Tesla Cybertruck Recall: What's Wrong with the Wiper and Trim, and What Should Owners Do?

Tesla is issuing two new safety recalls for its 2024 Cybertruck, affecting over 11,000 vehicles each due to a potentially loose trunk-bed trim piece and a faulty front windshield wiper motor. Both issues, announced in separate recalls, pose a potential safety risk by increasing the chance of a crash. Owners will be notified starting August 18, 2024, and all repairs will be performed free of charge at Tesla service centers.

What Are the Specific Problems with the Recalled Cybertrucks?

The two recalls address distinct manufacturing issues. The first concerns a component known as the trim sail applique. This is the decorative panel on the side of the truck's cargo bed. According to the recall filing, this piece may have been improperly adhered during assembly. If it loosens and detaches completely, it could fall onto the road, creating a hazard for other motorists.

The second recall is for the front windshield wiper motor. A fault in the motor's gate drive component can cause it to experience an electrical overload, leading to failure. If the wiper fails during rain or snow, it significantly reduces driver visibility, thereby increasing the risk of an accident.

How Will Tesla Fix the Loose Trim and Faulty Wiper?

Tesla has outlined specific, free-of-charge remedies for both problems. For vehicles affected by the trim sail applique recall, Tesla service centers will apply an adhesion promoter and pressure-sensitive tape to secure the component properly. If the applique is already missing, it will be replaced entirely.

For the windshield wiper recall, the solution is a direct replacement. Service technicians will replace the faulty wiper motor with a new, non-defective unit. Both repairs are designed to be permanent fixes for the identified safety issues.

What Should Cybertruck Owners Do Now?

Owners of 2024 Cybertrucks do not need to take immediate action unless they notice one of the problems. Tesla will begin sending official recall notifications by mail on August 18, 2024. However, if an owner suspects their vehicle is affected or wants immediate confirmation, they can take the following steps:

• Contact Tesla Customer Service: Call 877-798-3752. Have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ready. The specific recall numbers are SB-24-12-006 for the trim issue and SB-24-17-006 for the wiper issue.
• Check the NHTSA Website: Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) recall website (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and enter your VIN to see if your vehicle is included in any open recalls.
• Contact NHTSA Directly: You can also call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.

Based on our assessment experience, it is crucial for owners to wait for official communication from Tesla to schedule a repair. Attempting to fix these issues independently could void warranties or lead to improper repairs. Until the fix is applied, be extra cautious when driving in wet conditions due to the potential for wiper failure and visually inspect the trim panels periodically.