Tesla's Cybertruck Recall Expands: 2.6M Vehicles Affected by Brake Issues

Tesla announced a sweeping recall on January 24, 2026, affecting 2.6 million Cybertruck units globally. The issue: sudden brake pressure loss during normal driving conditions.

The electric truck maker confirmed the defect impacts all Cybertruck models manufactured between November 2023 and January 2026. Tesla has not reported any deaths or injuries linked to the brake failure, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation after receiving 847 complaints.

Internal diagnostics reveal a software glitch in the regenerative braking system. When the truck's battery reaches peak charge during downhill driving, the system fails to communicate with the hydraulic brake module. This creates a 2-3 second delay before mechanical brakes engage.

• Affects all trim levels: Standard Range, Long Range, and Dual Motor
• Issue occurs in 8.3% of affected vehicles under specific conditions
• Tesla identified the root cause in mid-January after analyzing telemetry data

Tesla will push an over-the-air (OTA) software update to all affected vehicles starting January 27. The update recalibrates the brake pressure algorithm and adds redundant safety checks. No dealership visits are required.

Owners will receive email notifications with instructions. The update takes approximately 15 minutes and can be performed while the vehicle is parked.

This marks Tesla's largest recall since the Model 3 airbag issue in 2021. The Cybertruck, launched in late 2023, has faced multiple recalls including door handle failures and seat belt issues.

Competitors including Rivian, Ford, and General Motors have not reported similar brake system problems in their electric truck lineups. Safety experts say the incident highlights the complexity of integrating traditional hydraulic brakes with EV regenerative systems.

Tesla shares dropped 3.2% on January 24 following the recall announcement. The company maintained production schedules and stated the software fix would resolve the issue permanently.

NHTSA will continue monitoring the situation and may expand the investigation if additional complaints emerge. Tesla faces potential fines up to $100 million if regulators determine the company delayed reporting the defect.

• Check your email for Tesla's official recall notification
• Schedule the OTA update at your convenience (no appointment needed)
• Avoid heavy braking on steep downhill grades until the update is installed
• Report any continued brake issues to Tesla and NHTSA immediately

The recall underscores growing pains in the EV industry as manufacturers scale production and integrate complex software systems. Tesla's rapid response through OTA updates offers a blueprint for handling safety issues in connected vehicles, though critics argue more rigorous pre-launch testing could have prevented the problem.