Recall

The Tesla Cyberquad for Kids is being recalled over safety concerns • ZebethMedia

By zebethcontrolPosted on October 27, 2022Posted in Cybertruck, Recall, Tesla, TransportationNo Comments

The Tesla Cyberquad for Kids, a $1,900 mini ATV inspired by the yet-to-be produced Cybertruck, is being recalled due to safety concerns flagged by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Radio Flyer, which makes the Cyberquad for Tesla, is handling the recall. About 5,000 units have been sold, per the CPSC. Consumers will receive full refunds once they remove the product’s motor controller and send that back to Radio Flyer via a prepaid envelope. Removing the motor controller will permanently disable the Cyberquad. Directions on how to locate, remove and return the motor controller can be found on the Radio Flyer recall website. CPSC posted Thursday a notice on its website that the mini ATV “fails to comply with the federal mandatory safety standard requirements for youth ATVs, including mechanical suspension and maximum tire pressure.” The agency also said the Cyberquad lacks a CPSC-approved ATV action plan, which is required to manufacture, import, sell, or distribute ATVs. These action plans typically include a numbrer of safety requirements, including rider training, dissemination of safety information, age recommendations and other safety measures designed to reduce crash and injury hazards, preventing serious injury or death. The Cyberquad, which was available for purchase via Tesla and the Radio Flyer, is no longer listed on either website. Radio Flyer still sells mini versions of Model S and Model Y vehicles for kids. The only remnant of the product (at least on the Tesla website) is a Cyberquad for kids bomber jacket, which is designed for “your adventures on Cyberquad for Kids.” In December 2021, Tesla added the “Cyberquad for Kids” product on its website, where prospective customers were able to place an order. The Tesla “Cyberquad for Kids” was made with “full steel frame,” along with cushioned seating and fully adjustable suspension, could travel around 15 miles on a full charge and reach a top speed of 10 miles per hour. That top speed could be restricted to 5 mph.

Rivian voluntarily recalls 13,000 EVs for a potential loose fastener • ZebethMedia

By zebethcontrolPosted on October 10, 2022Posted in EV, Recall, Rivian, TransportationNo Comments

Rivian informed customers Friday that it is conducting a voluntary recall of all 13,000 vehicles it has delivered so far due to a loose fastener. The fastener, which may not have been sufficiently torqued on a small percentage of vehicles, connects the front upper control arm and steering knuckle. This can cause loose and vibrating tires, wheel tilt and loss of steering control. The company’s voluntary recall is expected to be posted on the National Transportation and Safety Administration on Saturday. Rivian sent an email to customers Friday evening. Rivian said that as of September 28, 2022, it had become aware of seven reports potentially related to this issue that had accumulated over the production of Rivian vehicles. The company said in a statement: The safety of our customers will always be our top priority, and we are committed to fixing this issue on any affected vehicles as quickly as possible. We will begin immediately contacting affected customers to schedule appointments for inspections and repairs if needed. We will make any necessary adjustments free of charge at one of our service centers. The repair takes a few minutes to complete, and with customer collaboration, we have built out the capacity to complete the needed action in as little as 30 days. To date, we are not aware of any injuries that have resulted from this issue. Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe also emailed customers saying that while the company has only seen seven reports potentially related to this issue across our fleet to date, “even one is too many.” “It’s important not to minimize the potential risks involved and why we are volunteering to conduct this recall,” Scaringe wrote in the letter. “In rare circumstances, the nut could loosen fully. I want to reiterate that this is extremely rare, but it does reinforce why we are acting with such urgency and caution.” If owners experience excessive noise, vibration or harshness from the front suspension, or a change in steering performance or feel, they should call Rivian immediately, Scaringe said, adding that if customers don’t feel safe driving the vehicle a Rivian employee will either service it as a house call or come pick it up. If a replacement part is needed, Rivian said it will offer loaner vehicles free of charge. Customers can call 855-RIVIAN5 (855-748-4265), you schedule a service appointment and a Rivian employee will come to the customer. They can also bring your vehicle to a Rivian service center, no appointment necessary. The company said it will also have pop-up locations in high-density areas for additional coverage as well.