Tesla’s Plastic Accelerator Pedal Nearly Snaps In Half Leaving Owner Dumbfounded

The accelerator pedal is one of the most commonly used components of a vehicle, so most people assume it will always work correctly. However, a Tesla Model 3 owner noticed that his pedal had nearly snapped in half, sharing his experience with the internet.

The vehicle in question is a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range. The photo evidence which was shared on Reddit reveals that the column of the accelerator pedal is half-broken, looking ready to snap at any minute. The post is titled “I don’t think I pressed it that hard…”, with the uploader asking other Model 3 owners if they had a similar experience.

More: Tesla Doesn’t Consider A Steering Wheel That Falls Off A Defect

As noted by commenters, the accelerator pedal on Tesla EVs – sourced from a supplier – is made out of some kind of hollow polymer/plastic. This makes it easier to break under stress compared to the brake pedal which is made of solid steel.

A quick search online reveals that this is not the only case of a Tesla with a broken pedal. Since 2017, several owners of the Model S have shared photos of their broken plastic pedals on forum threads and social media. Some of the cases were reported in a 2019 article by Forbes. Another Tesla owner publicly complained asking the company to add a metal column and rubber coating on the accelerator, something that would vastly improve its feel and sturdiness. Note that Tesla fixes its EVs in dedicated service centers so there is no available data on how often this defect occurs.

While deceleration is far more crucial than acceleration when you are behind the wheel, you still need both to operate the vehicle safely. In that context, it would be beneficial if automakers used the same sturdy materials for the whole set, or make sure that the plastic is strong enough by using the right design. To be fair, Tesla is not the only company using plastic for the right pedals as this is a common practice among suppliers.

I don’t think I pressed it that hard…
by u/beerbaron105 in TeslaModel3