Tesla is recalling the Cybertruck for the sixth time this year. A possible problem with the drive converter can cause some trucks to stop producing torque, resulting in a sudden loss of drive and an increased risk of an accident. The recall affects 2,431 trucks built between November 6, 2023 and July 30, 2024 with metal oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs).
The problem can occur without warning when the accelerator pedal fails to propel the vehicle. However, if the problem does occur, a warning message will appear on the display instructing the driver to stop.
“There is no warning prior to loss of propulsion,” Tesla noted in its NHTSA recall report. “However, when the driver loses the ability to apply torque, he immediately receives a visual warning on the user interface, instructing him to safely pull the vehicle to the side of the road.”
Tesla began investigating the inverter issue on August 5, 2024, by investigating a customer complaint that their vehicle suddenly lost power a few days earlier. The automaker then analyzed field data before identifying an increased failure rate for drive inverters equipped with MOSFET components.
Tesla will replace the drive inverter in the affected vehicles with one with properly functioning MOSFETs. The automaker has not specified the exact problem with the part causing the drive problem. The Safety Recall Report noted that Tesla is not aware of any collisions, injuries or fatalities associated with this issue.
As mentioned, this is the sixth recall of the Cybertruck this year. The previous recalls were in response to physical problems such as defective windshield wipers (of which 11,688 trucks were recalled), loose upholstery or problems with the accelerator pedal.