Recently, Tesla announced a recall of more than 46,000 Cybertrucks due to concerns that the exterior panels could detach while driving. This recall affects all vehicles manufactured between November 13, 2023, and February 27, 2025. The Cybertruck, which has faced various challenges in recent years, continues to cause headaches for the company and its customers.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 1% of the vehicles affected by this recall are expected to experience the defect. While this may seem like a small percentage, it translates to over 400 cars potentially being impacted, which is a significant safety concern.
Wikimedia
A Silver Lining Amidst the Recall: No Accidents Reported
Tesla’s highly anticipated electric pickup truck, the Cybertruck, was officially launched in November 2023 after being unveiled in 2019. The company has received 151 warranty repair and replacement claims related to the recall. Fortunately, no accidents or incidents related to the defect have been reported, which is a relief.
The issue lies with the cant rail, a stainless steel exterior trim panel. Tesla explained that the panel is attached using adhesive, which can become brittle due to environmental factors. This could lead to the panel’s potential detachment while driving.
Panel Attachment Method Under Scrutiny
The issue emerged after several Cybertruck owners reported it directly to the NHTSA, and additional cases surfaced online. In response, Tesla plans to replace the rail assembly with new panels that meet testing standards, free of charge, through its service centers.
This isn’t the first recall for the Cybertruck. Last year, Tesla issued a recall due to loose cargo bed panels. The automaker recalled approximately 1.85 million vehicles in July due to a hood latch issue. According to the NHTSA, this marks the eighth recall for the Cybertruck since its release.
Quality Control Under Scrutiny
A recall management company reported that Tesla vehicles accounted for 21% of all vehicle recalls in the U.S. during the first three quarters of last year. While many of these recalls were resolved through software updates, the fact that one in five recalled vehicles was a Tesla raises serious concerns about the company’s quality control practices. The accumulation of defects in cars, even if minor, can ultimately lead to safety issues and potential accidents, which is particularly troubling for a company that prides itself on innovation and safety.
These ongoing problems seem at odds with the Cybertruck’s marketed image as the most durable vehicle in its class. With Cybertruck deliveries now underway in the U.S. and internationally, facing such scrutiny less than two years after its launch could significantly impact Tesla’s brand image and consumer trust.
