Tesla is recalling 2,431 Cybertrucks over a critical issue involving the drive inverter, marking the sixth recall for the electric truck in 2024. This latest recall affects vehicles built between November 6, 2023, and July 30, 2024, and addresses a potential defect that could cause the truck to lose propulsion without warning, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
“The Problem: Sudden Loss of Torque”
The issue stems from metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) in the drive inverter. If these components fail, the Cybertruck may lose the ability to produce torque, resulting in a sudden loss of propulsion. Tesla noted in its NHTSA recall report that there is no prior warning before the failure occurs. However, once the problem manifests, the vehicle displays an alert instructing the driver to pull over safely.
“No warning occurs prior to the loss of propulsion,” Tesla stated. “However, when the driver loses the ability to apply torque, they will immediately receive a visual alert on the user interface, with an instruction to safely pull over.”
“Tesla’s Investigation and Fix”
Tesla began investigating the issue on August 5, 2024, following a customer complaint of sudden propulsion loss. After analyzing field data, the automaker identified an increased failure rate in drive inverters equipped with MOSFET components. The company has not disclosed the exact nature of the MOSFET defect but has confirmed that it will replace the faulty drive inverters in all affected vehicles.
The Safety Recall Report states that Tesla is unaware of any collisions, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue.
“A Year of Recalls for the Cybertruck”
This marks the sixth recall for the Cybertruck in 2024 alone, highlighting a rocky rollout for Tesla’s long-anticipated electric pickup. Previous recalls included:
- Faulty windshield wipers, affecting 11,688 vehicles.
- Loose trim components.
- Issues with the accelerator pedal.
While Tesla’s innovative vehicles often push the boundaries of automotive technology, the repeated recalls raise concerns about quality control, especially as the Cybertruck continues to expand its presence in the EV market.
“Next Steps for Cybertruck Owners”
Tesla will contact affected Cybertruck owners to arrange for free replacement of the defective drive inverters. Owners are advised not to rely on third-party repair services and to act promptly upon receiving notification to avoid potential safety risks.
