If you needed more proof that the Cybertruck was an incredibly bad idea, Tesla has just delivered it in the form of two recalls, each impacting more than 11,000 Cybertrucks. One covers a faulty windshield wiper that needs replacing, as it can make driving the car in rainy conditions hazardous. The second concerns the cosmetic applique along the exterior of the trunk bed trim, which can loosen and become a hazard for other cars on the road.
Tesla will offer free repairs for both faults to ensure your Cybertruck is safe… at least until the next recall. As a reminder, Tesla recalled nearly 3,900 Cybertruck units just two months ago in April over a faulty accelerator pedal design that could get stuck and cause unwanted acceleration.
The windshield wiper recall report is available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at this link. It explains that 11,688 Cybertruck units are affected. Models made between November 13th, 2023, and June 6th, 2024, are part of the recall.
“On affected vehicles, the front windshield wiper motor controller may stop functioning due to electrical overstress to the gate driver component,” the report notes. “A non-functioning windshield wiper may reduce visibility in certain operating conditions, which may increase the risk of a collision.”
Tesla identified issues with the wiper as early as February 2nd and conducted investigations in the weeks that followed. It determined that a functional test from a supplier applied an excessive current to the gate driver component. Tesla will repair all impacted models at no cost to the owner and replace the windshield wiper motor with one that has a properly functioning gate driver component.
The second NHTSA recall, which can be seen at this link, concerns 11,383 Cybertrucks manufactured between November 13th, 2023, and May 26th, 2024. Therefore, there is some overlap with the windshield wiper recall.
The second recall concerns a cosmetic design that might turn out to be a hazard to other people on the road:
The Cybertruck is equipped with a cosmetic applique along the exterior of the trunk bed trim, known as the sail applique, which is affixed to the vehicle with adhesive. On affected vehicles, the sail applique or adhesion may not have been installed according to specification, which may cause the sail applique to become loose or separate from the vehicle.
The report notes that a loose applique may create a detectable noise inside the cabin. Tesla experienced at least two cases of Cybertruck missing the trim in question. The ensuing investigation determined that the applique or adhesion was not installed according to specification.
Tesla will replace or rework the sail applique to meet specifications and prevent it from becoming loose or falling off.
Dealers were notified earlier this week about both recalls. According to the NHTSA reports, affected Cybertruck owners will receive notifications by August 18th.
