Tesla has issued a recall for nearly all Cybertrucks on the road due to a potential safety hazard involving an exterior panel that can detach while driving.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Thursday that more than 46,000 Cybertrucks, covering model years 2024 and 2025, are affected by the recall, which marks the eighth for the vehicle since deliveries began in late 2023.
As per the news agency AP, the issue involves a stainless-steel panel known as the cant rail assembly, located between the windshield and the roof on both sides. The panel is attached using a structural adhesive, which the NHTSA found to be vulnerable to “environmental embrittlement.”
If the panel comes loose while the vehicle is in motion, it could pose a serious hazard to other drivers, increasing the risk of collisions. Tesla will offer a free fix by replacing the adhesive with a more durable version and adding reinforcements.
Tesla became aware of the defect in early 2025 and has since received at least 151 warranty claims potentially linked to the issue, according to a report filed with the NHTSA. However, the company has stated that it is “not aware of any collisions, fatalities, or injuries that are or may be related to the condition,” as reported by The New York Times.
Tesla owners will be notified by mail starting May 19, and the company has assured them they can continue driving their Cybertrucks until they receive a service appointment for the necessary repairs.
Meanwhile, videos have gone viral on social media showing people easily pulling the panels off Cybertrucks with their hands, drawing further criticism of the vehicle’s design.
The recall is the latest setback for Tesla, which has faced multiple safety issues with the Cybertruck. In the past 15 months, the vehicle has been recalled for problems including a stuck accelerator pedal, loss of drive power, and faulty windshield wipers.
Tesla previously recalled the Cybertruck in November 2024 due to an electric inverter issue that could cause the wheels to lose power.
Beyond the recall, Tesla has been struggling with declining stock value and increased scrutiny over its CEO Elon Musk’s involvement in government policy.
According to The New York Times, Tesla’s stock has fallen nearly 42% this year, driven partly by backlash over Musk’s role in federal spending cuts under the Trump administration. Some Tesla owners have responded by selling their vehicles, while others have engaged in more extreme protests, such as vandalising Tesla cars and showrooms.
As per AP, recent attacks on Tesla properties have included Molotov cocktails thrown at dealerships and charging stations being set on fire.
In Colorado, a woman was charged last month for allegedly attacking Tesla dealerships, while in South Carolina, a man was arrested for setting fire to Tesla charging stations.
