Tesla Cybertruck recalled again. This time, a software fix for backup camera glitch

10 seconds to Elon blaming this on Kamala or something

Tesla has submitted another safety recall for the Cybertruck, this time over problems with its backup camera - an essential feature, considering the bulky vehicle's barely functional rearview mirror.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall report [PDF] on this matter states that the rear camera displays are failing to turn on within the federally mandated two-second limit because affected Cybertrucks aren't completing their shutdown process correctly.

"If the driver starts a backing event before the vehicle system completes its shutdown and boot-up, the rearview image may not display within two seconds of placing the vehicle in reverse," the NHTSA report states. "With the condition present, the rearview camera display may appear blank for up to six to eight seconds when the vehicle is shifted to Reverse." 

Tesla estimates that approximately one percent of the 27,185 Cybertrucks manufactured between November 13, 2023 and September 14, 2024 are affected. As this is a software issue, the update has already been pushed out and no further action is required from owners.

The EV maker identified four field reports and 45 warranty claims that may be related to the condition, but isn't aware of "any collisions, fatalities, or injuries" linked to it, according to the report.

That's a relief, because if you've seen the inside of a Cybertruck, you know how risky a lagging rearview display can be - it's tough to see out the back of one of Elon Musk's steel-plated behemoths. 

When the tonneau cover (the protective cover over the truck bed) is closed, it completely obscures the view out the back of the Cybertruck. Even with the cover open, the small rearview mirror is not very usable, some Cybertruck owners noted. The rearview camera, positioned in the upper middle of the infotainment screen, is meant to serve as both a rearview mirror and a backup camera.

In short, it needs to work.

This software-patch-that's-officially-called-a-recall marks the fifth time Tesla has had to issue an NHTSA recall report for the Cybertruck. The vehicle was recalled twice in June over trim detachments and failing windshield wiper motors, and earlier in April due to faulty accelerator pedal covers that were slipping off and causing pedals to get wedged while depressed. Toss in a blanket Tesla recall for hard-to-read dashboard fonts that included the Cybertruck back in February, and that's five in less than a year. 

Tesla has had a rough 2024, with the Cybertruck not helping matters much. The automaker has placed much of its short-term fate in the hands of Musk's "Robotaxi" plans, which may be unveiled next week in what's been billed as a make-or-break moment for the company. 

We've reached out to Tesla for comment. ®