Tesla Recalls Over 63,600 Cybertruck Vehicles Due to Lighting Defect

Tesla recalled 63,619 Cybertruck vehicles after a software bug made their front parking lights too bright, potentially blinding oncoming drivers. The company also pulled another 12,963 Model Y and Model 3 cars due to a battery pack defect, marking the latest quality control issues for the electric vehicle maker.

The Cybertruck recall affects nearly all vehicles delivered since the model launched late last year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the parking lights exceeded federal brightness limits, creating a safety hazard for other drivers on the road.

Tesla fixed the lighting issue through a free over-the-air software update, meaning owners don't need to visit service centers. This approach has become standard for the company when addressing software-related problems.

The separate recall for Model Y and Model 3 vehicles involves a faulty component in the battery pack system. Tesla hasn't specified whether this issue also gets a remote fix or requires physical repairs at service locations.

These recalls add to Tesla's growing list of vehicle safety issues this year. The company has faced scrutiny over its quality control processes, particularly as it ramps up production of the Cybertruck after years of delays.

For Tesla investors, recalls represent both immediate costs and potential reputation risks. The company's stock often shows sensitivity to safety-related news, especially when it involves high-profile models like the Cybertruck.

The timing puts additional pressure on Tesla as it works to establish the Cybertruck in the competitive electric truck market. Ford's F-150 Lightning and GM's upcoming electric trucks are all competing for the same customers who want electric alternatives to traditional pickup trucks.

Tesla's ability to fix the Cybertruck issue remotely does demonstrate one advantage of its software-heavy approach to vehicle design. But it also highlights how complex these systems have become and how software bugs can create real safety problems.