Tesla Cybertruck Recalled Over Detaching Exterior Panels \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ U.S. safety regulators have recalled over 46,000 Tesla Cybertrucks due to detachable exterior panels posing crash risks. This marks the eighth recall for the Cybertruck since its late-2023 launch. Tesla will repair affected vehicles free of charge, with notification letters set for May 2025.
Tesla Cybertruck Recall Quick Looks
- NHTSA recalls 46,096 Tesla Cybertrucks over dangerous panel detachment.
- Exterior panels near windshields may detach, creating road hazards.
- Recalled models include all 2024–2025 Cybertrucks produced from Nov. 2023 to Feb. 2025.
- Viral videos show individuals easily pulling panels off Cybertrucks.
- Tesla will replace the cant rail assembly with reinforced adhesive.
- Owner notification letters expected by May 19, 2025.
- Eight Cybertruck recalls issued since deliveries began in late 2023.
- Past recalls involved stuck accelerator pedals, faulty wipers, and drive power loss.
- Tesla faces increasing attacks, vandalism, and showroom damages amid political tension.
- Company struggles against rising EV competition, with shares down 42% in 2025.
Deep Look
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a sweeping recall on Thursday, affecting nearly every Tesla Cybertruck currently on American roads. This significant recall impacts 46,096 Cybertrucks, covering all models from the 2024 and 2025 production years manufactured between November 13, 2023, and February 27, 2025. The core issue behind the recall is a serious safety hazard: exterior panels, specifically the stainless steel cant rail assemblies along both sides of the windshield, can detach while the vehicle is in motion, posing a grave danger to other motorists and dramatically increasing the risk of crashes.
According to the NHTSA report, these cant rail assemblies are secured to the vehicle using a structural adhesive that has proven vulnerable to environmental factors, leading to embrittlement and weakening over time. This failure means the panels could come loose, especially at highway speeds, turning into hazardous debris. The NHTSA confirmed that Tesla will remedy the defect by using an adhesive formula that has been thoroughly tested against environmental embrittlement, and additional reinforcements will be applied to secure the panels in place.
Tesla will perform the necessary repairs at no cost to Cybertruck owners. Notification letters are scheduled to be sent out starting May 19, 2025, informing owners of the recall and offering instructions for scheduling service. Until then, owners are encouraged to contact Tesla customer service or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline for more immediate assistance.
This is the eighth recall for the Cybertruck since Tesla began delivering the highly anticipated, futuristic electric pickup in late 2023. Earlier recalls have addressed critical safety issues including accelerator pedals that could become stuck due to interior trim interference, windshield wiper malfunctions, malfunctioning display screens, and an inverter defect that could lead to sudden power loss to the drive wheels. Despite Tesla’s reputation for innovation, the frequency and nature of these recalls are raising serious questions about quality control and product reliability.
The latest recall gained widespread attention after viral social media videos emerged, showing individuals pulling the Cybertruck’s exterior panels off with minimal effort. These videos, shared thousands of times, fueled public concern over Tesla’s manufacturing standards and ignited debates about whether the company rushed Cybertruck production to meet ambitious delivery targets at the expense of quality and safety.
Tesla’s challenges extend beyond recalls. Since President Donald Trump took office and appointed Elon Musk to head the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Tesla has found itself at the center of political controversy. DOGE has aggressively pursued government spending cuts, and Tesla’s alignment with this agenda has made the company a polarizing figure.
In recent weeks, Tesla facilities, vehicles, and charging stations have been targets of politically charged vandalism. Prosecutors in Colorado recently charged a woman with multiple attacks on Tesla dealerships, where she reportedly used Molotov cocktails on parked cars and spray-painted the words “Nazi cars” on dealership walls. Meanwhile, federal agents in South Carolina arrested a man accused of setting fire to Tesla charging stations near Charleston. Investigators found anti-government writings and materials critical of DOGE in his possession, highlighting the increasing hostility aimed at the company.
While these attacks have not impacted Tesla’s production directly, they reflect growing public and political pushback against the automaker, especially as it becomes intertwined with federal efforts to overhaul government spending.
Simultaneously, Tesla’s financial outlook has dimmed considerably. Despite remaining a dominant player in the electric vehicle (EV) market, Tesla has faced intense competition from Chinese automakers and traditional automotive giants rapidly expanding their EV offerings. This surge in competition, combined with manufacturing setbacks, safety concerns, and political controversy, has contributed to a 42% plunge in Tesla’s stock value in 2025.
Tesla’s sales figures have also declined globally, as consumer confidence erodes in response to frequent recalls and negative headlines. Industry analysts warn that Tesla’s “first mover” advantage in the EV market is being chipped away by competitors offering more affordable and reliable alternatives. The Cybertruck, once billed as a revolutionary step forward in automotive design and performance, has instead become a symbol of rushed production, quality issues, and unmet expectations.
The repeated recalls and mounting public scrutiny are also impacting Tesla’s brand reputation, long regarded as synonymous with cutting-edge technology and sleek innovation. The company’s struggle to maintain high manufacturing standards on new models has called into question its ability to sustain leadership in an increasingly crowded and competitive market.
As Tesla works to address the latest recall, the company faces a challenging road ahead. It must simultaneously navigate public relations crises, improve manufacturing practices, rebuild consumer trust, and fend off mounting competition. Elon Musk’s leadership style, which often favors aggressive timelines and disruptive approaches, is coming under increased scrutiny as investors and consumers alike question whether these ambitious strategies are sustainable.
In addition to the technical and political challenges, Tesla also faces legal and regulatory risks. The NHTSA’s ongoing monitoring and multiple recalls could trigger further investigations into Tesla’s production practices, potentially resulting in fines or stricter regulatory oversight.
The recall also underscores broader industry concerns about the rapid pace of EV innovation. As automakers push to bring increasingly advanced vehicles to market, the pressure to meet delivery deadlines often conflicts with the need for exhaustive testing and quality control. Tesla’s Cybertruck serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the perils of prioritizing speed and spectacle over durability and safety.
For Cybertruck owners, the recall adds to growing frustration. Many who eagerly awaited delivery of Tesla’s bold electric pickup are now dealing with safety notices, repair appointments, and public skepticism. Still, Tesla’s offer to fix the defect free of charge and reinforce the vehicle’s build quality is seen as a necessary step to regain some measure of consumer confidence.
The next few months will be critical for Tesla as it attempts to stabilize its brand, address investor concerns, and meet growing consumer expectations. Whether the automaker can overcome these challenges or cede ground to more disciplined competitors remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the Cybertruck, once a symbol of Tesla’s ambition and futuristic vision, has become a test of its resilience and ability to deliver on its promises.
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