In a significant turn of events, U.S. safety regulators announced on Thursday, March 20, 2025, that Tesla is recalling over 46,000 Cybertrucks due to concerns over a potentially dangerous defect. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the recall regarding an exterior panel that may detach while driving, creating hazardous conditions for other road users.
The recall affects virtually all Cybertrucks on the road, specifically all models manufactured between November 13, 2023, and February 27, 2025. This move marks the eighth recall for the Cybertruck since it first hit the market just over a year ago — a stark reminder of the challenges Tesla faces as it tries to establish this bold, futuristic model within the competitive electric vehicle sector.
The specific issue lies with the cant rail assembly, an exterior trim panel that runs along both sides of the windshield. The NHTSA stated that the cant rail could delaminate due to the adhesive used to attach it to the vehicle body, with the adhesive being particularly susceptible to environmental embrittlement. The NHTSA highlighted concerns that a detached panel could become a road hazard, significantly increasing the risk of an accident.
As a remedy, Tesla plans to replace the faulty panels at no cost to the owners. The company assures customers that the replacement panels will utilize a more reliable adhesive and will be reinforced to prevent future issues. Owner notification letters for the recall will be sent out starting May 19, 2025.
Reports indicate that Tesla first became aware of the ungluing issue in January 2025. Despite receiving around 150 warranty claims related to the cant rail, the company stated it is unaware of any accidents resulting from the defect. This significant recall follows an earlier incident where Tesla's innovative trucks faced a series of safety issues, further tarnishing their reputation among consumers.
Aside from technical deficiencies, Tesla is currently facing a more tumultuous environment marked by renewed scrutiny and a growing backlash against CEO Elon Musk, especially following his appointment to oversee initiatives as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. In recent weeks, incidents of attacks against Tesla properties have made headlines, including a woman charged in Colorado for throwing Molotov cocktails at dealerships and vandalism linked to political messages criticizing the automaker.
While no injuries have been reported in connection to the Cybertruck's defects, the stock market reaction has been severe: Tesla shares have plummeted nearly 42% in 2025 alone. Dan Ives, an influential industry analyst, described the company's current predicament as a “tornado crisis moment” for Tesla amid heightened competition and a growing old model line facing intense pressure to innovate.
Tesla's vulnerabilities have been further exposed as it contends with a slew of recalls in recent months for issues ranging from a malfunction in the electric inverter to stuck accelerator pedals. The ongoing recalls have raised questions about quality control at Tesla, especially concerning the Cybertruck, which was initially designed to capture the lucrative pickup market.
The Cybertruck, which retails for over $72,000, aimed to lure in new customers looking for an electric alternative to traditional trucks. However, it has struggled amidst increased competition, particularly from rivals emerging from China. According to estimates from Cox Automotive, about 39,000 Cybertrucks were sold in the U.S. last year, but that number is facing significant pressures under current market conditions.
In the face of these challenges, Tesla has assured owners that they can continue driving their vehicles until service appointments can be arranged to address the recall. Meanwhile, they are encouraged to reach out to customer service with any concerns at 1-877-798-3752 or contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.
In summary, the Cybertruck's latest recall serves as a clear reminder of the hurdles Tesla continues to navigate on the road to establishing itself as a leader in the electric vehicle market. As the company rolls out changes to enhance safety and combat the growing backlash, all eyes will be on Tesla, monitoring how it adapts and responds in the face of growing challenges.
