Cybertruck fans and detractors know what happened on November 30, 2023, at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Texas. It was the day that eager buyers gathered for the first deliveries of the long-awaited Cybertruck.
There were so many delays before that eventful day that many commentators said it’d probably never hit the market. The naysayers were wrong, but that doesn’t mean it’s been smooth motoring for the truck.
People Love or Hate Cybertrucks — There’s No In-Between
The Cybertruck has been a fixture in the news as people marvel at some of its peculiarities. For instance, it has a four-foot-long windshield wiper, according to Teslarati. And, yes, it’s “windshield wiper” in the singular since there’s only one rather than two like most passenger vehicles.
Recent Recall for the Tesla Cybertruck
Unfortunately, the Cybertruck recently made the news for something less than positive — a recall. Yes, there’s another recall for the truck. And the underlying issue may be serious enough to increase collision risks.
The EV maker said it’s recalling around 27,000 Cybertrucks due to a rearview camera problem. Specifically, when drivers shift the electric truck into reverse, the rearview camera images might not activate on time.
Keep reading for 13 things to know about the recall…one that comes on the heels of several others.
8 Second Delay Is Way Too Long
Tesla says it contacted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to inform the agency that display screens in its Cybertrucks stay blank for up to eight seconds after drivers shift into reverse. Why is this a problem? The U.S. mandates that such screens activate within two seconds of shiting into reverse mode. So, eight seconds is way too much of a delay.
Recall Basically Includes All Cybertrucks Ever Manufactured
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the recall involves north of 27,000 vehicles built between November 13 of last year and September 14 of this year, which likely means just about every Cybertruck that’s rolled off an assembly line thus far is part of the recall.
Problem Applies to Cybertrucks Using Version 2024.32.5.2
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report indicates the problem involves Cybertrucks using version 2024.32.5.2 or later. These electric trucks could experience a problem where the reverse camera might go blank for six to eight seconds if the driver attempts to back up before the Cybertruck finishes a shutdown and boot-up sequence.
No Accidents or Injuries Reported
The good news is that no injuries or accidents related to the recall have been reported. Even so, it’s clear there’s a danger component if there’s an image delay affecting the reverse camera.
Tesla Made the Voluntary Recall After Looking Into the Matter
After investigating and conducting tests last month, Tesla issued the voluntary recall. Unfortunately, the EV maker has gotten used to recall notices since it’s had to do so many times.
Tesla Offering Free Over-the-Air Software Fix
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Tesla will offer over-the-air software shortly after September 19 to correct the problem so that back-up camera displays can activate within the two-second response time requirement.
For Cybertruck owners, that’s good news. They won’t have to make an appointment, drive their electric trucks to a Tesla service facility, and wait for the fix. Of course, they can do just that if you’d prefer in-person service.
Recall Has Negatively Impacted Tesla’s Stock
According to GuruFocus.com, Tesla’s stock has been negatively impacted over concerns about the Cybertruck recall. However, the report adds that the EV maker’s strong financial wherewithal is clear because of its robust operating cash flow margins and solid return on equity.
Reverse the Old-Fashioned Way
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says Cybertruck drivers can, until the fix, back up the old-fashioned way. That involves performing shoulder checks and using the mirrors. It worked for generations until technology intervened and complicated everything.
If Only the Old-Fashioned Way Were That Simple
While the old-fashioned way worked for generations, the Cybertruck makes that more difficult because it has some massive blindspots. Case in point: If you close the tonneau cover to protect your payload or gain extra efficiency, the rear window will be inaccessible. That means you won’t be able to see through the rear window — one reason the back-up camera is vital.
Tesla Has Identified Dozens of Warranty Claims Related to the Condition
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that Tesla, as of September 25, has found 45 warranty claims and four field reports that might be connected to the recall matter. But, it’s worth repeating: the EV company is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or deaths related to the problem.
Cybertrucks Built As of September 18 Won’t Have the Problem
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Cybertrucks manufactured as of September 18 won’t be affected by the recall, which means their owners can breathe a sigh of relief.
Electric trucks produced starting on that date will get the software remedy. So, if your Cybertruck software is 2024.26.300.1 or later, there’s nothing to worry about.
Owner Notification Notices to be Sent Late Next Month
Tesla says all Tesla stores and service centers were informed about the recall on or just before September 30 and that Cybertruck owner notification notices will be mailed out on November 25.
Fifth Recall in Less Than One Year
Unfortunately, this latest recall marks the fifth for Tesla’s Cybertruck in less than one year. Previous recalls were made for trim pieces that can break free, front windshield malfunctions, the too-small font on the EV’s antilock braking system warning light, and a sticky accelerator pedal.
That’s All You Need to Know About Tesla’s Most Recent Cybertruck Recall
If you wanted to know more about the recent Cybertruck recall, you’re now up to date. Given the rate at which these recalls are being announced, there’ll likely be more news to come shortly.
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