Sunita Somvanshi
Tesla is recalling more than 46,000 Cybertruck pickup trucks manufactured between November 2023 and February 2025 due to a serious safety issue. The problem involves the stainless steel exterior panels that can detach while driving, creating a road hazard for other drivers.
The Problem: Adhesive Failure
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identified that the “cant rail assembly” – a stainless steel strip that runs along both sides of the windshield – can come loose because the adhesive used to secure it fails. This adhesive becomes brittle over time due to environmental conditions.
Tesla has reported 151 warranty claims that might be related to this issue, though thankfully no injuries or accidents have been reported so far. Videos showing people easily removing these panels by hand have gone viral on social media in recent days.
The Fix: Free Replacement
Tesla will replace the problematic panels free of charge with a new version that uses a different adhesive that isn’t prone to failure. The new design also includes additional reinforcement – a stud welded to the panel with a nut that clamps it to the vehicle structure.
Owners will receive notification letters starting May 19, 2025. Meanwhile, Tesla has already begun implementing the improved design on new Cybertrucks being manufactured from March 21, 2025.
Eighth Recall Since Launch
This marks the eighth recall for the Cybertruck since Tesla began delivering them to customers in late 2023. Previous recalls addressed issues with:
- Faulty accelerator pedals that could get stuck
- Problematic windshield wipers
- Malfunctioning display screens
- Electric inverter faults that could cause wheels to lose power
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Market Impact
The recall adds to Tesla’s growing challenges. The company’s stock has plummeted approximately 40% in 2025, reflecting investor concerns about quality control and increasing competition in the electric vehicle market.
Tesla faces rising competition from rival electric vehicles, along with growing competition in the electric pickup truck segment from Ford, Rivian, and GM.
Growing Public Backlash
Tesla has also faced increasing public backlash in recent weeks. In Colorado, a woman was charged for attacks on Tesla dealerships, including throwing Molotov cocktails at vehicles and spray-painting “Nazi cars” on buildings.
Federal agents in South Carolina recently arrested a man for allegedly setting fire to Tesla charging stations near Charleston.
This public reaction comes as Elon Musk has taken on a role in the Trump White House with the new Department of Government Efficiency that’s slashing government spending.
What It Means for Cybertruck Owners
If you own a Cybertruck manufactured between November 2023 and February 2025, you should expect to receive notification from Tesla by mail starting May 19, 2025. The repair will be completed at no cost to owners.
Cybertruck owners can contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is wrong with the Cybertruck? +
The stainless steel exterior panels (specifically the “cant rail assembly” that runs along the sides of the windshield) can detach while driving because the adhesive used to secure them fails over time due to environmental conditions. This creates a road hazard for other drivers.
How many Cybertrucks are affected by this recall? +
More than 46,000 Cybertrucks manufactured between November 2023 and February 2025 are affected by this recall. This represents virtually all Cybertrucks that have been delivered to customers.
How will Tesla fix the problem? +
Tesla will replace the problematic panels with a new version that uses a different adhesive that isn’t prone to failure. The new design also includes additional reinforcement – a stud welded to the panel with a nut that clamps it to the vehicle structure. The repair will be done free of charge to owners.
When will owners be notified about the recall? +
Tesla will begin notifying Cybertruck owners by mail starting May 19, 2025. In the meantime, owners can contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 for more information.
Is this the first recall for the Cybertruck? +
No, this is the eighth recall for the Cybertruck since Tesla began delivering them to customers in late 2023. Previous recalls addressed issues with faulty accelerator pedals, problematic windshield wipers, malfunctioning display screens, and electric inverter faults.
Has anyone been injured because of this defect? +
According to Tesla and the NHTSA, no injuries or accidents have been reported related to this specific issue, despite 151 warranty claims that might be related to the issue. Tesla initiated the recall proactively after investigating owner complaints.
