The Tesla Cybertruck Is Falling Apart
Tesla has issued a recall for all 46,096 Cybertrucks in existence due to a cosmetic panel that can detach while driving, creating a potential road hazard.
Key Points
- Tesla recalls all 46,096 Cybertrucks sold in the U.S. due to a defective adhesive that may cause exterior panels to detach while driving
- The issue affects every Cybertruck produced in the first 15 months of production, with Tesla estimating 1% of vehicles could have the defect.
- This marks the sixth Cybertruck recall in under a year, following previous issues, including trunk bed trim pieces detaching. Tesla plans to replace affected panels free of charge
The recall notice, issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), points to a defect in the cant rail, a stainless steel exterior panel attached to the vehicle with structural adhesive and fasteners. In affected vehicles, the adhesive joint may fail, causing the panel to separate while the vehicle is in motion. Tesla has stated that around 1% of recalled vehicles are believed to have the defect, but no crashes or injuries have been reported as a result.
Tesla owners may hear unusual noises in the cabin or notice the panel becoming loose before detachment occurs. The automaker will replace the affected cant rail assembly free of charge.
Tesla has identified 151 warranty claims related to the issue but has not reported any accidents or injuries. The company will replace affected panels free of charge, though as of March 18, it had not yet corrected the issue in production. A solution is expected to be implemented by March 21.
This recall follows a similar issue last year, when Tesla recalled Cybertrucks due to metal trim around the truck bed detaching. Recently, videos of Cybertruck panels peeling off have surfaced on social media, raising questions about the vehicle’s build quality and durability.
The recall comes at a time when Tesla’s stock has lost 45% of its value since the start of the year as sales crater and dealerships are coming under attack from protestors angry over Elon Musk's unelected role in Donald Trump's administration. The company has also been dealing with a wave of vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles which could make them unsellable and uninsurable.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick even went so far as to recommend buying Tesla stock during a TV appearance earlier this week. It was an unusual move considering cabinet secretaries don't typically recommend individual stocks.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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So the article mentioned no less than three times that the panel issue would be fixed "free of charge". It's a recall, should there have been any doubt that Tesla will fix it for free? On the flip side if I owned one I would get it fixed asap before the company goes bankrupt. Kinda funny, Tesla is catching up to Ford for recalls. Maybe they should all try building a better product instead of just trying to keep greedy stockholders happy?!
Oh well, caca happens.