Tesla's latest recall reveals real Cybertruck production numbers

Tesla just had an unexpected revealing moment. The automaker does not tell the public how many of its angular, stainless-steel Cybertrucks it has built. But thanks to a new government recall, we now have a very good idea. A federal safety report shows that Tesla is recalling 63,619 of its futuristic pickups, and this seems to be the total number of Cybertrucks built since the first one was delivered at the end of 2023.

Tesla reports total vehicle sales but does not break them down by model. This leaves analysts to guess how many Cybertrucks are on the road. The recall covers vehicles built between November 13, 2023, and October 11, 2025, meaning it covers every single Cybertruck manufactured until this month, revealing for the first time actual sales numbers.

The reason for the recall is an unusual one - the Cybertruck has front parking lights that are simply too bright. According to the NHTSA report, a problem in the vehicle's software can "cause the front parking lights to be too bright and exceed the maximum light output." This means the futuristic truck fails to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, a rule that sets limits for all vehicle lights. While bright lights might sound good, they can dazzle or distract other drivers, which could increase the risk of a crash.

Luckily for owners, this problem does not require a trip to the service center. The issue is not a bad bulb or faulty wiring. It is a software bug. Tesla will fix all 63,619 electric cars with an over-the-air (OTA) software update. This is a common practice for EVs, where the vehicle can download and install a fix, much like a smartphone.

The NHTSA report says software version 2025.38.3 (or a later one) corrects the problem. In fact, Tesla already started sending the update to vehicles on October 8, just a week after it found the problem during an internal review.

The fix is simple, but this recall adds to a growing list for the Cybertruck. Last year, the Cybertruck faced seven different recalls. Another recall earlier this year dealt with body panels that could detach. So far, Tesla says it knows of no collisions or injuries related to the bright parking lights. The company will still mail official notification letters to owners starting on December 13.

This small software problem highlights the challenges of building a completely new type of vehicle. The Cybertruck is probably the most controversial electric car in the world, and every issue gets a lot of attention.

Curiously, as Tesla's engineers work to patch the Cybertruck, the company decided it would be a good opportunity to tease its next big project. The long-awaited Tesla Roadster will apparently make an appearance before the end of 2025. At this point, we'll believe it when we actually see it.

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