Tesla is recalling nearly all Cybertrucks produced between November 2023 and February 2025 after discovering that a stainless steel trim panel can fall off while driving, creating a road hazard, the company said Thursday.
The recall affects around 46,000 vehicles and marks the eighth safety-related issue for the troubled model.
WHY IT MATTERS: Tesla, once the undisputed leader in the electric vehicle market, continues to face mounting problems under Elon Musk’s erratic leadership, from declining stock value to persistent manufacturing flaws.
THE DETAILS: Tesla identified the issue after receiving 151 warranty claims related to the exterior trim. The problem stems from an adhesive failure that can cause the cant rail—an exterior stainless steel panel—to detach while driving. The company claims only about 1% of Cybertrucks have the defect, but is recalling all affected models as a precaution. Owners can continue driving their vehicles until repairs are scheduled.
THE BACKGROUND: The Cybertruck has been plagued with issues since its highly hyped release. Other recalls have addressed stuck accelerator pedals, windshield wiper malfunctions, and sudden loss of power. Despite Musk’s grand promises of a revolutionary vehicle, the Cybertruck has become more known for its high price tag—starting around $80,000—and embarrassing design failures.
BIG PICTURE: This recall comes as Tesla faces significant financial struggles, with its stock value nearly halved in 2025. The backlash against Musk’s far-right political leanings and influence over the Trump administration’s policies has led to declining consumer confidence. Many Tesla owners are dumping their vehicles in protest, while other EV makers, including Ford and Rivian, gain traction in the market.
WHAT’S NEXT: Tesla says it has developed a fix using a stronger adhesive and welded studs. Production will resume with this fix starting March 21. But with rising competition, quality control issues, and Musk’s increasingly toxic public persona, Tesla’s once-dominant status in the EV world is likely in the rear view mirror.