can easily spell doom.
Should Tesla advise all Cybertruck owners to stop driving their vehicles?
As of a week ago, Tesla has completely halted Cybertruck deliveries in all locations. Although Cybertruck production appears to be still ongoing, Tesla is keeping all Cybertrucks at the factory.
Even Cybertrucks at Tesla showrooms with complete paperwork and all but ready to be handed over to customers are grounded.
This is a great first step for Tesla. However, we believe the EV maker should promptly address this issue and instruct Cybertruck owners to stop driving their trucks immediately.
Since Tesla has not commented on the Cybertruck accelerator pedal cover issue, it appears that the EV maker is still working to understand the scope of the defect; however, we believe for an abundance of caution, it’s better if Tesla instructs all Cybertruck owners to stop driving their truck.
This is especially true when considering the famous personalities who are currently driving a Cybertruck. If there are any safety-critical issues, Tesla will be marred by a media circus, greatly damaging the EV maker’s brand.
Has There Been Any Reported Cybertruck Unintended Acceleration Reports?
A few days ago, a new Cybertruck owner shared a picture of his damaged truck following an accident. From the picture he shared, the accident doesn’t seem major enough to cause loss of life or serious injuries.
That’s the fortunate part. However, at the time, the Cybertruck owner reported that his truck was damaged after the vehicle had accelerated on its own.
For years, countless individuals have stated that their Tesla crash occurred after sudden unintended acceleration. Several authorities in multiple geographic regions have investigated these claims and found that all the crashes were caused by driver error.
Given this fact, most people were hasty to dismiss the Cybertruck owner’s claims as yet another driver who wouldn’t face up to his mistakes; however, given this new information, there is a fair chance that the Cybertruck owner might be telling the truth.
To determine the true cause of the Cybertruck accident, trained professionals with unrestricted access to the vehicle will need to investigate the cause. As a result, we are not passing a verdict one way or the other; however, we’ll be sure to keep you posted as the story unfolds.
Could the same accelerator pedal cover issue affect other Teslas?
As mentioned above, the Cybertruck is the only Tesla vehicle with a floor-mounted pedal. Even the Cybertruck’s brake pedal is a roof-mounted floating pedal.
This means this exact issue where the pedal cover can come loose and get stacked in an opening can only take place on the Cybertruck’s accelerator pedal.
Over 600 Cybertrucks Pile Up at Giga Texas as Tesla Stops Cybertruck Deliveries Following an Issue With the Truck’s Accelerator Pedal @Tesla @elonmusk #Tesla
-https://t.co/GfytJsMRLg
- pic.twitter.com/i0TbkqMefO
— Torque News (@torquenewsauto) April 15, 2024
We are not ruling out the remaining vehicles in Tesla’s lineup having other safety-critical issues; however, when it comes to this particular mode of failure, we believe this can only happen to the Cybertruck’s accelerator pedal.
Based on this fact, it is perfectly okay to keep driving your Tesla vehicle unless you are part of a select group of individuals who have taken delivery of a Cybertruck.
As of now, Tesla has yet to post an official recall for the Cybertruck. However, we’ll be sure to keep you posted as the situation unfolds. Until then, visit our site, torquenews.com/Tesla, regularly for the latest updates.
So, what do you think? Were you surprised to learn Tesla delivered the Cybertruck to customers with a major safety issue? Do you think the EV maker should instruct Cybertruck owners to stop driving their vehicles until Tesla understands the scope of the issue? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Image: Courtesy of Tesla, inc.
For more information, check out: Elon Musk Says “There’s Nothing More I Hate, But it Must Be Done” as He Announces a Massive 15,000 Employee Tesla Job Cut – Adds “It is Very Difficult to Say Goodbye”
Tinsae Aregay has been following Tesla and The evolution of the EV space on a daily basis for several years. He covers everything about Tesla, from the cars to Elon Musk, the energy business, and autonomy. Follow Tinsae on Twitter at @TinsaeAregay for daily Tesla news.