Tesla is recalling nearly all Cybertrucks in the United States to address an issue with an exterior panel that may detach while driving. The recall affects just over 46,000 vehicles manufactured from November 2023 to February 27, and it marks the eighth recall for the Cybertruck since January 2024.
Although Tesla does not disclose specific delivery figures for the Cybertruck, these recalled vehicles represent a significant majority of those on the road, according to analyst estimates. This recall presents a potential setback for Tesla, whose stock has declined by approximately half this year amid rising competition, an aging product lineup, and criticism surrounding CEO Elon Musk’s management decisions.
The recall is prompted by the risk of a stainless-steel exterior trim panel detaching, which could pose a road hazard and increase the likelihood of a crash. Tesla has received 151 warranty claims related to the issue but reports no collisions or injuries have occurred.
Interest in the Cybertruck had already waned by late last year due to multiple delays, with sales comprising a small portion of Tesla's total shipments, which reached 1.79 million in 2024. Sam Fiorani, vice president at AutoForecast Solutions, noted that recalls involving entire production runs signal quality concerns that Tesla has largely avoided in the past. "Reputations take a long time to build and can be tarnished very quickly," he remarked.
Recent customer backlash, including protests at Tesla stores and calls for sales boycotts, has also been observed. Tesla's shares remained stable during afternoon trading.
In 2024, Tesla led the U.S. in vehicle recalls, accounting for 5.1 million call-backs; however, most issues were typically resolved with over-the-air software updates. For this latest recall, Tesla plans to replace the rail panel assembly with a new assembly that meets durability standards. The previous assembly, which relied on a structural adhesive, was vulnerable to environmental factors. The updated version will utilize a different adhesive, reinforced with a stud and nut to secure the stainless panel to the vehicle.
Tesla expects to implement the new trim in production starting Friday, and vehicles produced prior to this but still in its possession will be retrofitted before delivery. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) first informed Tesla of a vehicle owner report concerning a rail panel detachment on February 21.
Despite the recall, it is not anticipated to significantly impact Tesla's performance in the March quarter, as Cybertruck sales remain relatively low compared to the more popular Model 3 and Model Y.