In an unfortunate announcement on October 3rd, Tesla revealed a major recall involving 27,185 Cybertruck vehicles.
The decision came after alarming reports surfaced regarding visibility issues with the rearview camera. Drivers are facing significant delays in activating the rearview display, raising serious safety concerns. According to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem lies in the camera software in 2024 Cybertrucks produced between November 13th, 2023, and September 14th, 2024. According to the agency, the rearview camera can take six to eight seconds to turn on after shifting into reverse, while NHTSA regulations stipulate that it should activate within two seconds. This is a significant delay that could have dire consequences.
Tesla explained that this wait is due to the system needing time to boot up after being shut down. The company noted, “If the driver begins to back up before the vehicle’s system completes its shutdown and boot-up, the rearview image may not display within the required time.”
While the manufacturer has received 45 warranty claims and four field reports related to this issue, it has assured the public that, as of September 25th, 2024, it is “not aware of any collisions, fatalities, or injuries” associated with this recall. To address the issue, Cybertruck owners have received an “over-the-air (OTA) software update” to ensure the rearview camera complies with the crucial two-second activation time.
This incident marks Tesla’s fifth recall since the Cybertruck was released at the end of 2023. Earlier this year, a recall affecting 4,000 Cybertrucks was initiated due to a defect with the accelerator pedal, which could become stuck due to a dislodged pad. In June, further recalls were issued for windshield wiper issues and loose exterior trim, highlighting a troubling trend of ongoing safety concerns with the vehicle.
