Tesla recalling 46k Cybertrucks over loose panel issue
By Josh White
Date: Thursday 20 Mar 2025
(Sharecast News) - Tesla is recalling 46,096 Cybertrucks in the US, it emerged on Thursday, due to a defect that could cause exterior trim panels to detach while driving, creating a potential road hazard.
The issue affects the cant rail, a stainless-steel panel affixed with an adhesive that is susceptible to environmental embrittlement.
The recall, which applies to all Cybertrucks produced and sold in the first 15 months of availability, was disclosed in a report to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Tesla pledged to replace the defective panels free of charge, though as of 18 March, it had not yet resolved the problem in production.
The latest recall marked the sixth for the Cybertruck since its launch in late 2023 and followed previous safety concerns, including trim pieces detaching from the truck bed.
While Tesla estimated that only 1% of the recalled vehicles had the defect, the issue underscored ongoing quality control challenges for the company's highly publicised electric pickup.
It also came amid broader turmoil for Tesla and CEO Elon Musk.
The company's stock had declined by 42% this year, reflecting investor concerns over both operational setbacks and Musk's increasingly controversial role in the political sphere.
His leadership of the US government's 'Department of Government Efficiency' (DOGE) under president Donald Trump had drawn scrutiny, with protests planned at Tesla showrooms around the world on 29 March.
Dan Ives, a longtime Tesla supporter and analyst at Wedbush, warned that the automaker was facing a "brand tornado crisis moment", exacerbated by Musk's political entanglements.
According to the Guardian, he had urged Musk to clarify his role at Tesla and to provide a roadmap for the release of lower-cost vehicles and full self-driving technology.
Despite the challenges, Musk had continued to defend the Cybertruck's durability, touting its safety ratings and dismissing critics.
However, consumer doubts persisted, fueled by online tests showing structural failures under stress.
At 0909 EDT (1309 GMT), shares in Tesla were down 1.56% in premarket trading in New York, at $232.19.
Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
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