Tesla is recalling 27,185 of its Cybertruck vehicles due to a visibility problem with their rearview cameras. This recall marks the fifth one for the stainless steel electric pickup truck since its debut at the end of 2023, continuing a series of setbacks for the highly anticipated vehicle.
The latest recall stems from a software malfunction that affects the rearview display screen. According to Tesla’s filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the rearview screen in the affected trucks may stay blank for up to eight seconds after the driver shifts into reverse. U.S. regulations require rearview screens to activate within two seconds, making this a significant safety concern.
“A delayed rearview image reduces the driver’s view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash,” Tesla noted in the recall announcement.
The recall applies to certain 2024 Cybertruck models produced between November 13, 2023, and September 14, 2024. These vehicles operate with specific software logic that controls their low-voltage hardware, which has caused the delayed activation of the rearview display.
The Cybertruck, with its futuristic design, has faced multiple issues since its release in December 2023, including a series of recalls and complaints about rusting. The vehicle, which comes with a price tag ranging from $57,390 to $96,390, has already seen four other recalls in 2024.
Earlier recalls include a February notice affecting 2.2 million Cybertrucks due to unreadable lettering on the vehicle’s antilock brake system warning light. In April, approximately 4,000 Cybertrucks were recalled due to a faulty accelerator pedal, and in June, two additional recalls were issued for defective windshield wipers and loose trim pieces.
As a remedy for the current issue, Tesla has released a free software update that owners can download. Official notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 25, 2024.
Cybertruck owners with concerns about the recall can contact Tesla’s customer service or visit the NHTSA website for further information. Tesla’s internal recall number is SB-24-00-016, and NHTSA has assigned the recall number 24V-718.
This string of recalls comes as Tesla works to address the safety and quality control issues affecting its flagship electric pickup truck, highlighting the challenges of scaling up production for such an innovative vehicle.