The Tesla Cybertruck, once marketed as an ultra-durable vehicle, is now grappling with a wave of recalls that have raised questions over its build quality. Since the electric pickup’s launch, the vehicle has been subject to six recalls in 2024, five of which were specifically for the Cybertruck model.
According to research from Finbold, a total of 57 332 Cybertrucks were recalled for checks and repairs so far this year, which averages out to about 172 vehicles per day. This data, sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), highlights an ongoing issue with the vehicle's mechanical integrity.
The majority of these recalls have been tied to mechanical faults, including improperly attached components, issues with the accelerator pedal potentially becoming stuck and, in some cases, complete loss of driving power. However, the most significant recall involved a delay with the rearview camera system, which impacted more than 27 000 units. This issue was swiftly addressed through an over-the-air (OTA) firmware update.
Though Tesla has not officially disclosed the total number of Cybertrucks delivered, estimates based on recall figures suggest a worrying trend. According to Kelly Blue Book, approximately 28 250 Cybertrucks had been shipped by September 30. This would imply a staggering recall rate of up to 200% for 2024 — meaning some vehicles may have been recalled multiple times, with nearly every unit potentially affected by at least two recalls this year.
Despite the high recall figures, experts caution against drawing overly negative conclusions. Andreja Stojanovic, a co-author of the research, pointed out that while the recall rate may appear concerning, it may not reflect the full scope of the issues.
“Just as the fear of spontaneous combustion in Tesla vehicles has often been exaggerated, the actual number of Cybertrucks needing substantial repairs could be far lower than the recall numbers suggest,” Stojanovic explained.
While the recall statistics may paint a bleak picture, the actual severity of the issues reported is relatively mild. Most of the repairs required are straightforward, with estimates suggesting that even the most complicated fixes should take no more than a few hours to complete. This means that the actual disruption to owners and the number of vehicles requiring significant repairs could be much smaller than the recall totals imply.
Tesla remains tight-lipped about the total number of Cybertrucks on the road, but the recall data, combined with production estimates, suggests that the company is facing challenges in meeting the durability expectations set for the vehicle. As the year progresses, it remains to be seen whether these issues will tarnish the Cybertruck’s reputation or if Tesla can resolve them without long-term consequences.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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