Tesla Cybertruck Recall Due to LED Strip Issues
Tesla has announced a recall of 6,197 Cybertruck pickups due to a defect in the mounting of the additional LED strip. The cause was improper use of structural adhesive during installation, leading to the detachment of the element. Currently, 619 warranty claims related to this issue have been registered, but no accidents or injuries resulting from the defect have been reported.
Technical Details of the Problem
As reported, the LED strip is installed using a special adhesive, for which the prior application of a primer is mandatory. Using the wrong type of primer or violating the technology leads to insufficient bond strength. The document for the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that technicians sometimes confused two types of primer — BetaSeal and BetaPrime, which was the cause of the defect.
Structural adhesive is extremely strong, but its correct application requires strict adherence to instructions. If these steps are ignored, the adhesive can prove to be almost useless.
Planned Remedial Measures
Tesla plans to replace or modify the LED strips on the recalled vehicles. Instead of relying solely on adhesive mounting, mechanical fasteners will be used along with adhesive tape for additional reliability. Owners will receive notifications about the need to visit service centers after Christmas.
Recommendations for Owners
Until official notifications are received, owners of Cybertrucks with the additional LED strip installed are advised to check its condition. If the element is not securely fastened, it is recommended to refrain from driving at high speeds or under conditions of increased vibration.
This is not the first instance where Tesla components have proven insufficiently reliable. Recall that the company has previously faced similar problems with the mounting of bumpers, mirrors, and other elements. The introduction of mechanical fasteners for the LED strip could be an important step in improving the overall build quality of the vehicles. It is expected that such measures will help avoid similar situations in future Cybertruck modifications.