Tesla is recalling 2,431 of its 2024 Cybertrucks due to a faulty drive unit inverter. This time, it’s a hardware issue, so it cannot be solved over a Wi-Fi connection: the vehicle needs to be taken to a Tesla service center. Unlike most of the previous recalls, in which the company could address the issues by just sending out an over-the-air software update, this recall will require an actual physical visit to the service center. This action represents the sixth recall for the 2024 Cybertruck since January. The current action involves vehicles built between November 6, 2023, and July 30, 2024.
In late July, the issue began to receive notice after a Cybertruck got stuck due to an inverter malfunction. It was only in early August that Tesla initiated an investigation and then by the end of October concluded that indeed some of the inverters manufactured during that time were compromised. This was after an inverter recall that was initiated following five recorded inverter-related failures that led to warranty claims and concern about vehicle reliability.
Tesla, known for its innovative approach to resolving vehicle issues remotely, has faced both praise and criticism for its reliance on software to fix problems. Although 20 percent of recalls across the auto industry are now addressed through software updates, Tesla’s current issue requires a hardware solution. This difference is significant because it underscores the importance of a hands-on repair for certain types of malfunctions that software cannot address.
Starting December 9, Tesla will begin replacing the defective inverters in affected Cybertrucks with upgraded components that are less prone to failure. This recall highlights the challenges automakers face in balancing software-driven innovations with the physical durability of vehicle hardware, particularly as Tesla moves forward with mass production of the unconventional Cybertruck model. For owners, it means a visit to Tesla’s service center but ultimately results in a more reliable drive system.